Hi All ,
A few tips on packing belongings up for the trip to Spain :
Correct Packing is the most fundamental thing that you the shipper can do to save time, money, and aggravation! Basically, use common sense when packing. Pack heavier things like books into smaller boxes, and pack lighter things in progressively larger boxes. Never make a box heavier than one person can handle. If you work on the basis that if you cannot lift it then neither will the crew.
Don't save all your packing for the last day. Begin packing items not needed well in advance and move them to a room to be stored ready for move day. Disassemble items that need to be taken apart and carefully save any nuts, bolts or screws involved. Sometimes lost hardware is virtually impossible to replace, so be very careful where you save it.
Thoroughly wrap fragile items individually with paper, bubble wrap or foam wrap depending on the item (newspaper print residue must be hand washed off of all things it touches, dishwasher washing will not take it off). Special care must be taken with small items so as not to loose them in the packing materials. Glassware and china should be wrapped so as not to clatter within the box. Use plenty of scrunched up paper to line the top, bottom and side of each box. Plates should be individually wrapped and then stood on their side in the box- NEVER lay them flat; all the weight would be on the bottom plate, and if the box is set down too strongly the bottom plate could break. Glasses should also be individually wrapped and packed standing up; they're stronger when standing than if layed on their side.
Wardrobes and chests of drawers normally have handles that can be removed. Instead of removing them completely try to reverse them so they are on the inside of doors or drawers thus preventing them getting knocked off in transit.
Do not interlock box flaps together - always tape bottoms and tops with at least three strips of tape and at least halfway up or down the sides of the box for strength. Remember that taping reinforces the strength of the box, and yet can be easily cut with a blade later when unpacking.
Mark the top and sides of all cartons with contents and destination location (such as bedroom, kitchen, or dining room). This will make identifying where things are easy when they are stacked on top of each other. If the box is reused, then using fresh tape over marked taped easily eliminates old markings.
Oil pictures should be covered over with a non acidic clear wrap and then bubble wrapped or wrapped in blankets, and then placed in a picture box or a flattened out box with the ends taped. Pictures in glass frames or mirrors should be wrapped in blankets and packed in picture cartons or flattened out cartons. Lamps and lampshades should each be placed in separate boxes. If two lampshades are put together a piece of plain paper should be put between them so that they can be easily pulled apart. Do not use newspaper with print or it will permanently mark the shades.
Electronic equipment should be padded and boxed so that knobs are not broken off and the finish is not scratched.
Stack all cartons neatly against a wall, and create clear, unobstructed paths to prevent the possibility of tripping. When possible disassemble beds, remove mirrors from dressers or walls. European Van Lines will do these things if needed, but if you do them you will save time. Remember that saving time saves you money.
Happy packing ,
Neil & Marg.
