A box label should tell you where it goes, what is inside and what needs extra care.
Build a packing station
Gather strong boxes, packing paper, suitable cushioning, tape and a marker before you start. Work on a clear surface. Check that box bases are secure, then sort items by weight and fragility. A large box is useful for light bedding; a small box is usually easier to manage for books. Do not make any box heavier than its packaging rating or than you can handle safely.
Use a simple label such as KITCHEN / 04 / EVERYDAY PLATES. Put it on two sides so it remains visible when stacked. Keep a numbered list on your phone or in a notebook. For valuable or delicate items, add a condition photograph to your private inventory.
Dishes and glass: stop movement inside the box
Wrap pieces individually and cushion the base, sides and top. Use appropriate dividers for glasses. Pack plates upright with protection between them, and avoid stacking loose heavy dishes on thin glass. Fill empty spaces gently: the contents should not shift, but pressure should not be forced onto a stem or handle.
Close one test box and lift it carefully before packing the entire cupboard the same way. If it feels unstable or too heavy, split the load. Mark FRAGILE and THIS WAY UP where needed, while remembering that labels cannot replace proper internal protection.
Books, electronics and awkward pieces
Keep book boxes compact and balance their weight. Wrap dust-sensitive equipment and photograph cable connections before disconnecting them. Original fitted packaging can be useful for a screen if it remains sound; otherwise ask for a purpose-made screen carton and appropriate support. Avoid pressure on the display.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for transporting appliances and electronics. Back up important files before the move. Discuss unusually shaped art, mirrors and delicate antiques with the team before packing them yourself; some pieces need specialist materials or crating.
Furniture parts need their own system
Photograph the assembled item and label dismantled components. Place screws and fittings in a sealed bag identified by the furniture name, then keep the bag in a clearly marked parts box. Avoid taping adhesive directly to finished furniture surfaces. Tell the crew which items you expect them to dismantle or reassemble.
Keep batteries, aerosols, fuels and chemicals out of ordinary mixed boxes until the carrier has confirmed what it can accept and how. Requirements vary by transport mode, particularly for overseas shipments. Do not assume an item accepted on a local move is accepted in an air shipment.
Unpack the rooms you need first
Make the bed, set up the bathroom and open the everyday kitchen box before tackling decorative items. Check delicate pieces as you unpack and retain packaging if there is a problem to report. This gives you a functioning home without opening every carton at once.
Kratos can discuss packing as part of your moving plan. Share photographs of fragile or oversized items early so the materials and handling can be considered before the crew arrives.
BEFORE YOU GO
Your move, one check at a time.
- Choose boxes by weight and contents
- Label two sides with room and box number
- Record fragile-item condition
- Keep furniture fittings together
- Check restricted items with the carrier