Category Archives: Packing Services

House removals, Packing Services

The Ultimate Guide to Packing Materials for Moving House

Colin Batt Removals Comment

Moving home can be an exciting yet stressful experience, and one of the key factors in ensuring a successful move is using the right packing materials for moving house. Whether you’re self-packing or using a professional packing service like Colin Batt Removals, having the correct materials will protect your belongings and make the entire process much smoother.

A family packing boxes in their home ready for a move. Why Using the Right Packing Materials Matters

Many people underestimate the importance of using strong, high-quality packing materials for moving house. Weak or unsuitable boxes can crush under pressure or collapse under load, while improper wrapping can lead to damage in transit. Investing in the right supplies ensures:

  • Protection: Your belongings stay safe and secure during transportation.
  • Efficiency: Proper materials make packing and unpacking easier.
  • Cost Savings: Preventing damage reduces replacement costs.

Essential Packing Materials for Moving House

When preparing for your move, ensure you have the following essential packing supplies:

  1. Strong Cardboard Boxes – Opt for double-walled boxes for added strength, especially for heavy or fragile items.
  2. Packing Tape – Reinforce your boxes with high-quality packing tape to prevent breakages.
  3. Bubble Wrap – Essential for wrapping delicate items like glassware, ornaments, and electronics.
  4. Packing Paper – Ideal for wrapping plates, kitchenware, and fragile surfaces to prevent scratches.
  5. Wardrobe Boxes – Designed to transport clothing easily without creasing.
  6. Labels & Markers – Clearly label boxes to ensure easy identification and efficient unpacking.

How Many Boxes Do You Need?

The number of boxes required depends on the size of your home. Here’s a general guide:

  • 1-2 Bedroom Home: 15-25 boxes
  • 3-4 Bedroom Home: 30-50 boxes
  • 5+ Bedroom Home: 60+ boxes

Larger homes or those with extensive storage may require more packing materials. If you’re unsure, our team at Colin Batt Removals can advise you on the best options for your specific needs. Get in touch with us here for expert advice.

A set of packing materials used for moving hosue and self packing.

Top Packing Tips for a Stress-Free Move

  1. Start Early – Begin packing well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
  2. Pack Room by Room – Label each box with its destination room to streamline the unloading process.
  3. Use the Right Size Boxes – Heavier items go in smaller boxes, while lighter items can be placed in larger ones.
  4. Protect Fragile Items – Wrap breakables individually and use padding to prevent movement.
  5. Don’t Overpack Boxes – Ensure they remain easy to lift, are taped closed, and don’t risk breaking.
  6. Keep Essentials Separate – Pack a box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, chargers, snacks, etc.).

Need Professional Packing Services?

If packing feels overwhelming, our expert team at Colin Batt Removals can take care of it for you. We offer full and partial packing services to suit your needs, ensuring your belongings are safely prepared for transit. Learn more about our packing services today.

Final Thoughts

Using the correct packing materials is essential for a smooth and stress-free move. By investing in high-quality supplies and following best practices, you can protect your belongings and make the moving process more efficient. If you’re planning a move and need professional help, Colin Batt Removals is here to assist with expert packing, removals, and storage solutions.

House removals, Packing Services

Planning Your Move: The Importance of a First-Night Box

Colin Batt Removals Comment

Moving house can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Amid the hustle and bustle of packing, organising, and coordinating logistics, it’s easy to overlook the small details that make your first night in your new home more comfortable. That’s where the “first-night” box comes in—a simple yet lifesaving hack for any move.

What Is a First-Night Box?

A first-night box is a collection of essential items that you’ll need immediately after moving into your new home. Think of it as your survival kit for the first 24 hours. While the rest of your belongings may still be packed, this box ensures you have access to everything you need to relax and settle in without rummaging through piles of packing.

A first-night moving box with a toothbrush, toothpaste, chargers, and snacks. The box is sat in the living room of a new home.

What Should You Pack in Your First-Night Box?

Here’s a checklist to help you create the perfect first-night box:

  • Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and any other personal hygiene items.
  • Clothing: A change of clothes and comfortable sleepwear.
  • Electronics: Phone, laptop, and device chargers.
  • Bedding: A pillow, bedsheets, or a sleeping bag if your bed isn’t set up yet.
  • Snacks and Drinks: Bottled water, tea bags, coffee, and non-perishable snacks.
  • Basic Kitchen Supplies: Mugs, plates, utensils, kettle, and a small pot or pan if you plan to cook.
  • First Aid Kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Bin bags, cloths, multi-purpose cleaner, and paper towels.
  • Important Documents: Keep passports, contracts, and other crucial paperwork handy.

Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Move

  • Label your first-night box clearly and transport it with you rather than in the moving van.
  • Include items for each family member, including pets!
  • Add a few comfort items, like candles or a favourite book, to help you unwind.

Why Choose Colin Batt Removals?

At Colin Batt Removals, we understand that moving can be both exciting and daunting. With over 45 years of experience, we specialise in making your transition seamless, whether it’s a residential move, piano relocation, or finding the perfect storage solution. Our team’s personal service ensures every detail is taken care of so you can focus on enjoying your new home.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Let Colin Batt Removals help you every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your moving needs and learn more about our tailored services.

01233 740395

info@colinbattremovals.co.uk

House removals, Packing Services

Fragile Packing Top Tips

Colin Batt Removals Comment

Packing your china, glass and other fragile items for your house removal is a time consuming but vitally important task – packing the box incorrectly can lead to damages no matter how well the box is handled. To help you pack all your glass and china safely we have put together our fragile packing top tips. These are based on all our years of experience with thousands of house moves and are designed to make your removal easier and less hassle.

1. Allow plenty of time

You should allow approximately 20-30min to pack a standard size removal box with fragile items.  In a standard size house you could well have in excess of 10 boxes of fragile items to pack in addition to your non-fragile belongings. This means that you should allow at least a day to pack all of your china and glass.

Fragile Packing2. Fragile Packing Materials

Only use good quality packing materials when fragile packing. You should use double walled cardboard boxes, anything of less quality could well collapse under the weight when carried. In addition, we also recommend you use print free wrapping paper as the print can transfer to your goods. Any reputable removal company can provide you all the professional packing materials for you need to self-pack; from boxes to tape, bubble wrap to wrapping paper and flat screen TV boxes and curtain boxes. Speak to your mover and they can advise on the type and amount of packing materials you will need.

3. Plates & Bowl

First wrap your plates, and similar items such as shallow bowls etc, in paper and then place them in the box vertically on their edge. Plates are strongest in compression and can take weight on their side, any plates placed flat can get cracked from weight above. As with all removals packing, place heavier items at the bottom of the box and the lighter ones at the top.

4. Do not overfill

When packing china and glass do not fill the box completely full with your fragile goods. Fill the box between ⅔ and ¾ full and fill the remainder of the box with soft items such as cushions, blankets, clothing etc. This means the box doesn’t become too heavy, both to lift and for the items you packed in the bottom of the box. It also provides a protective layer to the box when other items are stacked on top of it.

packing service5. Very Fragile Packing

If you have some very fragile items that are particularly delicate or sentimental we would recommend you put extra wrapping around the item. First wrap the crockery in paper and then add another layer of bubble wrap or similar protective material around the item secured with tape. If the item is an odd shape be careful to insure that the item is fully supported in the box by using a blanket or similar as a base. In a similar way make sure that no heavy items are packed above the very fragile piece. You should consider using a smaller box to ensure the item is not overloaded and well protected.

6. Fill Gaps and Tape the Box

Don’t leave any gaps in the box or only half fill a box. Any gaps in the box leave room for your packed items to move about, risking damage. In addition, any internal gaps reduce the overall strength of the box. You can use wrapping paper, bubble wrap or any soft items to help fill the gaps. One the box is full make sure you tape the box shut, do not leave boxes unsecured or ‘open” as items can fall out and the box is difficult to pack on the lorry.

Fragile Packing7. Labels and Inventory

When you close the box make sure you label the box correctly, with a brief description of the contents as well as the room you want the box to be moved to in your new home. If you are going into store for any length of time we would recommend you make a full inventory of every packed item and to give the box a unique identifier (any alphanumeric descriptor e.g. A1, A2, B1 etc.). This will allow you to quickly locate any item you need to retrieve from store before you planned or when you are unpacking many months later.

8. Packing Insurance

All reputable removal companies, including all members of the British Association of Removers, will not insure goods that are packed by the owner (you may see the acronym PBO). This is because the removal company and insurer cannot verify the condition of the item packed nor the safety of the packing. You should check that your building insurance covers you if you pack your own items. Any goods that have been professionally packed by the removal company will be covered by their insurance but do check the level of cover.

We hope our fragile packing top tips have been useful. Remember you can call your removal company if you have any questions about your fragile packing or any other aspect of your house removal. They will be able to provide packing and moving advice and you can also buy professional packing materials from them. See here for the packing materials we can offer you – http://www.colinbattremovals.co.uk/packing-services/packing-materials/

If self packing isn’t for you please ask your removal company about their packing services. You can read more about our professional packing service here – http://www.colinbattremovals.co.uk/packing-services/ – or call the office to discuss your needs 01233 740395.

 

 

Packing Services

Problems with Packing- Let Colin Batt Removals lend a helping hand!

Colin Batt Removals

When moving house packing can be a tedious task. Why not take away all the stress and let Colin Batt Removals give you a full packing service or allow us to pack your fragile items to ease the burden.

If you do decide to pack yourself we can supply you with all the materials you need. Here is our packing advice to help things go as smoothly as possible for you…

  • Always tape the bottom of the boxes (1 across the middle and 2 along the short edges)
  • When full make sure the box is sealed and not over-flowing
  • Do not fill large boxes full of books or very heavy objects. Use smaller boxes or half fill them with heavy items and then fill the remainder with light items
  • Always fill boxes, do not half fill them as they will crush easily
  • When packing china and fragile items try and put a layer of padding at the top of the box (ie linen, cushions, clothes, screwed up paper etc)
  • If you have large pictures that do not fit in a box please wrap these, to protect the frame and the picture itself. (using bubble wrap, paper blankets or blankets) This can be done on the day by our team but if you want extra protection you can do this prior to the move
  • Try not to use too many very small boxes such as wine boxes as moving these takes a long time and can prolong the length of the move