4 Insider tips to packing your own breakables

With an upcoming move on the horizon there’s so much to consider – and many necessary aspects of the removals process can cost money when taken care of by professionals. Packaging your own breakables can save money – but is it the best (and easiest) course of action? Here we share insider tips to help you to ensure the safe transit of your most treasured (and breakable) belongings.

Prepare and plan in advance

Adequate planning is essential if you’re taking care of packing and prepping items yourself. Start by making an inventory and identifying which items need special attention and care. Organise the items into groups and boxes, then prioritise the removal of certain sets depending on how they’ll need to be transported and in what order they’ll be unpacked on the other side.

Make sure you have all necessary materials

Boxes, bubble wrap, paper, card – all necessary tools of the trade for professional and amateur packers wanting to ensure the safe transit of beloved belongings. You’ll need to make sure that you have all the necessary materials required to safely package your breakable belongings – and in appropriate quantities. Professional packers can usually accurately estimate how much they’ll need and what is required upon making an inventory – but if you’re going it alone and are feeling unsure, more is better than less. You don’t want to discover you’ve run out of bubble wrap halfway through moving day itself. Certain items will need specialist packing materials, so it’s worth working your way down your inventory and checking items one by one to ensure you’ve catered to their specific requirements.

Prioritise according to your inventory list

Start with the items that are giving you the most cause for concern, and make sure they are catered for. Large items, specialist items and antiques will require careful attention – and will need looking at first to ensure that they are properly and safely packaged prior to the move. You might want to arrange separate boxes or transportation for these types of items and move in advance to avoid breakage or damage caused by lack of preparation.

Always err on the side of caution

If you’re choosing between a more robust type of packaging and weaker, possibly less protective materials, even if it costs more, it’s worth it in the long-run if the items it will be encasing are special to you. If you have valuables that are incredibly delicate and irreplaceable from a financial or sentimental perspective, it’s always best to enlist the help of professionals when packing to avoid the risk of breakage or loss.

Need packaging support for your upcoming move? Watch expert advice from the Johnsons team. Or like the idea of moving home without having to pack a single box? Speak to the experts at Johnsons today.