Help - packing panic!

jodenice

I pick up the keys for our new flat on Friday. We move in on Saturday. We have packed precisely.... NOTHING!

I can't find any big boxes (although I have some small ones) and I'm sitting here looking around at all this STUFF and I just don't see how we're going to do it.

Is anybody good at packing or have any handy tips because I feel a bit overwhelmed right now!

spunkeyrich

go to local supermarket and see if they have any boxes. mark each box kitchen/living room/bedroom1/bedroom2 etc so you know where to unpack after you have moved. make sure they are sturdy boxes and well taped up.

should be an exciting time for you. can also chuck out any useless stuff same time. lots of dump runs :-)

rich

jodenice

We have huge amounts of books and CDs I am thinking of buying some twine tomorrow and doing little book bags as opposed to putting them in boxes as they are so heavy

shell2001

Post a want on freecycle for packing boxes/cases. I know when we moved it was to a different area so the removal firm was unable to collect them so it was up to us to dispose of them. Worth a try!

benood

Storage places often have boxes for sale. Don't pack bedroom drawers they can travel as is.

Could you get cardboard wardrobes - they make life really easy.

I think I'd start with one room and go from there.

rach29

Are you using a removal firm?

If so, call them tomorrow & see if they will bring you a dress/hanging rail. Most seem to do this. Then all your hanging clothes just come out of the wardrobe onto the rail & back into the wardrobe at the other end.

One great tip someone gave me, Pack all the necessary bedding in bin bags so that when you've had enough on moving day you can just make up the bed & fall into it & wont have to go looking for sheets, duvet etc.

jodenice

I wish I was using a removal company! No we have a man and a van coming and an assortment of friends and family to help at the other end! We are only in a one bedroom flat, although a little crowded. my boyfriend keeps telling me to relax, we haven't got that much - we have though!

rach29

You may still be able to borrow one from one of the storage co's though.

Big Yellow storage is the only know of but I'm sure others will be able to suggest alternatives

Tiger_greeneyes

I get all my packing boxes and packing tape from the removals company.

As for bedding, I change the bed a day or two before the move so it's fresh - then when I get out of it on moving day, I roll it all up as it is and bin bag it. Then it's straight onto the bed at the other end where it's unrolled and tucked in ready for sleep! Five minutes max for the whole process!

Have one box with kettle, mugs and teabags etc in and keep it separate.

Likewise toiletries and a couple of changes of clothes/towels in case you aren't unpacked immediately.

Likewise cleaning stuff and a couple of spare lightbulbs/toilet rolls/kitchen roll.

You can never have enough bin bags!

If you remember, do your shopping online ready to be delivered the day after moving in. I do that and it's worth every penny.

Rope in family and friends to help. Get them to bring packing stuff like newspaper or old carrier bags from the supermarket - they're great scrunched up. Promise to supply the pizza!

Also, if you're moving to a new area, make sure you find the numbers for pizza delivery in advance of your move. You'll never regret it

One rule of thumb - if it's too big for a box, bubble wrap it well. The removals men will be able to pack it safely in the van.

Make sure you call your insurance company and tell them about the move - they'll hopefully make sure you're covered.

Things like the cutlery tray can just be lifted out of the drawer and slid into a carrier bag and popped into a box. Don't bother individually wrapping things that won't break - but don't make boxes too heavy so they can't be picked up. You can pack (for instance) half books and half cushions into a box to even out the load.

I know it's a bit late now, but it's always a good idea to speak to BT etc a fortnight before the move.

Remember to take meter readings at both properties.

I'm sure I'll think of more tips when I've hit 'post quick reply'

cuddlymarm

Hi
Buy some strong bin bags to put bedding, towels, cushions etc in and a different colour binbags for your rubbish then that can go straight to the tip rather than unpacking it as well. Try to pack pottery etc in magazines rather than newspaper so you don't have to wash newsprint off at the other end.

Very important is to keep mugs, a kettle and biccies for the troops so you can have a brew when you need one rather than having to search for them when you get there. If you keep the things you are going to need soon (bedding, towels, change of clothes etc) things that you will need over the next couple of days you can unpack at your leisure.

Try not to panic too much moving house is stressful but its soon over and done with.

Good luck:grouphug:

Ticklemouse

Do you have any friends or neighbours who work at places where they get deliveries? My next door neighbour periodically brings home really strong boxes that the warehousemen have flat packed for her. The aren't very big but ideal for books, of which we have zillions!!

If you can get hold of them, photocopy paper boes with lids are ideal for those little things - I packed bathroom stuff, as well as all those little bits and pieces that don't go anywhere else.

Also - but some marker pens so you can just scribble on the top of the boxes and it's easy to see which room they go in.