Moving House? Tips on Packing up Your Garage and Shed
When it comes to moving house most people focus on packing up their home and leave their garage or garden shed as a last-minute job – which is a big mistake. If you’re anything like most of us here at Scotty’s, your garage and garden shed is full to overflowing with all manner of items from rusty old tools and wheelbarrows, to cat travel baskets and bicycles. In fact, when you do come to start clearing it for packing, you’ll probably come across all sorts of things you had forgotten you ever owned!
We know from experience that picking up a garage or garden shed takes way longer than you expected so our top tip is to start the job early. Before starting to pack anything it’s the perfect opportunity to de-clutter by selling and disposing of any unwanted items. You’ll probably find a whole lot of unused garden equipment and a plethora of screws and old nails. At this point you need to be ruthless and, as a rule of thumb, if you haven’t used these things in the past six months, then just GET RID OF THEM. That’s the hardest part done and now those difficult decisions have been made you can get on with the task of packing up all your belongings.
We’ve put together a quick guide to help you pack up each area:
Tool Shed
- Bundle all your small tools together and place them in a toolbox. Larger tools should be separated and packed securely into a strong box or packing carton. Be careful not to overload your boxes. You can also bundle a few tools together and hold them with tape but be aware the tape will leave a mark if it’s on for long.
- Electrical tools should have any attachments removed prior to transportation and, if you don’t have protective covers for chainsaws or lawnmower blades, then now might be a good time to purchase some.
- Small fiddly items like bolts and screws should all be packed together in a single box and clearly labeled.
Garden Equipment and Tools
- Make sure that any fuel is drained from lawnmowers and whipper snippers as fuel can’t be transported by Scotty’s or any other removalist because of its flammable nature.
- Remove any dirt and dust from tools and garden furniture so it’s nice and clean when you arrive at your new home.
- Protect sharp edges of things like garden shears and clippers by wrapping packaging paper around them or a piece of old sheet. Alternatively place them in a large packing carton protected by a couple of old towels.
Outdoor Items
- Remove any cushions from outdoor furniture and pack these separately in storage cartons.
- Dismantle cubby houses and swing sets well ahead of your moving date and pack any bolts and screws in a small plastic box or envelope, clearly labeled.
Paints, Pesticides, and Petrol
- All of these items are flammable and/or hazardous, and simply can’t be packed for your move because of safety reasons. If you can’t give away any of these items to friends or family then your local council will be able to tell you how best to dispose of them.
The BBQ
- Give your BBQ a good clean and then cover it with its protective cover ready for your removalist to collect.
- Make sure that any gas cylinders have been emptied. Your local garage should be able to help you with this job.
If you’re planning on packing yourself then we can help with low-cost moving boxes. You can either buy good quality used boxes at half price or purchase new boxes and we’ll buy them back from you once you’ve moved at half price. Either way, it’s a win/win solution. Call Scotty’s today on for more information or to request a free quote for your move.
