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Packing materials

Packing materials in Bournemouth

1st Choice Removals sells packing materials individually to customers in Bournemouth, Poole and across Dorset, so you buy exactly the boxes, tape and wrapping your move needs. We do not sell ready-made kits; tell us what you are packing and we will help you work out what to order.

Roll of bubble wrap for packing fragile items

Materials we can supply

These are the materials customers most often ask us for. Stock and prices vary, so ask us for current availability and prices:

  • Cardboard boxes in a range of sizes
  • Packing tape and labels
  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing paper and tissue paper
  • Polythene products for glass and mirrors
  • Protective packaging for delicate objects
  • Storage containers and crates

Call 01202 570970 or email admin@1stchoiceremovals.net and tell us what you need.

Why we sell materials individually, not in kits

Packing kits sound convenient, but they rarely match a real home. A book-lover needs far more small boxes than a kit allows; someone with a large wardrobe needs more big ones.

Buying individually means you only pay for what you use, with fewer half-empty rolls of tape and stacks of spare boxes left over. If your move is already booked with us, we can look at your quantities at the survey.

How many boxes will I need?

It depends far more on how much you own than on the number of bedrooms. A few pointers:

  • Books, records and paperwork take more small boxes than most people expect.
  • Kitchens usually need the most boxes and the most wrapping.
  • Bedding, cushions and soft toys fill large boxes quickly and are light to carry.
  • Lofts, garages and sheds are easy to forget when you estimate.

Order a sensible first batch and top up if you need more. If we are packing part of your home, we will factor that into what you buy.

Choosing the right box for each item

The golden rule is heavy items in small boxes, light items in large ones. A large box full of books can be too heavy to lift safely and more likely to split.

  • Small boxes: books, tins, tools, paperwork, records
  • Medium boxes: kitchenware, toys, ornaments, shoes
  • Large boxes: bedding, towels, cushions, lampshades

Use plenty of paper or bubble wrap for anything fragile, and fill every gap so nothing moves.

Packing tips from our crews

  • Tape the bottom of every box with a double strip across the seam.
  • Wrap plates individually and stand them on their edges.
  • Wrap glasses separately and pack them upright with paper between them.
  • Label boxes on the side, not the top, with the room and a short list of contents.
  • Mark fragile boxes clearly and never overfill a box so the lid bulges.

Our packing guide covers each room in more detail.

Rather not pack yourself?

If you run out of time or energy, our packing service can take on the whole house or just the tricky items. For pianos, antiques and artwork, see specialist removals, where we can build bespoke wooden crates.

Storing things rather than moving them? Pack for storage with sturdy boxes and plenty of wrapping.

Questions

Your questions answered

Do you sell packing kits?

No. 1st Choice Removals sells packing materials individually rather than in ready-made kits. Kits rarely match what a real home needs, so buying individually means you get the right mix of box sizes, tape and wrapping and do not pay for items you will not use. Tell us what you are packing and we will help you plan your order.

How much do your moving boxes cost?

Prices vary with stock, so we do not publish them online. Call us on 01202 570970 or email admin@1stchoiceremovals.net with the materials and quantities you have in mind, and we will give you current prices. If you are moving with us, we can also go through what you need at your free survey.

Which is better for fragile items, bubble wrap or packing paper?

Both have their place. Packing paper is best for wrapping plates, glasses and ornaments individually and for filling gaps so items cannot move. Bubble wrap gives extra cushioning for electronics, picture frames and anything with delicate edges. For most kitchens, a generous supply of paper plus some bubble wrap for the most fragile pieces works well.

How do I pack plates and glasses so they do not break?

Put a layer of scrunched paper in the bottom of a small or medium box. Wrap each plate separately and stand them on their edges, like records, rather than stacking them flat. Wrap glasses individually and pack them upright. Fill every gap with paper so nothing moves, and mark the box as fragile on the side.

What size boxes should I use for books?

Always use small boxes for books. Books are heavy, and a large box full of them becomes too heavy to lift safely and is more likely to split. Pack books flat or upright with spines against the side of the box, fill any gaps, and keep each box to a weight you could comfortably carry yourself.

Is it worth using second-hand boxes from the supermarket?

They are fine for light, soft items, but supermarket boxes are often thin, odd sizes and already weakened, so they can split under heavy or fragile things. Mixed sizes also stack badly in the lorry or in storage. For books, kitchenware and anything breakable, strong removal boxes in consistent sizes are the safer choice.

Can I buy extra materials if I run out?

Yes. Many people underestimate how many boxes they need, especially for kitchens, books and lofts. Contact us on 01202 570970 or email admin@1stchoiceremovals.net as soon as you realise you are running short, so we can sort out what you need before moving day. Starting early with your packing also makes it easier to spot gaps in time.

Related

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