These can be wrapped in sheets or dust covers and placed, with padding around them, in the van once the boxes are in. Most removal companies bind layers to stop them from shifting or falling, so you can secure your monitors, and computers in the same way. Fragile items, such as ornaments and dishes can go in polystyrene bead lined boxes, or be packed in bubble wrap, but its important to remember that this will cut down on the volume of the items you can fit into the box, and its still no guarantee that they will survive the move. It s important to de-clutter, or have a guesstimate of how much you'll have de-cluttered before you move so that they can give you an accurate quote. If you overestimate the space you need, you'll not get a refund, and find that space is wasted especially, if you book a larger van than you require. Too small and you may find that your belongings don't fit, or that you get charged extra. You can collect quotes online based on your move date and expected destination - and the phone and confirm and discuss these quotes if necessary. During this phone call, you can also ask about anything you've got concerns about, if anything. You'll need to decide whether you're moving yourself and just hiring a van, or hiring a van and moving team. Buying Boxes Boxes and bags are the staple for moving - whether you're using plastic boxes and under bed storage containers, or getting cardboard ones - using suitcases, or black and plastic bags, you'll need to consider how many you need and allow for extra. You'll also need newspapers, paper, packing foam and/or bubble wrap. Always remember to mark bags you're using for belongings clearly so that they don't get mistaken for rubbish - or buy completely different bags for your rubbish and your belongings. 5) While it may only take you a couple of weeks to pack, it can take eight weeks - or MORE to unpack at the other end - so though you're 'just boxing items up for a couple of days' remember that you may not find it for up to two months, or perhaps more. You can remove unwanted paint from most woodwork by carefully scouring with a brass scourer not too hard though, or you'll scratch the other paintwork. Scum stains, dried toothpaste and lime scale come off with liberal application of an oxy based paste you can get any 'oxy' based cleaner (one that fizzes and heats up the water slightly) in most supermarkets.