Packing Plates & Ornaments
Never overfill your boxes making them too heavy.When your box is half full with fragile items why not place your towels or sheets in the remaining space to prevent crushing when boxes are stacked.
Place paper padding or similar in the base of the box to form a cushion.
Wrap ornaments in bubble wrap, not paper. Always load plates on their sides, individually wrapped in paper.
Mark your boxes Fragile and where they came from i.e Living Room, sideboard.
Pack your essentials into a separate box and mark it i.e pet food, tea bags, kettle etc. There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination in the early hours of the morning and not having to hand some of the above mentioned. Think ahead!
Packing & Loading Tips
Loading Your Vehicle
Always load your heaviest boxes first followed by lighter boxes on top. Keep your heavy items as near to the front as you can and as low as possible. Top heavy vans are dangerous to drive on bends and high winds.
The sketch below is a good example of weight distribution.
Load bedding and light belongings up high and nearer the back of the van.
Distribute your load evenly from left to right and back to front.
Place units with glass doors facing the side of the van to prevent any breakages.
Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in blankets or bubble wrap and load upright. They should be placed facing the side of the van to prevent pressure on the glass when slowing the vehicle.
Driving Tips
Using a satellite navigation system is the greatest way to relax and enjoy your journey, with full confidence you won’t be lost in a strange place, struggling to find your way using a map.
When driving a loaded vehicle it is important to take your time. Allow extra breaking distance and be aware of sudden sharp bends. Never let the fuel get low, especially after 10pm when you are not on toll roads as garages which are open become harder to find. Take a break every two or three hours for a coffee or short walk. If you try to drive too hard for the first half of your journey it may have an adverse effect on the second half.
Remember it is a marathon not a sprint. So be casual and enjoy!
