Packing Advice

Packing

I have written a few blogs about packing. Although Albany Removals do offer a packing service, some customers opt to pack themselves. Recently I commended one customer on excellent job they did; they had planned, used the correct boxes and labelled everything from content to destination room. It seems such an easy task, but more often than not, we see a more chaotic approach, which can create problems, so here is some straightforward advice.
Start with a smart strategy
Packing isn’t just putting things in boxes — it’s organising your future sanity. A little structure now saves hours later.

1. Declutter before you pack
• Every item you don’t take is one less thing to wrap, carry, unpack, and find a home for.
• Sort into: keep, donate, recycle, bin.
• Do this room by room so it feels manageable.

2. Pack one room at a time
This keeps boxes organised and makes unpacking far easier.
Label each box with:

• Room
• Contents
• Priority (e.g., open first, non‑essential)

3. How to pack boxes so nothing breaks and nothing gets lost
• Make sure you are using double walled boxes, not ones from the supermarket – they will break. (you can purchase these from Albany removals)
• Use the right size boxes
o Heavy items → small boxes (books, tools, canned food)
o Light items → large boxes (bedding, cushions, toys)
o This prevents boxes from becoming too heavy to lift safely.
• Don’t leave empty spaces
o Gaps cause items to shift and break.
Fill spaces with:
o Towels

o Clothing

o Packing paper

o Bubble wrap

o Soft items become free padding.

5. Wrap fragile items properly
• Plates: pack vertically like records

• Glasses: stuff the inside with paper, then wrap

• Electronics: use original boxes if you have them

• Picture frames: wrap and place upright

• Mark these boxes FRAGILE on multiple sides.

6. Keep screws, bolts, and small parts together
When dismantling furniture, put all hardware in a labelled sandwich bag and tape it to the furniture piece or place it in a dedicated “parts box”.

7. Create a “first day essentials” box
This is the box you open immediately in the new house. Include:

• Kettle, tea/coffee, mugs
• Snacks
• Phone chargers
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Toilet roll

• Pyjamas and a change of clothes
• Toothbrushes
• Pet supplies
• Children’s comfort items
Label it clearly. It may be advisable to keep it with you, not in the moving van, if you are moving a large number of boxes.


4. Moving day tips that make a big difference
• Don’t overpack boxes - If you can’t lift it comfortably, it’s too heavy.

• Label boxes on the top and sides - When boxes are stacked, side labels are the only ones you can see.

• Keep important documents separate - Passports, birth certificates, medical info, school paperwork — put them in a folder that stays with you.

Final thought
Good packing is really about reducing stress later.
If you label clearly, pack room by room, and keep essentials easy to reach, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to unpack.
If you’d like Albany Removals to take care of the packing for you, book in as early as you can. During busy periods we can become fully booked.