Tips and Words of advice on Packing

We’ve all been there and stressed out, trying to figure out how many cartons will I need. What is going to fit in each box? Where will I get suitable moving cartons? And then there comes the mad rush at the end, trying to cram all those last bits and pieces in.

So here are some tips and words of advice; prepare early! Packing early and efficiently will save you lots of time at both ends of your house move.

Make sure you purchase your professional packing cartons, tape, bubble wrap and paper well ahead of time; allow 2 – 4 weeks for this task. Packing cartons come in various sizes, each custom-made with specific requirements to ensure maximum protection for household goods. There are many carton types available for purchase from Mitre10, Bunnings or other packing specialists.

What sizes will I need?

If you have elected to do all or part of the Packing yourself, it is often difficult to estimate how many removal cartons you will need. Here is an easy-to-follow guide for you:

• Allow an average of one and a half Standard Cartons per kitchen or dining room cupboard.

• Allow one Book Carton per one metre (3-4 feet) of bookshelves containing books or 12 standard wine bottles (inserts are available)

• Allow one Electronic / Light Duty Carton for each stereo system component. Ensure that plenty of packing paper is used.

• Pictures and paintings of ‘average’ size can be secured two at a time into Picture Cartons (if available). Smaller items can be packaged into Standard or Utility Cartons.

• Larger paintings and TVs might need specialised Packing. You should use bubble wrap and/or cardboard at the very least.

• Ensure you consider items on shelves, tables, hanging walls, in the dishwasher, in the rafters and attics, under beds and so on; you don’t want to leave anything behind.

• The average single bed linen and bedding will require approximately 1-2 Standard Cartons. The average queen bed will need 2-3 Standard Cartons for linen and bedding.

• Mattress bags, also known as Mattress Protectors, come in various sizes. They keep your mattresses clean and dust-free.

• You may prefer (I know we do) to use heavy-duty plastic bags for towels, pillows, duvets, blankets etc. This keeps them clean and makes loading the container a lot easier. We know you will have plenty of items that will need plenty of extra padding.

• If you are doing your Packing, write the contents and the anticipated room at the unloading address on the box or bag, e.g., “Pots and Pans / Kitchen” and “Books and Toys / Bedroom”. Please keep the weight of the cartons to below 20kg.

• While plastic storage bins and crates are great for organising your items at home, when they are stacked, their lids can shatter. We find appropriate and uniform cardboard boxes the most suitable for stacking items high.

Container Relocations is an established New Zealand and International removal company with the years of experience necessary for a smooth, easy move. Container Relocations has 25 years of experience moving New Zealanders to their next home.