Packing up all your worldly possessions correctly for a removal can be a very time-consuming task. If you would like some help with the packing then Bedford Removals also offer a comprehensive packing service.

We will provide all of the packing materials required and will take great care to ensure your possessions are packed away safely and securely.

When storing your household belongings it is important to use industry standard boxes. The standard sizes can interlink with each other, creating a stable structure.

Also when your belongings are going into storage, it will more than likely mean you will be moving them at least twice. Quality boxes for removals give enhanced strength which is another reason to use our removal boxes.

One thing is clear – you can’t complete the packing process when moving house without the unparalleled versatility of corrugated cardboard boxes and suitable materials.

Moving boxes are a must but you can’t just place random things inside them without having protected them first. Make sure you wrap your belongings in bubble wrap and cushioning materials.

You don’t need to leave everything to the day before the move. Consider what you don’t need to take with you, what will need careful packing, and that you are covered for potential breakages.

Take some time to sift through your belongings and have a clear-out. You can make up a box for charity and if you’ve time, hold a car boot sale or log onto an online auction, then put the proceeds of your sold goods towards some re-decorating or a new carpet.

Calculate how many boxes for removals you will need and get these well in advance. Order boxes in a variety of sizes. Think about what else will be useful, such as removal tape, bubble wrap, and self-seal bags for keeping nuts and bolts together.

Don’t overfill fill large boxes with heavy items, as they will be too heavy to move.

Use our sturdy packing boxes, particularly for heavier items, or your belongings may end up strewn all over the pavement. Boxes made from double walled corrugated cardboard are stronger than regular single walled ones, like you usually find these at supermarkets, off-licences or large retail stores.

Check that your contents insurance will cover damage and breakages during the move.

Put all hazardous materials, such as paint, bleach and aerosols, into a separate box and keep them away from the rest of your stuff. These items will not be permitted in our removal vehicles.

Unless you travel light, you won’t be able to unpack everything in the first day, so it’s worth deciding what you might need easy access to soon after you cross the threshold of your new home.

Pack an ‘essentials’ box for the first night in your new home and carry it with you. Instant access to coffee, tea, snacks, cups and a kettle may be welcome soon after you arrive. As will plates, utensils and a kitchen cloth.

Prepare an overnight bag for everyone in the family, and make sure that there is enough toilet paper and toiletries for everyone.

Make sure the boxes containing items you need the least are loaded up first.

Spend some time considering how you are going to pack your possessions. Books are easy but heavy, valuables need careful wrapping and will take time, and some furniture may need to be dismantled.

Start early. Packing always takes longer than anticipated, particularly when you start reminiscing over old photographs stored in the attic or you realise that you need to dismantle the wardrobe to get it downstairs.

Begin at the top of the house and move downwards. If you have an attic, it’s a good idea to sort it out first.

Always pack heavy items in small boxes for removals. It will make transporting them easier. Also, keep the weight of all boxes to a minimum to avoid any back injuries.

Pack one room at a time, clearly labelling each box with details of its contents and the room to which it belongs. Clearly label boxes that contain breakables and also those that are load-bearing and can be stacked in the van.

Keep all boxes for each room together. This will save time unpacking.

It may sound obvious but pack heavier items on the bottom of the box and lighter items on top.

Wrap items individually and place in a box that’s been lined with several layers of bubble wrap. Any breakables should also be wrapped in bubble wrap. Pillows and blankets are also useful for wrapping valuables and protecting furniture prone to dents and scratches.

Pack important documents together, such as birth and marriage certificates, and keep them in a safe place.

Smaller boxes for removals should be used to pack heavy, small items such as books, records, tins, bottles, cutlery, heavy food (rice, sugar etc) and heavy ornaments. Long stemmed glasses, delicate ornaments, very fragile china, glasses and small pictures should also be packed in these boxes. Books, for the most part, should be packed flat. They may be packed on their edges, but never with the opening facing downwards as this may break the binding. Pictures and records should be packed on their edges. Make sure that bottle tops are tight and pack bottles upright.

Medium sized boxes for removals are the most commonly used and are used for most other household effects such as pots, pans, glass, china, ornaments, pictures, clothing, food etc. When packing china plates they should be placed on their edges, never flat, on the bottom of the box in batches of three or four, with paper between each plate. When the bottom of the box is covered continue filling with heavy china, Pyrex, mugs, bowls, vases etc. On top of this place glass and China (pack glasses upright.) Fill the boxes to capacity using soft items such as pillows, cushions, towels, cuddly toys, etc to take up any space on top. It is also a good idea to place soft items between each layer of China. Do not overfill the boxes; keep them square and in shape.

Large boxes for removals should be used for lighter items such as clothing, light linen, shoes, bedding, toys, board games etc You may also pack light pots and pans in these cartons. Keep back sufficient large boxes for packing of bedding in current use and mark boxes accordingly ie. BED 1, BEDDING, this will ensure they are easily identified for making up beds at your new home.