Pack the rooms in an organised manner, one by one. This will come in handy when you start unpacking. Don’t be mistaken, packing takes more time than you think, so pack a few boxes each day and start well in advance. It will save you a lot of stress in the run-up to your move.

 

 

Label all boxes with the room they belong to and give each box a sequential number. Always inform your mover about valuable or fragile items by clearly marking this on the box. These boxes will receive extra attention when loading the moving van.

 

 

Make sure you have enough packing material for the boxes.

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Ensure that all boxes are properly sealed and can support the weight of their contents.

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Pack heavier items at the bottom of a box and lighter items at the top. Try not to make the boxes too heavy (max. 20 kg), as this makes moving easier. A general rule – the heavier the items, the smaller the box should be.

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Desk drawers and small cabinets – Don’t pack too much in them. Too much can cause damage. Remove any fragile or potentially leaking items.

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Glass and Crockery – Wrap glassware, cups, and plates separately in paper and place them in (small) boxes. Use clothes or towels to line the boxes. Heavier items (plates, etc.) should go at the bottom of the box. Place very fragile glassware (e.g., wine glasses) upright in the box. Fill the boxes well with scrunched-up kitchen paper or packing paper. Clearly mark the boxes as 'fragile'.

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Clocks – Remove or secure the pendulum of large clocks. Large, standing clocks are best packed by the mover.

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Disassembling Furniture – In many cases, wardrobe cabinets should be disassembled. Remove all loose parts, pack them in a plastic bag, label what they belong to, and place them in the parts box.

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Drawers and cabinet doors – These are often sealed with tape with good intentions, but NEVER do this, as removing the tape can cause irreparable damage to the paint or finish.

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Carpets – Roll them up and secure with tape. Do not fold, as this can cause creases.

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Flammable, combustible items, gas bottles, etc. – Cannot be transported in the case of an international move. Temperature and pressure changes can cause leakage or even explosions. If you pack these and they cause damage to your belongings or people, you could be held liable (and not your mover).

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Liquids – Ensure that opened bottles and other containers are tightly sealed, stand upright in the moving boxes, and cannot open during transit. Damage caused by leakage is generally not covered.

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Lamps and lamp shades – Remove bulbs and lamp shades. Coil the wire. Do not use newspaper, but kitchen roll to wrap them. Place them upright in the box. Always pack lampshades in a sturdy box, as they are often very fragile. Decorative knobs, etc., should be taped inside the box where the lampshade is.

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Medications – It’s best to carry them with you in your hand luggage.

Valuable documents, money, jewelry, passports, cameras, etc. – It’s best to carry these with you, as losses are usually not covered by insurance.

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Mirrors and Paintings – Inform your mover about valuable paintings. Wrap mirrors, frames, and paintings and place them on their side in sturdy boxes. Large mirrors will be placed in special boxes by the movers.

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PCs and Peripherals – Pack valuable electronics in their original packaging (if you still have it). Otherwise, use boxes and add protective padding. Wrap a blanket or sheet around the item and place it in the box. Put extra padding between the box and the computer. Pack cords separately and indicate what they are for. Place them in a plastic bag in the parts box. (Advice!! Always back up your hard drive beforehand and carry it with you.)

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Tools – Remove fuel from tools (don’t move flammable substances!). Place tools in small, strong boxes. Pack them separately if they are valuable.

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Garden tools – Tie long garden tools (such as brooms, rakes, etc.) into a strong bundle and carefully cover sharp parts.

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Bicycles – If you want to move your bicycles, it’s important to pack them well to prevent damage and ensure they arrive safely at your new location. First, clean the bikes thoroughly to remove any dirt or dust. This prevents dirt from accumulating in the packaging and damaging the bike.

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You can then pack the bicycles. It’s best to use special bike packaging, which are sturdy plastic bags. Ensure the bike is properly packed with no loose parts sticking out. If you don’t have special bike packaging, you can use bubble wrap or cardboard. Wrap the bike well in bubble wrap or cardboard, ensuring all parts are protected. Finally, make sure you don’t pack the bikes too tightly, as this could cause damage or break parts. Leave some space in the packaging.

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Cars and Motorcycles – The fuel tanks of cars and motorcycles should be nearly empty when transported by moving truck. Batteries must be disconnected.