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Written by The McCarthy's Team on April 8, 2021

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The thought of packing up all your worldly belongings can be pretty daunting. How on earth will it physically happen?! How will you keep everything safe? What should go where?

With over 50 years of experience handling home removals in Leeds, we understand that packing is just one part of the moving process for you – but that it can also give you sleepless nights. That’s why we offer a packing service (even during Covid times) to help. Leave it all to us and you can rest assured it’s all being perfectly packed. And you’ll be amazed how quickly it’s done!

One of our most experienced movers, Wayne Winfield, has worked at McCarthy’s Removals in Leeds for 24 years. In fact, his father worked for the company before him, so you could say he has generations of expertise behind him! We asked him for some professional packing tips and hacks for anyone starting to get ready for their own house move.

• Size matters. Don’t use boxes which are too big as you’ll be tempted to overfill them. If they weigh more than 22kg we’ll struggle to carry them.
• Quality also matters. Don’t go for the cheapest boxes you can find – you’re after quality! You don’t want to risk them breaking and depositing your belongings in a heap on the floor. Plus, a bit of rain will make weak boxes go very soggy.
• Make sure the bottom of the box is secure. Always use strong tape to secure the box – don’t just fold it over.
• Pack heavy things on the bottom and lighter things on top. Boxes need to be filled to the top so they don’t compress when stacked. Use towels, bedding and cushions as padding and to fill any gaps.
• Stock up on plenty of bubble wrap and tissue paper. Wrap delicate items individually in plenty of bubble wrap or tissue paper (or newspaper, although it may transfer print onto items which adds to your cleaning!). Scrunched up paper can also be used in between layers and to fill any gaps.
• Any items that are small enough to fit should be packed in a box. It will make things much easier for the removals team and for you when it comes to unpacking.
• Pack plates and glasses stood on end. This will make them much stronger than laying them flat.
• Pack books with their spines against the edge of the box. This is particularly important for hard back books.
• Ask about specialist boxes. At McCarthy’s we provide special wardrobe boxes so items can be transported on their hangers. We also usually move chests of drawers with clothes still inside, saving you a bit of packing. Ask about special boxes for things like bottles, kitchenware, golf clubs and picture frames too.
• Label, label, label. Clear labelling is vital. Write on each box where it needs to go in your new home and roughly what it contains. You’ll be glad you did when it comes to unpacking. Make sure bedding and nightclothes are easily accessible, so if it’s late when you get the keys to your new home you don’t need to open every box before going to bed.
• Essential items. Keep a bag of essentials in your car, with things like snacks, pet and baby food, medicines, a torch, handwash, kettle/tea/coffee, toilet roll, screwdriver etc. Think of anything it might be handy to have easily available in an emergency.

If you need a removal company in Leeds, why not get in touch? Don’t forget we also have our storage centres in Harrogate, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Leeds and York if you need some extra space or have a storage requirement as part of your move.