Preparing for a Smooth Relocation

Preparing to relocate your home or office can be an overwhelming task, especially when it comes to packing. To ease your burden, we offer this extensive guide, complete with practical packing tips and recommendations, tailored to meet the demands of any home or office relocation. This guide will walk you through how to sort, pack, and secure your belongings efficiently, and in a way that best suits your needs.

The Importance of Packing

Packing can be a critical element of the moving process. It is essential to understand what items can be safely packed into boxes, and which types of boxes or packing materials are most suitable. In addition to these recommendations, The Backloading Company also offers a professional packing service to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently.

Professional Packing Services

With years of industry experience, The Backloading Company has the expertise to professionally pack, wrap, and arrange your goods on a moving truck to ensure a smooth and successful move. We use a variety of materials, including butchers paper, bubble wrap, and cardboard boxes of all shapes and sizes, to provide optimal protection for your items during transit.

Stress-Free Packing Services

We understand that packing can be stressful and intimidating, particularly if you are uncertain about the process. To help make the process less daunting, we've compiled a list of recommendations and packing tips to help you systematically and efficiently organize your move.

Recommendations for a Smooth Move:

  1. Fill each box tightly and use padding materials like newspaper or sheets between items to minimize movement and avoid damage during transit. Ensure there's no space left within the box that could lead to crushed boxes.
  2. Securely tape all boxes to keep them firmly closed throughout the journey.
  3. Clearly label all items, including large furniture pieces and boxes, with the client's booking name and delivery destination.
  4. Dismantle any items that can be taken apart before the truck arrives, including beds and desks. This is especially important for items like Ikea furniture.
  5. Lock all toolboxes securely.
  6. Seal open items such as coolers and small toolboxes to ensure their contents remain secure during transportation. We do not transport gas bottles, whether full or empty.
  7. Clean out all plant pots before packing (we only transport pots, not plants).
  8. Roll up rugs, carpets, and mats, securing them with tape for easier handling.
  9. Place loose items like washing machine hoses, nuts and bolts, and electrical leads in a box. Remember to reinstall transit bolts into front-loading washing machines BEFORE transport.
  10. Empty and clean any item containing fuel, such as lawn mowers, whipper snippers, and motorbikes.
  11. Securely tape shut all furniture with drawers and/or doors. Empty them before transport to prevent collapse under weight or vibration during transit.
  12. Keep all items of personal value, like jewelry or important documents, with you. Do not pack these items with furniture goods.
  13. We do not transport food items. Packing these items can attract pests if goods are unloaded/stored in a depot.
  14. Empty and drain all appliances such as fridges, freezers, and washing machines to prevent leakage during transportation.
  15. We advise against using plastic tubs for packing, as they can crack and split under weight while inside the truck.
  16. Box all small items that can fit into a standard T-chest or book carton. Loose, individual items are challenging to stack inside the truck and can be easily missed during unloading.
  17. Use protective covers for all mattresses. This is the client's responsibility, but removalists can provide this service at an additional charge if notified before collection.
  18. If possible, place any TVs back into their original packaging.
  19. Dismantle slat bed bases and bundle slats together.

Detailed Instructions for a Successful Move

Understanding how to prepare and pack specific items is crucial for a smooth move. Here, we offer further guidance on managing tasks such as cleaning your fridge, handling food during a move, safely packing delicate items like glasses and artwork, and keeping track of TV cords and other electronics.

Cleaning Your Fridge for the Move:

  1. Empty the fridge of all food items.
  2. Defrost your freezer at least 24 hours before the move to ensure all ice has melted and drained.
  3. Clean the inside with a mixture of warm water and baking soda (a tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of water) to remove any smells.
  4. Wipe down and dry all surfaces thoroughly to prevent mould during transport.
  5. Secure all loose components like shelves or crispers.

Handling Food during a Move:

  1. Plan your meals ahead of time to consume perishable food before the move.
  2. Non-perishable canned or boxed items can be carefully packed and moved.
  3. Alternatively, consider donating unopened and non-perishable items to a local food bank.
  4. Avoid packing or moving any opened food packages to prevent attracting pests.

Packing Glasses for Moving or Shipping:

  1. Use a dish pack or cell box that provides individual compartments for each glass.
  2. Wrap each glass individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Start from the corner of the packing paper and roll the glass into it, tucking in the sides as you go.
  3. Place each wrapped glass upright (not on its side) in the box.
  4. Fill any leftover space in the box with packing paper or peanuts to prevent movement.

Packing Artwork for Moving or Shipping:

  1. Use specialized picture boxes for smaller frames. For larger frames or canvases, consider custom crates.
  2. Wrap artwork in acid-free, archival quality packing paper or glassine to prevent damage.
  3. Use bubble wrap for an additional layer of protection, especially for framed pieces with glass.
  4. Mark boxes containing artwork as 'Fragile' and 'This Side Up' to alert movers.

Labelling TV Cords for Moving:

  1. Take a photo of the back of your TV before unplugging anything. This will serve as a reference when you reconnect your TV.
  2. Use colored stickers or labels to match each cord to its corresponding outlet.
  3. Coiling each cord separately and securing with a cable tie can prevent tangling and damage.
  4. Consider packing cords in a separate, clearly labeled box or in a bag attached to the TV to prevent loss.

By carefully preparing and packing your items, you can greatly reduce the risk of damage during your move. Remember, if a task seems too daunting, The Backloading Company offers professional packing services to ensure your items are safely and efficiently packed for the journey to your new home or office.

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