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Packing DIY

You can never start packing too early, last minute rushed packing can lead to mishaps. Don’t cut corners by under-packing. If you wish to save costs by doing it yourself make sure you use quality packing materials for the job. Dawson can supply you with double thickness moving cartons, packing paper and tape at very competitive prices. Never use damaged, thin or worn cardboard cartons. Pack all boxes to their top and fill spaces with void filling material such as crumpled paper. Larger spaces could be filled with manchester. This will prevent movement of contents and give the packing box rigidity when stacked. Unfilled boxes can be crushed and overfilled bulging boxes can tear and fall apart. Rattling boxes mean insufficient space filling.

There are some items you cannot pack for the removal. No flammable items such as fuels, old oil rags, paints, solvents, aerosol products, gas bottles, or poisonous household products can be transported by Dawsons. Make sure lawn mowers and other fuel powered tools have been drained of all petrol prior to the move.

Don’t overload your packing boxes with too many heavy items. You can always fill spaces with lighter objects. Packed boxes should not on average weigh more than 15 kgs each. Generally, the heavier the object the smaller the box. Label each box as you go with the room name and contents. If the contents are delicate or need to remain upright clearly mark fragile and right side up or top load only. It is most effective to pack one room at a time.

 
Priority Items
Dawson recommends having a priority carton, which should be labelled clearly for all of your important items you will need soon after arriving at your new home. For example, remote controls, bed bolts, washing machine parts etc.

Bedding
Pack bedding into a carton and mark it clearly, so that when you move into your new home you do not have to open every box to find it before going to bed that night.

Books
Collectively books are heavy so use small strong cartons and don not overload. Pack them flat and alternate the bindings for even stacking.

Crockery
Wrap plates and dishes individually and pack vertically in a strong carton. After wrapping with tissue paper nest bowls and cups inside each other. Infill the gaps with tea towels or void filling material.

Glassware & Fragile Ornaments
Pack these up individually in packing paper tissue or bubble wrap. Pad out the packing box’s sides and bottom. Then place screwed up tissue paper in side each bowl or glass and wrap each separately. Generously cushion each glass object from its neighbors. Do not cram in the container.

Clothing 
We recommend using standard cartons to pack all folded clothing and port-a-robe cartons for all hanging clothing to keep them crumple free. You can pack drawers with lightweight clothes and non fragile items.

Electronic Equipment
If you can keep the original packaging repack them in it with any of the infill packing – this is the best solution. Like all boxes tape them securely. If you do not have any of the original packaging, small book/wine moving cartons would be ideal. Make sure you wrap equipment in bubble wrap and fill top, bottom and side with crumpled paper. Alternatively you can use your towels or manchester to wrap the goods.

Televisions
It is important to pack your television correctly for transit. Dawson will provide a tv carton for the removal if you do not still have the original box. They must be stored and transported standing upright.

Freezers and Refrigerators
Defrost and air in good time before moving day. Secure all drawers and loose parts. Pad any vulnerable coils. Tape or strap the doors shut with cardboard spacer to hold slightly open for air circulation

 
Should this all seem too much don’t forget we are here to help. We provide a full packing service prior to the removal. You can be rest assured knowing your goods have been packed correctly with quality materials for your relocation. Contact your Dawson consultant today about getting an affordable quote for this service.