You can never start packing too early. Last minute rushed packing can easily lead to mishaps. Save time and money and give away or sell objects you really no longer want or have use for. Moving is a good opportunity to reassess the value or usefulness to you of some of your possessions.
Save costs by doing it yourself but get the correct packing materials for the job. You will require the following for self-packing: Boxes, marker pen, bubble wrap, newspaper, tissue paper, tape, scissors and wardrobe cartons. We can supply you with all the packing material and removal packing cases you will need and at very competitive prices.
Source and obtain strong 'double walled' containers or boxes and always use tape to fasten the bottom and top of your boxes. Never use damaged, worn, or thin cardboard boxes. Pack all 
boxes to their tops and fill spaces with void filling material such as shredded or crumpled paper. Larger spaces could be filled with pillows or cushions. 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 or be dropped! Rattling boxes mean insufficient space filling.
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 30lbs/15kgs each. Generally, the heavier the object the smaller the container. Label each box and indicate the following: (a) Which room it should go in, and (b) if it is fragile (c) content description (d) which way up the box is to be kept.
Specific Packing Tips and Preparation for Removal
Clothing - loose clothing and bedding can go into bin liners. However we recommend the use of our general cartons for folded jumpers/trousers and wardrobe cartons to hang your garments to keep them all clean and crumple free. Drawers can be packed with lightweight clothes and non fragile items.
Beds - strip them bare and take them apart.
Mattresses - suitable plastic mattress covers are available from us or use some suitable alternative.
Books - collectively books are heavy so use small strong cartons and don't overload. Pack them flat and alternate the bindings for even stacking.
China - 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.
Crystal, china objects, bric-a-brac - pack these up individually in packing paper tissue or bubble wrap.
Glassware - 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 neighbours. Do not cram in the container.
Mirrors and Framed Pictures - For protection large mirrors, paintings and other artwork should be wrapped in bubble blanket or paper blankets which can be supplied by us.
Silverware - To prevent tarnishing and scratching of your silverware use acid free tissue paper and don't use rubber-bands.
Furniture - self assembly - these are generally not designed to be moved around assembled. You need to dismantle them before the day of moving. Also any other furniture too big to negotiate doorways will also need disassembling.
Electronic and Hi-Fi 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. For those with an LP collection remember to tape down or secure the pick up arm on your turntable. Also wrap and pack your LP's vertically.
Cookers - please make sure they are disconnected by a qualified person.
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.
Washing machines/tumble dryers - Remember to replace the securing transit bolts in the drums that came with these machines. Alternatively, you can prevent excessive movement by filling with towels, old linen and blankets.
Garage/Garden - many items in these areas cannot be transported by removal companies due to health and safety. They include solvent based products (paints etc), poisons, flammable substances/liquids and gas/aerosols. Tools should be clean, sharp edges wrapped and taped together if loose. Pack your power tools with plenty of padding/infill. Protect your possessions from oil and grease by covering the pedals and chains of any bicycles and greased tools.
Lastly keep aside a carton you will transport that has all the essential things you might need when your first arrive at your new home, like medications or a kettle and mugs to make drinks.
