How to pack heavy or bulky items for your move
July 17, 2020
How to pack bulky or heavy items for your move
When moving home, some of the most dreaded items on your list will be the big, hefty items. Though little items are finicky and might need some extra tender loving care, packing the heavier stuff can quickly become an exhausting chore. When moving or packing large items, taking the "she'll be right" approach can lead to injuries, scuffs, and in the worst cases, broken items. The team at Frontline Removals have put together this guide to make sure you pack and move bulky items the right way – without breaking them or you in the process.
Get the right materials
When you're packing heavy items like garden equipment, electronics, large books or games, PCs, desk lamps and the like, you can't just wing it with boxes you found at the local greengrocer or stuff you got from eBay. You need sturdy, tough cardboard or plastic boxes that will withstand the weight of the objects inside. Frontline Removalists offer all types of rigid boxes that are perfect for bulkier items. We sell everything for your home move including bubble wrap, containers, paper, tape, and even speciality items for unusual objects. Contact us for a quote – remember our discount on bulk orders!
Prepare your boxes
Though you can get away with lining your boxes with old newspaper or butchers' paper, you'll need something more substantial when moving bulky items. Normal-sized bubble wrap won't do either – you'll need to use large size bubble wrap or air cushions/pillows for extra protection. If the bulky items inside your box shift around, they'll compress the paper and pop the bubble wrap. The heavier the item, the more likely it will need more robust packing material to match.
How to maximise space
The aim of the game is to minimise the amount of empty space in each box so items don't shuffle around. You can achieve maximum space-saving by packing your least-used and heaviest items first. This also means you won't crush any lighter or more delicate items under their weight. This also means you can plan ahead to ensure your boxes are using the internal volume more efficiently. This doesn't mean cramming in as much as possible so there are bulges out of each end – the items should be secure and snug.
Use heavy-duty tape
If you're using sticky tape or Sellotape for your boxes, they will come apart pretty quickly. Make sure you're using heavy-duty packing tape to keep your protective wraps in place and the box tops and bottoms reinforced. Make sure you're using the same tape removalists use (hint: we sell it at our shops!) not electrical tape or duct tape – those aren't up to the task!
Some rules to follow
Some rules you need to follow when moving your heavy items are simple but will save you a lot of headaches later.
The first is to use proper lifting technique. You should lift using your legs and through your core muscles instead of using your arms. Using your arms can lead to muscle fatigue and other problems.
If you're carrying multiple boxes, use a trolley or jack to transport them to and from your car or truck.
When moving bulky items, you may want to add padding to door frames or use anti-slip mats when carrying loads up and down stairs. Anti-slip material can include crushed boxes or carpet protectors.
You should limit the box weight to 20-25kg; don't feel tempted to cram more in just because "you can."
Get the professionals in
Unsure where to start with your home move? Get the professionals at Frontline in to take care of your packing and moving from start to finish. It'll save you time, money, and effort in relocating your belongings. Ask one of our friendly team for a quote today.
