Moving packing tips – checklist

Here on this page we have gathered some tips to make packing easier when moving. These tips are useful whether you hire us to do the packing or do it yourself.

Organize your packing for the move

Once you’ve decided to move, it’s a good time to start organizing your move and packing. If the move is to a home of similar size, you may not have to worry so much about what to include or exclude. However, if the new home is much smaller, it may be a good idea to start thinking about what to bring to the new home early on.

What to do with what is not included?

Some parts of the household might be sold, donated or taken to the local authority for recycling if there is no value in certain items.

Obtaining moving boxes

Anything that can be packed in a moving box should be packed there to facilitate the move and minimize the risk of damage. But even if a lot of small items have to be thrown away at the local recycling center, it is much easier to manage them if moving boxes are used. Just remember to reuse them after they have been emptied, for example at the recycling center.

How many moving boxes does it take?

Normally, we count one moving box per square meter of living space. This may vary slightly from case to case, so the recommendation is to take the excess so that there are no missing cartons when packing. If you have lived at an address for a long time, there may be more things to pack.

We can help you with moving boxes.

Good tools and good aids for packing for the move.

Professional moving boxes that are sturdy and protect the contents of your moving boxes.
Taped corrugated cardboard and bubble wrap are great for protecting fragile furniture.
Paper for wrapping glass, for example.
Blankets and quilts to cover the living space on the van.
Towels that can be put in the bottom of moving boxes.
Packing tape and stretch film.
Pens to mark the moving boxes.
For example, knife, screwdriver, wrench and scissors.
Stickers – red with the text glass or aktas.
Sack trucks and slings for easier handling of heavy or bulky furniture.

We can deliver moving boxes if requested. If we are hired for the move, we will bring all the necessary tools as well as corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap, blankets, quilts, plastic, strapping and so on – in other words, everything.

Time to start packing

It is advisable to start packing well in advance if you are packing yourself, as packing often takes longer than expected. It is a good idea to start packing things that are rarely or never used, such as trinkets, books and so on. If packing seems like a chore, we can help you with all or part of your packing. The RUT deduction applies to packing in close connection with the actual move. Our master packers know exactly how to pack everything to make sure your home is well protected. For example, moving boxes should not be packed too heavily, maximum 15-20 kg, with the heavy items at the bottom and lighter ones on top.

Labelling of moving boxes

It is important to mark all moving boxes with a marker so that the carrier knows which room the box should be placed in. It’s a good idea to write down the contents of the moving box so that fragile items are noted. Putting up red sticky notes saying ‘glass or beware’ is a good tip.

If you rent or borrow moving boxes from us, check with us what the labeling requirements are.

Relocation packing of attic, garage and basement storage rooms

These storage facilities often contain items that can be sorted at an early stage. Some can certainly be donated, sold or thrown away. The remaining items can be packed in moving boxes if they are small. Larger fragile items can be wrapped in bubble wrap, for example, before the move.

Relocation of clothes, towels, sheets and other items in wardrobes

Wardrobes are an area where there are often clothes and other items that can be packed away at an early stage. There may also be a lot that can be donated or thrown away. Clothes can be packed in good quality, durable moving boxes or black garbage bags. Bed mattresses can be rolled up and placed in black garbage bags to prevent them from getting dirty.

Keep in mind that towels can be useful at the bottom of moving boxes, so save them.

Packing mirrors and paintings for removal

Those that do fit into moving boxes can be carefully placed there if the right protective material is used. Use bubble wrap and place the paintings in the boxes. Pillows or blankets can be used for support if necessary.

Removable packing of china, glassware, ornaments and plates

It is important to pack these properly so that nothing breaks during the move. Start by putting something soft at the bottom, such as a towel and bubble wrap. Plates and other items can be wrapped in paper or tissue paper, but avoid newspaper as it can stain some items. Plates are best placed upright in the carton. Label the box as fragile. Also wrap glasses with, for example, tissue paper and/or bubble wrap. Pack glasses standing in the moving box.

This is a step that can be started quite early as there are many things in a kitchen that do not need to be used regularly.

Relocation packing of lamps

Lamps can often be quite fragile and thus require careful handling. In this case, it is a good idea to use a lot of bubble wrap around the lamp, while using cushions and other soft items in the box for cushioning.

Mobile packing of books

A moving box becomes very heavy if an entire box is filled with books, so don’t fill more than a third or even half of the box with books, and the rest with lightweight items such as pillows.

Relocation packing of houseplants and other plants

Low and small potted plants can be placed in a moving box with good spacing and bubble wrap between the different pots. Larger pots may require one moving box per plant with protection around it. Tall plants can be placed in a bag that is cut open and tied together to keep the soil in place.

Remember to take measures to protect your plants from cold and dehydration.

Relocation packing of carpets

Rugs can be easily rolled up and tied with string or tape.

Mobile packing of electronics

Sound systems can be packed in moving boxes if they fit, and these should be wrapped in bubble wrap. Cables and other items can be put in the same box so that nothing gets lost on the way or taped to each device. TVs can be covered with bubble wrap, as can computers and other electronics. Whatever can be put in boxes should be put there.

A good tip is to photograph the location of wires on computers and TVs, for example.

Repacking of furniture

In the case of cabinets and bookcases, it is good to put any shelves at the bottom of the cabinet or bookcase. Shelves should be covered with bubble wrap. Legs for armchairs, chairs, tables and so on should also be wrapped in bubble wrap and taped. If some furniture such as tables take up a lot of space, it is advisable to unscrew the legs and wrap the legs and table top in bubble wrap.

Everything in boxes and shelves is packed into moving boxes. For example, when a cupboard is emptied, the cupboard can be locked and the key taped to the cupboard or dealt with in another appropriate way. If the cabinet cannot be locked, stretch film or tape can be used to prevent doors from flying open or boxes from flying out during handling. Fragile sofas and armchairs can be covered to prevent them from getting dirty during the move. If we are hired, we always bring clean and fresh duvets and blankets, but just in case, it may be wise to cover delicate furniture extra carefully.

Mobile packing of hygiene products

These items will be used from day one in the new home and should therefore be packed in a moving box that is labeled so that it is easy to find at the next address.

Summary – checklist

• Prepare and organize your packing well in advance.
• Obtaining moving boxes and other aids
• Start packing in good time
• Label the moving boxes
• Start packing what is rarely used
• Photographing connections to electronic equipment
• Pack everything you need for the first few days in a separate moving box.
• Precious items can be placed in a separate moving box/bag so that you can keep track of these items.

Feel free to contact us if you need packing help!
Flytt & Städfix Mälardalen AB