Packaging supplies guide
At Viking, we sell all you need to protect and pack your goods in our Box Shop. We hope you find the details helpful for choosing the supplies you need.
Storage boxes
The boxes we sell are strong enough to stack on top of each other to minimise the storage space you need.
- Archive box - Suitable for paperwork, files and books.
- Small & medium box - For every day incidentals.
- Large box - For bulkier items.
- Saver kits - The cheapest and easiest way to buy your boxes.
Protective packaging
Make sure you don't damage your belongings wrap them in protective packaging.
- Bubble wrap - Ideal for larger delicates such as electrical appliances.
- Corrugated card - To protect legs and corners on furniture items.
- Chair, Sofa & Mattress protectors - Keep your furniture clean & protected.
- Shrink wrap - Use to secure loose items together.
- Dustsheets - Put under and over your goods, keep them clean and protected.
Useful bits
These items are not essential, but do make the job easier!
- Gripper gloves - Protect your hands and have the extra grip when you need it
- Fragile tape - Remind your helpers that this box is 'DELICATE'.
- Marker pen - Write the contents on your boxes.
Miscellaneous items
These are other supplies we sell that you just might need.
Disposable knife, Scissors, Tape measure, Black Sacks, Moving blankets, Sticky labels, Parcel tape, Balls of string, Tape guns.
Packing tips
Before you start packing, select the range of packing supplies that you will need to make the job easier (we can cater for all your needs with our box shop) and make sure that your belongings don't get damaged. Some of the supplies you might need are:
- The right number and size of boxes, there are all different sizes of specialised storage boxes available, from an archive box for important papers, to a large box for bulkier items. Boxes should be filled to capacity to avoid them tipping or items inside moving around. Use smaller boxes for heavier items so they are easier to lift. Use a wardrobe box for clothes to help them keep their shape and save spending your first day in your new house ironing!.
- You will need protective wrap for your delicate belongings, bubble wrap is the ideal way to protect your electrical items such as T.V and Stereo, or particularly delicate items such as crystal or crockery and corrugated card for your chair and table legs.
- Create a 'Portable Packing Kit' with a marker pen, parcel tape, labels, scissors and tape measure. Carry it with you as you go packing around your home.
- Each time you pack a box, use your marker pen to label where they are to be unloaded and also write the contents on the side (all of our boxes have a handy tick chart for you to fill in).
- Always stack plates upright on their sides, making sure you wrap them individually in tissue or bubble wrap. If you find the contents are loose in the box you can use 'loose fill' to keep them in place.
- Wrap pictures and mirrors individually in bubble wrap, use corner protectors on each corner, mark as fragile and stack on end.
- Drain freezers, washing machines and refrigerators prior to storage. Store these items with the door wedged open.
- Never pack bedding or clothes in plastic bags. By using boxes, the items won't 'sweat'.
- Clean all outside tools and equipment before packing.
- Have an 'essentials box' and fill with items such as: Kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, milk sugar, toilet rolls, snacks and soft drink.
- Remember to pack your vehicle safely for the journey, do not overload the vehicle and check tyres, oil and water before you leave.
- If you need more help with the supplies you need feel free to ask a member of the Viking team.
Storage unit packing tips
The best way to pack your storage unit. Follow this guide to make the most of your storage unit.
- Tell the team, all items to be stored when reserving your unit. Not only will they guide you to the right size unit, but also make sure you're not planning to store items that are unfit for this type of storage.
- Make sure you value your goods correctly, so that we can provide you with the right insurance cover.
- Decide if you want to have access to any of your goods. If so, put these aside and store them last. If you have a number of goods that you will need regular access to, then Viking has racking units that you can buy or hire.
- Unload your goods in the loading bay, and use the available trolleys to transport your goods to your unit. Do not overload the trolley, and stack safely.
- Start by placing a dust sheet on the floor to protect your goods.
- Identify your heaviest and fullest boxes. Put these and your bulky items in first.
- Store sofas and mattress on end. Stack chairs pad to pad.
- Continue to select your boxes by heaviest & fullest, and start to stack, maximizing your space. Stack from the back of the unit, making your way to the front. Make sure you stack safely!
- Don't forget to use single items to gap fill as you go.
- Make sure sharp edges or garden tools etc are safely packed to avoid accidents. All outside equipment should be cleaned before storage, and lawnmower blades etc, lightly oiled.
- Clearly identify fragile goods, and store them safely.
- When all your items have been placed in the unit, place a dust sheet over your goods to keep clean and protected.
- Secure your unit with one of our quality padlocks, a large selection is available.
