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How to self pack for removals

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How to self pack for removals

Moving home? Here’s how to pack like a pro.

Moving home is an exciting milestone — but the packing? Not so much. At Go Forth Removals, we’re experts in safely packing and transporting your belongings from A to B. We typically pack your home the day before the move to minimise disruption, and two or three of our porters can pack an average home in around six hours.

It’s also worth knowing that most removal company insurance won’t cover breakages if you’ve packed the items yourself. If you do decide to self-pack, here are our top tips to help things go smoothly.

1. Use the right materials

Crisp boxes and Amazon packaging won’t cut it. Use sturdy, double-walled removal boxes or hard plastic boxes with lids. We recommend packing paper over bubble wrap for fragile items, and proper vinyl tape over brown tape. Wardrobe boxes are ideal for hanging garments. We can supply everything you need at a competitive price.

2. Start earlier than you think

Begin at least four weeks before moving day. We can pack a house in under a day — but self-packing almost always takes much longer, especially once you start sorting and clearing things out.

3. Pack heavy items in smaller boxes

Books and heavy items should go in smaller boxes. Don’t overfill to the point where a box becomes unliftable — your back (and our porters) will thank you.

4. Fill every box properly

Don’t leave void space in a box. Pack right to the top, filling any gaps with paper, cushions, or clothes. There should be no movement inside when it’s sealed.

5. Label clearly

Mark each box with its destination room and a brief contents list. For anything fragile or valuable, write it in large letters. You can also mark boxes “TOP BOX” — we’ll make sure nothing gets stacked on top, and it goes to the top of the van.

6. Remove all lampshades

Lampshades don’t travel well. Remove them, place them in their own box, and fold the top flaps back — taping around the outside so the shades are visible. We’ll know to load these at the top of the van.

7. Use bin bags for soft items

Duvets, pillows, and soft furnishings can go into black bin bags — no need to waste box space on these.

8. Pack an essentials box

This is the one box you’ll need immediately on arrival. Include move documents, passports, TV remotes, phone chargers, toiletries, medications, and the kettle. Ask our team to keep it accessible — or put it in your own car if possible.

9. Wrap all breakables carefully

Wrap every breakable item individually in packing paper. Pack glasses and plates upright — never flat — and fill all voids so nothing shifts in transit.

Need more advice?

We’re happy to help. Give us a call on 01786 232198 and we’ll talk you through anything you’re unsure about.

Rating
5.0
Read our 48 Reviews
5.0
Based on 48 Reviews
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Rachel Crockett
May 21, 2026

Highly recommended. Extremely helpful and took very good care of my belongings. Remained good humoured even when manoeuvring heavy piano around awkward corners. All this and good value too!

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Heather Samson
May 19, 2026

Niall was fast to get back to me and helpful from initial contact. His team arrived when I expected them too and they got the job done promptly and efficiently but with care. My belongings were held safely in storage for around a month and had no issues. Niall and his team arrived again when they said they would to move us into our new home and again were very efficient as well as pleasant to work with. Can’t thank the team enough, they made the full process seamless and as stress free as possible. Thanks again!

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Michael Kettlewood
March 8, 2026

I used to Forth to get a bed picked up, hassle free and great service and great value for money. Would highly recommend!

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Jacqueline Pirie
March 3, 2026

Niall and the team at Go Forth are fantastic! My cousin had recommended them and I’m so glad he did because Go Forth made the last step in what was a year long move, stress-free and enjoyable. Long story short, our belongings had already made a 5000 mile trip over oceans from Canada and were only partially unpacked, the remainder sitting in many tired, bashed boxes. Niall and his team moved us efficiently, dismantling and rebuilding beds and wardrobes and took the time to ensure that convenience was considered (what boxes should be placed in rooms and which could wait in the garage for later). Overall, excellent service, competitive pricing and a high level of professionalism. Thank you Go Forth for helping this exhausted little family finally settle at last.

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Doreen Forsyth
February 4, 2026

Fabulous wee company. I couldn’t believe how quickly and efficiently they emptied my house, and no breakages or scratches. Very pleasant guys. My contents all went into storage, so I’ll be giving them a call soon to transport it to my new home.

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Chris Brodie
January 18, 2026

Good communication from start to finish. On the day the movers were friendly and helpful. All if my friend helpers commented on how nice they were. They loaded and unloaded with speed and care. Not one breakage. No complaining about all my plants and garden paraphernalia! Highly recommend this company.

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Laura Lee
January 3, 2026

Good price. Great team. When our house move was delayed by one day, by the banking process, mid move, Niall and his team were able to accommodate our belongings overnight. It made, what could have been a very stressful event, just a minor inconvenience. Well done Niall and team. Would highly recommend.

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Barbara Davidson
December 31, 2025

Amazing , Neil and the boys moved us to Bridge of Allan from Callander, as we were down sizeing we had a lot of stuff. 2 vans one for disposing of things and the other for our new home. They went above and beyound and the move went smoothly. I would highly recommend Neil and his team, Reliable, Friendly hard working , thankyou so much. Alan & Barbara

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Martin Johnstone
November 8, 2025

Highly recommended. I needed to move 2 large sofas i’d purchased second hand. Niall made the whole process very easy. Good price. No stress. Very good service. Will use again.

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Catherine Haynes
October 23, 2025

Excellent service. These guys helped us with an office move. Quick & efficient. Would 100% recommend. Thanks all

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Jane Cramb
September 24, 2025

Wow! These guys where fantastic I couldn’t recommend highly enough. so professional and quick, but still all items really carefully cared for. Thanks guys👍

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Bryce Laing
August 17, 2025

Niall and his 3 amazing Amigos made our stressful day so straight forward and easy even with the problems we unfortunately threw at them! From initial survey to completing our awkward circumstances GoForth were Simply The Best! We can’t sing their praises high enough! Thanks so miuch Ricky Simon and Craig!!!. Bryce and Anzhela Laing

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Lisa Scott
July 3, 2025

Great fast service for a great price! Helped us move office within an hour, and managed to fit us in last minute. Would highly recommend, thanks Niall and Team!

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Andrew
May 29, 2025

Absolutely top service from Niall and the team! Made our big moving day so stress free. Can’t recommend highly enough!

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john millar
April 16, 2025

Great service from the guys and couldn’t be more helpful

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Maureen Connelly
April 4, 2025

If you’re looking for a trustworthy, efficient, and friendly removal company, look no further than Go Forth. I would absolutely use their services again and highly recommend them to anyone in need of a stress-free move!

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Kirsty Mccluskey
January 31, 2025

Excellent removal company. Highly recommended. Neil and his team are highly efficient and do a great job.

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Eleanor Richards
December 20, 2024

Go Forth If You Can! Exceptional, professional and experienced service. We had a really difficult house move for my elderly parents, last minute, close to Christmas, with removal flexibility required. Niall and his team were amazing, I can’t speak highly enough of them. They were pragmatic, so efficient.. and, something we don’t always find these days, kind and helpful. Their “can do” attitude was the best thing about our difficult move. A special mention for the brilliant Ricky, whose memory of the logistics of our items was unbelievable! Where other people let us down, Go Forth were the glue that held our move together. Thank you guys, so glad we went with Go Forth. E Richards

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Andrew McGee (cloudCEO)
December 18, 2024

From the start to the completion of the removal, the entire team were so helpful and professional in looking after our furniture and belongings. They are a dream to work with and communication was excellent. I would highly recommend others to use Go Forth Removals when you move home.

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Michael Glass
August 29, 2024

We used Niall and the team to help us move out of our property! Great team with the knowledge and skillset to unpack a house quickly and safely. Niall was also able to offer us storage space to support us in our move.

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Dervish Capkiner
July 31, 2024

Efficient and careful job carried out moving my piano from the first floor of my home to storage. I would definitely recommend this company.

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James Simpson
July 12, 2024

Reading all these glowing reviews is no surprise to me, having just experienced this exceptional service myself. From the beginning, Niall promptly responded to all communications and provided a competitive quote for packing, storage, and delivery of my belongings. Every item was meticulously hand-packed and delivered in perfect condition. I was truly impressed with the care taken in packing each item. The team arrived on time, expertly loaded the van, and swiftly unpacked everything, placing items exactly where I wanted. Overall, a five-star service that I highly recommend.

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C Tebb
June 16, 2024

Niall was flexible with great communication leading up to our move. The day itself went so smoothly and quick with Niall and his teams professional but approachable and very friendly manner. The move with Go Forth was the least stressful part from beginning to end of buying and selling, due to the capable and experienced team. If we do move again, we will definetly be using Go Forth. Thanks to you all for such a seamless and enjoyable day

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MTB Dad
May 13, 2024

Very good. Would happily use again (but hope not to be moving again!). So would recommend to friends and family. Great communication, flexibility, friendly people and very careful with our house contents. We had a pretty large move (4 vans) and the guys did very well. Thanks to Niall and the boys for the move.

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Craig Ballantyne
February 6, 2024

Go Forth Removals provided an excellent service, the whole team is professional and friendly. Highly recommended.

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Charlotte Jackson
January 23, 2024

Absolutely brilliant! Very efficient, professional and kind staff who made a stressful move so easy and fun! Could not recommend more. Went from Stirling to Glasgow in a storm and was so smooth. Niall and his guys are resourceful and excellent workers. Everything intact at end and so polite. Fantatsic!!

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Ann Doran
October 28, 2023

Thank you for making our move so smooth and stress free . Go Forth were very helpful , efficient and nothing was too much bother for them . Good value for money and they went above and beyond . Thank you everyone.

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Julie Gordon
October 11, 2023

Niall and his team of guys are brilliant. So helpful and amazing value for money. Moving house is such a stressful time and the last thing you want is picking the wrong removal company. Pick Go Forth – you won’t be sorry.

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Shane McGuigan
September 13, 2023

Excellent services fast and reliable, very nice and helpful workers, would 100% Recommend 🤩👍

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Geoff Leask
July 21, 2023

Huge thanks to the Go Forth team. Awesome service, friendly and speedy and very patient. Highly recommended

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Rhona Ettritch
June 2, 2023

Professional, friendly service. Neil and the team have worked extremely hard and were extremely diligent. I highly recommend Go Forth to anyone looking for this type of service.

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Mel Cadman
April 1, 2023

Great service by very capable and friendly people at a very competitive price. Highly recommended.

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Jane Buchanan
September 23, 2022

Amazing service. Went above and beyond to get the job done, even went back to swap over sofas for me when it wouldn’t fit, took doors off to get things in and put it all back together again. Can’t recommend these guys enough!

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David Bauer
September 18, 2022

Amazing service from the team. Super responsive to messages, team were really friendly when they delivered the stuff. Would use them again without hesitation.

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Andrew Kennedy
August 12, 2022

The team were exceptional on the day moving us across Stirling. They were punctual, efficient and worked tirelessly going above and beyond to ensure we got into our new home. Would and have recommend to anyone moving. Thank you again.

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Lisa Syme
April 6, 2022

Go Forth Removals we’re recommended to me by a friend and on the day, Niall, Joe and Ally did a brilliant job with my move. They provided everything you need to pack including boxes, tape and bubble wrap. They also dismantled and rebuilt beds from the old to the new home which was a godsend! They were prompt, polite and understanding when there was a little delay with getting keys for my new home. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to my friends and family! Thanks again guys!

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Steven Bird
April 6, 2022

Thoroughly satisfied with service, professional, hard working and reasonably priced service Highly recommended 👌

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Grant Fenty
July 4, 2021

Niall and rest of the “Go Forth Removals” team are fantastic! Cannot fault them at all. We were in a third floor flat which isn’t the most convenient property to start with… the quote for removal, storage, and then delivery a few weeks later was substantially better than any other local firm in Stirling – so much so I had to confirm I wasn’t misinterpreting the quote with Niall. Communication was prompt, clear, and the service was exactly what you would expect. Professional, careful and most importantly no damaged goods. Highly recommended!

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S G
June 9, 2021

Very professional service for a removal Scotland – England. Friendly staff and very good value!

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Kathy Francis
April 24, 2021

We have used Go Forth for a few removals. They are totally reliable and always very careful. Niall moved our daughter to a new flat and the keys weren’t ready when we were told. This could have been a really stressful time, but Niall found a flexible solution to make it all work, and kept us all calm and happy. Also shout out to Joe who was totally up for going the extra mile and bent over backwards to make things straightforward whilst keeping a big smile.

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Fiona Wilkinson
April 21, 2021
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Meghan McCormack
March 22, 2021

We used Niall and his team for our home move in February and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough. This was our first time moving with large furniture etc and so we contacted Niall for help. The team were so polite, helpful and made the experience totally stress free. They worked quickly and took great care to protect our furnishings, large mirrors and TVs. We exchanged keys on the same day, and so we were nervous of the turn around, but we needn’t have worried. Thanks so much to Niall and his team at Go Forth Removals!

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Grant Branton
March 3, 2021

Excellent team, excellent service. Moved to London to Scotland – not hitch or breakage, van professionally loaded – furniture coverings, straps, precision – and equally well offloaded. Definitely one to recommend and use again. Oh, lovely chaps also…! Can’t forget that !!

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R. M.
February 24, 2021

Fantastic service from Niall and his team moving from a first floor flat. Punctual and professional with a great price and good communication. Would definitely recommend to family and friends.

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Matt Nuttall
February 18, 2021

Go Forth Removals did an amazing job helping us move from Dunblane to Haddington. Their quote was very reasonable, and on the day they were efficient, professional, friendly, and went out of their way to help. And they did a superb job of getting everything into the van! Would definitely recommend.

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Ruth Paterson
February 15, 2021

Great service. Helped us move from the Highlands to the Central Belt. Arrived on time, were very careful (both with stuff and walls), were very friendly and worked quickly. We had trouble with heavy snow and a lorry accident causing delays to the journey but the team didn’t let it affect the great service. 5*

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Gemma Neilly
February 3, 2021

For our recent move in London we used these guys, they were first class. A friend recommended them to me and we couldn’t be happier. Fast, efficient and polite. I would recommend this firm.