Moving Home Interstate

Like everything concerned with your removal preparation is the key...

Lay out a wad of paper on a flat surface, at a comfortable working height, from experience packing boxes is harder on your back than lifting and carrying them.

Place the carton to be packed at a comfortable height, on top of a previously packed carton is a good idea, again protecting your back so you don't bend over so far.

Yes I know you want to know how to pack the very first carton, as you can't place it on top of another carton, well I am sure a chair or sturdy table would do if necessary!!!!!

And onwards............

Select the right carton for the right job. For heavy items like books, wine, and tinned food use small cartons such as book cartons.

Tip carton upside down to gain ready access to flaps on bottom of the carton. Fold opposite flaps of cartons. DO NOT interlock flaps.

Tape bottom of carton securely. We recommend two thickness of packing tape.

Line bottom of carton with padding - scrunched up paper, towels and linen may be used.

Wrap all china and glassware pieces separately - then stack in carton on their ends or ends.

Breakable items, such as glassware, crockery, etc. should be wrapped individually in butchers' paper.

Ensure that the whole item is totally wrapped

After each layer of china or glassware place another layer of padding - ensure there is also sufficient padding on the sides of the carton and finally on the top. Save all your Tupperware and the like to fill the top half of a carton, then the carton is not too heavy and also there is not too much weight on top of your breakables.

When placing layers of items within a carton, always use butchers paper (or equivalent) between each layer.

Fill all gaps between items with either butchers paper or some form of cushioning, this will decrease movement within the carton.

A good rule of thumb, every one carton should have two-thirds china, one third padding.

For ease of carriage, pack a mixture of light and heavy items in large cartons. Pack cartons right to the top or fill right to the top with padding. BUT DON'T OVERFILL.

(Yes I know I missed 13, but if its good enough for the top hotels its good enough for me)

Keep in mind that the final weight of the carton should not exceed average adult strength (i.e.. a good weight is around 23kg.) Remember your removalist is only human not Arnie

Fold the top flaps of the carton in the same manner as the bottom flaps and tape up securely.

Label each carton with name, room and brief description of the goods, to enable easy placement of the carton at delivery. (Remember that felt pen you bought)

By stacking your packed cartons in a single area, but not so as to block entrances or access to furniture, this will make your removal day run smoother.

Beer O'clock :-)