China, Ornaments And Breakables

• Before packing the carton, place a layer of screwed-up packing paper approximately two inches thick in the bottom of the box/carton to act as a cushion, then place a layer of strong or heavy china across the bottom, add another layer of china, each separately wrapped in a sheet of packing paper, continue until the carton is almost full, then add another layer of screwed-up packing paper approximately two inches thick before sealing carton with packing tape and marking.
• Plates should be packed one on top of the other with a sheet of packing paper between each. Place in the corners of the carton with the largest at the bottom and work upwards. Wrap cups, mugs, bowls etc and place in the centre of the carton.
• Cutlery should be wrapped in small bundles with packing paper, all sharp knives facing the same way.
• Jugs, teapots and items with handles should have extra padding and be packed upright.
• Do not overfill cartons or leave items protruding from the top, as this will make them harder to handle and increase the risk of damage.
• Do not make cartons too heavy (you may need to move them yourself once the removal men have gone)
• Cartons with breakable contents should be clearly marked "FRAGILE".

Bedding

• Linen and bedding on the morning of the removal should be placed in black plastic liners.

Unnecessary Packing

• It is not necessary to unpack chests of drawers or ottomans if contents are not breakable or heavy e.g. books.

Wardrobes

• The hanging garments in wardrobes should be left for your removal men to transport in wardrobe box/cartons on the day of your removal, however if you are moving yourself a good way is to take approximately ten items on hangers, place a black plastic liner upside down over them with a hole for the hooks to come through, then place packing tape around the hooks of the hangers to keep them together.

Irons, Fryers, Tea/Coffee Makers

• Empty, drain and dry out prior to your removal.

Washing Machines and Dishwashers

• Un-plumb and drain the day prior to your removal, your removal company will be able to do this for you if you wish.

Fridges and Freezers

• Weeks prior to your removal you should try to dwindle any freezer stocks, defrost and drain the day before your removal.

Cookers and Fires

Disconnect gas and electric cookers and replace fittings with proper plugs and caps, your removal company will be able to do this for you if you wish.

Hi-Fi, DVD and Computer equipment

• Record players should have the turntable and playing arm secured.
• The drawers should be empied of all disks, as when they are re-started they may jam.

Lamp Shades

• Once removed from their fittings they should be packed as breakables if glass, plastic liners can be used for ordinary shades.

Carpets

• Tacks should be removed and the carpet then rolled up, try to avoid bending the carpet as this will make it more difficult to relay, advise your removal company if you are taking any or all of the carpets.

Fuel Filled Items

• These should be emptied prior to your removal and packed separately and marked with caution, many removal companies are not allowed to carry such goods due to insurance clauses, these may include- paint, petrol canisters, gas bottles (full or empty) garden chemicals etc.

"The Kettle"

• Do not pack the kettle, cups etc, as removal men often work a lot more efficiently when supplied with tea and coffee at regular intervals.

Load Last

• Items that you will need immediately upon arrival at your new property (kettle etc) should be placed in a box/carton and clearly marked "Load Last".