Furniture Packer/Mover

Tasks & duties

Furniture packers/movers may do some or all of the following:

• discuss details of the move with clients
• work out how much the move will cost
• evaluate which items need to be packed and what material is needed to pack them
• take an inventory of the items and record any marks or damage
• drive a truck or van
• wrap the goods to be moved in paper, cardboard or other special purpose wrapping designed to protect them from harm
• pack the items into cartons
• mark the items to show how they should be stacked in the van
• carry furniture, cartons and other items to the furniture removal truck or van
• load and secure the heavy items
• assess how the items will be moved into the destination and where they will be placed
• unload the goods and unpack them when required
• reassemble any furniture that has been disassembled

Skills & knowledge

Furniture packers/movers need to have:

• good packing skills, including knowledge of methods of wrapping and packing furniture
• knowledge of how to move difficult items such as pianos
• the ability to pack a truck so that it is balanced
• knowledge of how to handle and pack dangerous goods
• the ability to read office plans and road maps
• good driving skills
• expertise in using radio equipment
• good planning and organisational skills
• strong problem-solving skills
• the ability to make calculations

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a furniture packer/mover, but a current driver's licence and/or Heavy Trade licence may be useful.

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary educational requirements, but useful subjects include English and maths.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Removal companies usually run training programmes, where workers are required to attend courses on driving, handling materials, lifting techniques and first aid.

Useful experience

Useful experience for furniture packers/movers includes jobs that involve packing or heavy lifting, and driving heavy vehicles.

Video

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For more information, please refer to Career Services.