Materials

If you decide to undertake your own preparation and packing, The Careful Company can supply a wide range of packing materials to suit your needs. This includes bubble wrap, tape, wrapping paper, wardrobe boxes, crates and also cartons for effects such as linen and china. For further details see the packing materials page

Carton Assembly

Bottom:
Fold the opposite flaps in first then fold the other two over them. Use tape to seal along the centre join and then along the edges of the carton flaps so all the edges of the flaps are sealed

Top:
Fold the flaps in the same as the bottom but you only need to seal with one strip of tape along the centre.

Do not interlock the flaps as this weakens the cartons.

General Advice

• Place heavy items at the bottom of the box and lighter items at the top. Cushion fragile items well.
• Pack boxes to a sensible level and weight only, i.e. don't overpack with books as this will place undue strain on the box and items inside.
• Ensure boxes are properly sealed.
• Try and avoid placing foodstuffs, or items that may leak, in with your belongings.
• Put keys, fixing screws, nuts and bolts in a safe area as these are easily mislaid, e.g. place in a bag and secure it onto or inside the item to which they belong.
• Put "FRAGILE" on boxes if necessary and mark on boxes which room they pertain to, i.e. kitchen, bedroom, living room. Also number each box.

Fragile items are items such as glassware, pictures, ornaments, china, etc.

Non fragile items are items such as toys, kitchen utensils, cutlery, etc.

China, Glass and Other Breakables

• These must be wrapped separately in paper.
• Plates should be wrapped in stacks of six with a sheet of paper between plates.
• Handles, spouts, lids, etc should have extra padding.
• Before starting to pack the china cartons, put a layer of screwed up paper in the bottom, at least two inches deep to act as a cushion. Then put a layer of heavy or strong breakables at the bottom, i.e. plates on edge or vases standing upright or ashtrays on edge, etc. Then put in another layer of screwed up paper followed by a layer of breakables standing upright until the cartons are nearly full and finish off with more screwed up paper at the top of the carton.
• Do not overfill the cartons.
• Do not make any carton too heavy.
• Never lay breakables down: always stand upright, i.e. make as tall as possible.

Unnecessary Packing

It may not be necessary to empty chest and dressing table drawers, ottomans, etc if the contents are unbreakable and if the furniture is strong enough to be moved with its own contents.

All clothes on hangers may be left until the day of removal. They will then be moved with the use of garment transporters unless they are in small wardrobes and can be left inside during the removal.

Cookers and Fires

We can disconnect cookers and fires, provided no major technical work is involved. All loose parts must be packed. Gas fire burners must be padded. We do not reconnect.

Carpets

If these are to be moved, remove the tacks but it is not necessary to roll them up.

Mirrors and Pictures

These should be wrapped and packed upright into cartons. If they are too large, wrap and pack them separately into cardboard using the cardboard from a carton as an outer wrapper.

Automatic Washing Machines

It is the responsibility of the customer to secure the drum, etc (or as the manufacturer's instructions). Check with your local dealer.

Lampshades

These should be removed from light fittings. Put them in plastic bags to keep them clean and then pack them carefully into cartons with the flaps left sticking upwards, held in position with tape. Some padding should be put between shades to avoid marking during removal.

Self Assembly Furniture

This must be dismantled before the day of removal as it is not designed to be moved assembled and will become damaged.

Please Note

Any articles which may damage or harm the vehicle or equipment may be refused at the discretion of the foreman.

Professional Packing

The Careful Company have professional packers who can pack your effects to inland and export standards. On overseas removals we will automatically pack your goods to export standard, i.e. paper blanket all furniture and effects. This can also be done for local removals and can be arranged on request. Please ask us about this.