How to Pack Awkward Items When Moving House?

Packing for a house-move can be challenging to say the least and while some will thrive on it, most will be dreading the thought of preparing for moving day. It can be stressful and draining at the best of times especially when you think you are on top of everything and you come across an awkward, unusually shaped item that just won’t fit no matter what you try!

So it’s no wonder that the majority of people leave it to a removals company but for the more hands on that want to give it a try, we have put together some advice on what to do with the unconventional items you have to transport from A to B.

If you are armed with some guidance and a bit of knowledge from those who have experienced this sort of thing then it is nowhere near as complicated or daunting as it first appears. Yes it will still be monotonous and yes it will still be time consuming but at least it will be safe and secure.

Crockery, books and clothing are all fairly straightforward to pack but what about the odd-shaped items, the irregular, awkward belongings that simply don’t go into a regular box?

 Guidance for Packing Awkward & Irregular Shaped Things

  • Firstly, you’ll need to gather some packing materials together. This can include strong cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, wrapping blankets, or old towels.
  • Choose boxes carefully ideally which with cushioning will protect and encase the item, not allowing it to move freely inside the box
  • The box needs to be around 10cm bigger on all sides than the item, depending on the fragility of the contents of course
  • Use this 10cm to pad the box with old newspapers, blankets or preferably bubble wrap and fill all empty space with these so the item securely nestles in the box
  • Use extra padding to provide extra protection for delicate or protruding parts
  • Before closing the lid of the box, add a 10cm protective layer of bubble wrap.
  • Securely tape the box shut.
  • Label the box accordingly by clearly marking the items are fragile or should be ‘this way up’.
  • Label the box as to which room it must go into to avoid delay or interruption at your destination point

 Making a Long or Tall Cardboard Box

  • To allow you to flatten out the box, it needs to be at least 3 ply.
  •  Cut along the corner edge of your sturdy cardboard box
  • Alternatively use two flattened boxes by taping them securely together. Ensue the cardboard is long enough to cover the whole of the item

Top and Tail Method For Making a Long Or Tall Box

  • Measure half the height of the item
  • Use two cardboard boxes, each box the equivalent of half the height of the item and pack your item safely into the bottom
  • To create an open top box, raise the lid flaps and secure the edges with tape before slipping the second box over of the top of the item
  • Ensure the top carton can slip over the bottom box by compressing the top edges of the lower carton
  • Create one tall box by sealing the two boxes together
  • Seal the two boxes together so that they create one tall box.
  • You will encounter some things that no matter what, just do not fit into any box or box combination. For these you will need extra consideration and care along with a bit of guidance and imagination to pack safely

Picture Frames, Artwork and Collectibles

  • Measure the length, width and thickness of the frame, and add six inches to each dimension. Use these measurements to choose a box. The same packaging precautions apply to oil paintings or other flat artwork.
  • Wrap the frame in at least three layers of packaging foam or bubble wrap
  • Use tape to seal the box and secure it
  • To protect against impact, place in a double-wall corrugated box

Chairs

The most convenient and efficient way to pack chairs is to wrap each one in a blanket, secured by box sealing tape.

  • If possible and the legs are easily removable, take them off and wrap them in bubble wrap before placing them in labelled boxes like the other items.
  • If removing the legs isn’t possible then the best option is to purchase heavy-duty shipping boxes. Follow the dimensions guidelines above to pick the correct box for your items
  • After you place the wrapped chair in the box, fill the gaps with foam or packing material and seal

Packing might seem like a challenge but it doesn’t have to be. If you take your time, use removals’ help and advice, you’ll find that packing awkward items is something that you will be able to do with ease.