The key to a successful move is proper preparation, packing and padding. If you have decided to pack your own belongings follow our essential tips below to ensure your packing is completed with the greatest care for a successful move into your new residence.

Discard any unwanted items

• Get rid of any unwanted items e.g. clothes, kitchenware, toys etc before you start packing to avoid confusion.
• Taking unwanted items with you will only increase the cost of the move.

• Use good strong boxes so they can be stacked within the moving truck.
• Use clean white paper (butchers wrap) not newspaper that will leave ink stains on the contents.
• Avoid over-filling boxes to ensure boxes can be taped securely, top and bottom.
• Use three strips of tape on the top and bottom and use packing tape, not masking or duct tape.
• Neatly packed boxes will be easier to stack in the moving truck therefore ensuring the most efficient and cost-effective use of space.

Labeling Boxes

• Use black permanent marker to label boxes.
• Label the box with a brief description of its contents.
• Boxes should be labeled on the top and on two sides clearly indicating the room it is to be placed into at your new destination e.g. kitchen, main bedroom, office.
• If the box contains glassware or any breakable items, label it 'FRAGILE' to ensure extra care.

Packing dishes and glassware

• When packing breakables Precious Cargo would recommend using dish packs (A double walled box) for greater protection.
• When packing these items it is important to create a protective bumper at the top and bottom of the box.
• To create a bumper take three sheets of unprinted paper and roll them together. Three to four finished rolls should fit across the bottom and top of a box creating a cushion for the packed items to sit on.
• Plates and dishes can be wrapped together with layers of paper between them, and then placed on their sides in the box, use white paper to fill in the extra spaces within the box.
• Wrap all glasses or ornaments individually in several layers of paper.
• Place glasses upright in the carton, not on their sides to avoid breakage.
• Long stemmed glasses need to be reinforced by putting scrunched up paper around the stem and then wrapping the glass in paper.
• Never stack glasses inside each other.
• If there is room for more than one layer in a box be sure to put a layer of scrunched up paper between each layer of items to be packed
• Finish the box with scrunched up paper on top so there is an additional cushion for protection.
• Pots and Pans can be stacked together with a few pieces of paper placed between them.

Paintings & Mirrors

• Paintings, pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in paper pads and placed in picture boxes.
• The picture box should have a paper bumper on the bottom and on the top of the box to protect the contents, crushed paper should also be used to prevent the contents moving within the box.
• Valuable pieces may need to be professionally crated by Precious Cargo
  Clothes and linens
• It is possible to leave clothes and light linens in bureaus/chests of drawers. Your movers will be able to move your bureaus full, but please remove any fragile items from drawers.
• Folded clothes can be packed in boxes or suitcases
• Wardrobe boxes can be used to hang clothing, drapes and fabrics that need to breathe and be kept crease-free.

Electronics

• Whenever possible use original shipping boxes for computers, printers and other electronic items.
• Immobilize moving parts and remove all detachable cables and wires.
• Color code or label wiring for easier reinstallation.
• Tape electrical cords to back of appliance to prevent plug damage.

Lamps and Lampshades

• Remove all bulbs and shades from lamps and wrap them together in packing paper.
• Do not pack lamps and lamp shades in the same box
• Wrap lampshades lightly in paper, nest one inside the other, and pack in a sturdy box and label them 'Fragile'.
• Multiple lamps or lampshades can be boxed together but remember to use plenty of paper to cushion the lamps/lampshades within the box.
• Silk lined lampshades should be packed one per box. The silk lining can tear very easily.

Office

• Empty desk drawers. Desks often need to be turned on their sides to get through doorways and loose items may fall out.
• Small 2 drawer metal file cabinets can be moved full, wooden filing cabinets must be emptied.
• Four drawer filing cabinets should have the bottom two drawers full and the top 2 draws empty.
• All lateral style cabinets must be completely emptied.
• Pack books flat to protect their spine.
• Pack books, DVDs and records in smaller boxes, as they will be heavy.

Major Appliances

• Clean and dry all appliances at least 24 hours before your move date.
• Disconnect and drain all washing machine hoses and store them inside the machine, tape electrical cords to each appliance and tape all doors and lids closed.

Lawn and Garage Items

• Drain all petrol and oil from lawn mowers, weed whackers, chain saws and other equipment, disconnect any batteries and secure any moving parts.
• Disconnect propane tanks from barbecue grills.
• Strap long garden tools together into a bundle using packing tape.
• Pack heavy power tools into smaller sturdy boxes.

Disassembling furniture

• When disassembling any furniture, place the nuts, bolts and screws in a small zip lock bag.
• Tape the bag on the inside or bottom of the furniture to keep all pieces together.
• Tie bed frames together with tape or twine.

Items that should not be packed.

• Do not pack aerosols, flammable items, combustibles, or explosives in boxes to be moved. These items cannot be taken by the movers and should be clearly marked and transported in your car.
• Do not pack paint. A spilled can of paint can cause hundreds of Euros of damage to your other goods or the furniture being transported in the moving truck. You would be responsible for damages if you have packed a can of paint that spills.
• Do not pack perishable items.

Precious Cargo Removals & Storage Ltd is registered with the CRO : Company No. 484451 Tel: 01 685 6849

www.preciouscargoremovals.com