#1 . Boxes.
Do: Purchase your boxes from a recognized removalist, or storage unit. These boxes are designed to stand the weight of heavy items, and boxes, placed on top of them.
Don't: Try and save money buy getting free boxes from the supermarket. It might seem the better option, but these boxes are not designed to carry the weight of other boxes, and are likely to crumple, causing damages to your goods.
#2 . What to with screws and hardware.
Do: Put all of your screws and spare parts in a zip lock bag, this will ensure they are not scattered all over the place during transit, or on arrival. It would also be recommended to place any loose items into one box or container to ensure they do not get misplaced.
Don't: Tape your screws and hardware to your dismantled items. This could lead to the tape coming loose, and your screws and hardware becoming, lost, or scattered.
#3 . Read it here first, newspaper is bad.
Do: Wrap any breakables, such as dinner plates, with butchers paper. This type of paper is strong, and will not tear easily, meaning you won't have any nasty surprises upon delivery.
Don't: Use newspaper. Again, although the cheaper option, you run the risk of ultimately paying more. It would be almost as great as Christmas morning when you receive your nicely newspaper wrapped...broken plates and cups...wouldn't it? Another 'nice surprise' you may receive , is all of your lovely white dinner plates, covered in ink. Often the ink of the newspaper will rub off onto the items they touch, leaving you with an unwanted cleaning bill.
#4 . Marker pens, are your friend.
Do: Mark your boxes clearly with your name, and address. If goods get misplaced it is a simple and easy way to ensure they can easily be tracked down.
Don't: Rely solely on the assumption that your goods won't be misplaced. Although rare, part of the removal trade does involve things going missing occasionally.
#5 . Cutting holes into your boxes? You just dug yourself a big hole.
Do: When packing your boxes don't overload them with items, make them a comfortable weight for your removalists to lift, after all they are people too!
Don't: Create handles for your boxes by making holes in the sides of your boxes. This does not make the lifting process any easier, all it creates is the increased likelihood of the boxes being damaged. Creating holes is the best way to reduce the boxes structural strength, something that you don't want.
#6 . Plastic storage tubs...more like pack and crack.
Do: Use your standard removal boxes when packing goods.
Don't: Use plastic tubs. Although they may look solid, and seem like a good packing method, think again. Once they are pilled onto the removalist vehicle, they may well become cracked, or damaged. The weight of other items on top of them can cause this, along with the off chance they are dropped.
