Packing and Moving Tips for Long Distance Relocation

Quality Removals Canberra recommends that you pack as many of your items as possible before the day of your move, as this may help you save money on the total cost of your move. Following the below moving and packing tips prepared by Quality Removals Canberra may help you pack your items for a safe move.

Selecting the right Packing Material:

Selecting the right packing materials for different item is one of the most important parts of packing. When you select packing materials for your moving items, please consider these guidelines:

1. Always use strong, double corrugated moving cartons with tops or flaps that fold shut. Please do not pack your items in used boxes from local grocery stores etc. These boxes are often flimsy and can carry insects. Always use double corrugated moving boxes. The stronger your moving boxes, the better chance your goods have of surviving any mishaps, should they occur.

2. You can use old newspaper for packing material, but the ink may rub off or stain certain items. Quality Removals Canberra recommends that you use plain blank butchers paper that we can provide you.

3. Use original packing materials for all your electronic items such as TVs, computers, printers, etc. Quality Removals Canberra does not provide any coverage for damage to electronic items if these items are not packed in their original packaging.

4. Quality Removals Canberra recommends that you use plastic covers for mattresses, couches, chairs etc. This will prevent them from being marked or scratched during the move.

5. It is recommended that you buy speciality moving boxes for mirrors and artwork.

6. You may need other packing materials before your move, including zip lock plastic bags and labels for parts storage and identification, bubble wrap for added protection, tissue and Kraft paper, corrugated paper rolls for fragile items, furniture wrap, heavy-duty packaging tape (1-1/2 to 2 inches wide) for sealing moving boxes (this is much more reliable than duct tape).

Before You Start Packing:

After you have obtained all the packing and moving materials you require, we recommend that you select a room in your house that has a work area large enough to handle different sizes of moving boxes. Make sure you have enough space for all your packing materials, moving boxes and items to be packed for moving. We recommend that you choose a strong work surface.

Quality Removals suggest that you pack one room at a time and mark each moving box with the room and box numbers to facilitate unloading and unpacking at your new home. Make sure you have plenty of "filling/stuffing" material available; whenever in doubt, using more is always better. Ensure that the bottoms of all moving boxes are firmly secured and will hold the weight of the items inside. Always pack heavier items at the bottom of the moving box and lighter items at the top. Each moving box should not weigh more than 50 Lbs/ 20Kgs, keep in mind heavy items should be packed in the smallest possible moving boxes.

How to Pack Different Items:

This section will provide you with guidelines on how individual household items should be prepared for moving. Some items, such as grandfather clocks, hot tubs, etc., must be packed by a certified professional. There are certain items that Quality Removals Canberra will not move, including jewellery, antique coins, mortgage papers, bank documents, stamps and other similar items of high-value. These items must be moved personally. If you include these items in your shipment, Quality Removals has the right to deny any claims for loss or damage.

Furniture

All clothes and other items should be removed from inside the furniture. This includes all desks, dressers, armoires, tallboys, etc. This limits the wear and tear to your furniture during the move. Be careful NOT to leave fragile items or anything that might spill or leak inside your furniture. If clothes or other items have not been removed prior to the move, movers may ask you to remove them on the day of the move and an extra charge may apply. All drawers and any removable or attachments should be removed and packed separately.
Quality Removals Canberra will wrap all your large furniture items in moving blankets.

Packing China, Glass & Crystal

Most of our clients prefer to have their household possessions, especially fragile items, professionally packed by our removalist teams.
However, if you decide to pack these items yourself, remember that the basic principles of good packing include wrapping the items individually, providing plenty of cushioning and making sure items are firmly packed. Be sure to select a sturdy container with a lid. Place a 2 or 3 inch layer of crushed paper on the bottom of the carton as a cushion. Wrap each item individually with a soft material to provide a safe, protective "padded nest." Pack the heaviest items on the bottom, empty items next, filling in empty spaces with crushed paper. Place dishes on edge and glassware on rims for maximum protection. Mark the moving box as "Fragile" and list the contents on the outside. Quality Removals does not take responsibility for poorly packed items in case of any damage.

Appliances and Utensils

Wrap and place small appliances and utensils in sturdy moving boxes with heavier items on the bottom. Have an authorized serviceman prepare all large appliances such as refrigerator, stove, freezer, washer, dryer, etc. for moving. Please be sure to defrost, clean and dry as needed all major appliances before the arrival of the moving crew. Please allow 24 hours before plugging in major appliances at your new home.

Bedding

Fold and pack all pillowcases, sheets and towels in clean moving boxes. Pack blankets, quilts and comforters in large moving boxes. Dismantle all your beds before the moving day, Quality Removals Canberra workers are qualified to re-assemble items (please let us know in advice ). Protect your mattresses by covering them with mattress covers.

Books

Pack books in small moving boxes. Please make sure that each individual box does not weigh more then 50 lbs/ 20Kgs..

Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Foods

Pack upright in small moving boxes with the weight not exceeding 50lbs/ 20Kgs. Please do not try to move perishables. Wrap boxes food and glass containers individually and pack in small moving boxes.

Clocks

We recommend that grandfather clocks be packed by an expert packer from Quality Removals Canberra.

Clothing

Wardrobe moving boxes are available for moving clothing. Hang clothing inside wardrobe moving boxes and tape them closed. All other clothing should be folded and packed in clean moving boxes.

DVD and CD Players

All electronic items such as DVD and CD Players should be packed in their original packing material whenever available. If for some reason original packing materials are not available, refer to the owner's manuals for further information.

Artwork and Photographs

All photographs or artwork with frames should be individually packed in speciality moving boxes. If speciality moving boxes are not available, use blankets and shrink wrap each piece individually. Label boxes "Fragile" and "This Side Up."

Curtains and Drapes

Hang drapes in wardrobe moving boxes or fold and pack them in clean moving boxes. Remove curtains from rods; fold and pack in clean moving boxes.

DVDs, CDs, Software Discs, Records, Audio Cassettes and Video Tapes

Start by placing crushed paper at the bottom of a small moving box. If sleeves or cases are not available, Quality Removals Canberra recommends purchasing empty protective sleeves or cases for these items. If you choose not to purchase empty sleeves or cases wrap these items in tissue paper or plastic wrap. Stand CDs, software discs and records on edge in cartons, DONOT LAY THEM FLAT. Provide support on either side by using pieces of cardboard, this will also help fill in any gaps. Audio cassettes and video tapes may be packed vertically or horizontally on layers of crushed paper. Fill in with crushed paper as needed. Be sure to mark "Fragile" on the moving box.

Firearms

Quality Removals does not move firearms.

Home Theatre Systems, Plasma and LCD TVs & Entertainment Systems

It is best to use the original packaging when available. Consult the owner's manual for specific instructions on your equipment. Quality Removals recommends using a third party professional to properly prepare plasma and big-screen TVs and entertainment systems for moving.

Lamps and Lampshades

Secure the cord, remove bulbs and shades. Wrap lamps with bedding and place upright in a clean moving box. Wrap shades in tissue, and place upright in large, tissue-lined moving boxes.

Linens

Fold neatly and place in clean moving boxes.

Personal Computers

Pack computer equipment in original packaging when available. Otherwise use strong, corrugated moving boxes and place protective padding on the bottom and top of the moving box. Wrap cords separately, label them to identify their usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer and the moving box.

Rugs

Roll large rugs before the arrival of Quality Removals moving crew.

Silverware, Knives and Sharp Items

Wrap each piece in plastic, newspaper or packing tissue paper and securely pack in a double corrugated moving box. Please make sure all sharp items are individually double wrapped in cardboard and properly secured in a double corrugated moving box.

Tools and Lawn Equipment

All power tools including lawn mowers, brush cutters, snow plows, etc. must have all flammables completely drained. Pack hand tools in small, double corrugated cartons.

Moving Plants

Quality Removals cannot accept responsibility for safely moving your plants because they may suffer from a lack of water and light as well as probable temperature changes while in the truck. You may prefer to transport your house plants in the family car.

Moving Pets

Quality Removals does not move Pets.

Moving Jewellery And Other Valuables

Quality Removals does not move any items of extraordinary value such as jewellery, money, antiques, mortgage documents, bank documents etc. We strongly recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other arrangements for their transport.

Items Not Allowed To Move

Before your possessions are packed and loaded to the trucks, it is important that you understand which items cannot be moved because they represent a hazard or are perishable. Listed below are some common non-allowable items that you will need to address prior to your pack and move dates: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive. Examples include: Aerosols, Fireworks, Nail Polish, Ammonia, Gasoline, Batteries, Paint, Kerosene, Lamp Oil, Pesticides, Lighter Fluid, Loaded Guns,Motor Oil.