Moving guide : Our advice

Article 1

8 golden rules for a safe move

A move means handling, heavy boxes and a lot of coming and going around the lorry. Most accidents and breakages are caused by rushing or a lack of preparation. Here are eight habits that make all the difference.

1. Plan ahead. Start sorting and packing three to four weeks before moving day.
2. Keep walkways clear. Hallways, stairs, entrance and landing should be clear so that nobody trips while carrying a load.
3. Use the right equipment. Sturdy boxes, wide packing tape, a hand truck, straps: the right equipment reduces effort and risk.
4. Protect the premises. Floors, walls, banisters and the lift deserve protection (blankets, flat cardboard).
5. Dress for the job. Closed, non-slip shoes, gloves and comfortable clothing.
6. Don't overload boxes. Aim for 15 kg maximum per box, and put books in small boxes.
7. Label everything. Write the destination room, plus “fragile” or “this way up” if needed: unloading will be quicker and safer.
8. Keep the essentials with you. Documents, keys, chargers, medicines and a first-aid kit travel in your bag, not in the lorry.

Article 2

Pack well so that nothing breaks

Good packing protects your belongings, and the backs of those who carry them. A few principles are all it takes.

• Small boxes for heavy items (books, crockery), large boxes for light items (linen, cushions).
• Reinforce the bottom with two strips of packing tape in a cross before filling.
• Crockery: wrap each plate in paper and stand them upright, like records. One glass, one sheet of bubble wrap.
• Fill the gaps with scrunched-up paper: a box where items move around is a box where they break.
• Screens and electronic devices: use their original box if you have it, otherwise a blanket, and photograph the connections before unplugging.
• Clothes: wardrobe boxes save you folding and ironing.
• Mattresses, sofas and mirrors: protective cover, protected corners, transported upright.

Need boxes, bubble wrap or covers? You will find all the supplies on our Packing supplies.

Article 3

Lifting without injury: the right techniques

Back pain is the number one risk when moving. It can be prevented with a few simple techniques.

• Bend your knees, keep your back straight and hold the load close to your body before lifting.
• Don't twist: to change direction, pivot with your feet.
• Carry in pairs whenever an item is heavy or bulky (wardrobe, sofa, appliances).
• Use a hand truck or straps rather than your arms for heavy loads.
• On the stairs, go slowly, warn your partner (“careful, I'm going down”) and never carry a load that hides the steps from view.
• Take breaks and drink water, especially in summer: fatigue is a major cause of accidents.

Narrow staircase or upper floor? A furniture lift brings your furniture in through the window or balcony, with no carrying.

Article 4

Loading and securing the lorry

A well-loaded lorry means furniture that arrives intact and safer driving.

• Heavy items low down and at the back, close to the cab: appliances, solid furniture, boxes of books.
• Light items on top: boxes of linen, cushions, plants.
• No gaps: items should be wedged against each other so they cannot slide.
• Protect and secure: blankets around the furniture, straps to hold it against the sides.
• Fragile items upright, never flat under other loads (mirrors, pictures, glass panes).
• Large furniture first, fragile boxes last and within easy reach.

Not sure about the volume? See our 20 m³ lorry and 30 m³ lorry pages to choose the right lorry.

Article 5

Protecting your valuables and documents

Some belongings should never go in the lorry, and others deserve special attention.

• Keep with you : ID documents, contracts, jewellery, computer, keys, cash, medicines.
• Photograph and list your valuables before packing them: this is useful in the event of a dispute or an insurance claim.
• Flag sensitive items (paintings, musical instruments, works of art) when requesting your quote, so they are packed properly.
• Check your insurance: find out about the carrier's cover and the cover provided by your home insurance policy.
• Don't leave the door open unattended during loading and the trips back and forth.
• Carry out an inspection on arrival and note any reservations before signing.

With the Package 1 Luxury, our teams pack your fragile and valuable items themselves.