Moving house is a stressful time for anyone. There’s so much to think about, from packing up all your belongings to dealing with the logistics of the move itself. And on top of all that, you’re also trying to make sure that everything arrives at your new home in one piece!
To help make the moving process as smooth as possible, we’ve put together a list of 19 packing tips that will help you get everything packed up quickly and efficiently. From using the right packing materials to labelling your boxes clearly, these simple tips will help make your move a success. So whether you’re moving house for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, make sure you read our packing guide before you start packing up your things.
Get packing supplies early
It can be tempting to wait until the last minute to start collecting boxes and packing tape, but this is a mistake. Getting packing materials early gives you time to gather everything you need, and it also means that you can start packing well in advance of the move. Think of how many boxes you need. This can be a huge help on moving day, as it will allow you to focus on other tasks. In addition, it can also help to reduce the stress of moving house, as you will know that everything is packed and ready to go.
Get rid of anything you don’t need
Not only do you have to pack up everything you own, but you also have to decide what to do with all the stuff you no longer need. Why not take this opportunity to declutter your life and get rid of anything you don’t need? After all, do you really need that old Tupperware container that’s been sitting in the back of your cupboard for years? Or those clothes that you’ve been meaning to get rid of for months? Getting rid of anything you don’t need will not only make moving house easier, but it will also give you a sense of freedom and liberation.
Pack one room at a time
One way to make the process more manageable is to pack one room at a time. This way, you can focus all of your attention on a single task, and you won’t be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff you have to pack. Additionally, packing one room at a time will help you stay organized.
Kitchen
Start by glassware and other breakables. Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap or towels, and then place them in sturdy boxes. If you have the time, it’s also a good idea to label each box with its contents. That way, you can easily find what you need when you arrive at your new home.
Next, focus on your dishes. You’ll want to use sturdy boxes or crates for these, and again, labeling each box will save you time and frustration later on. When packing plates and bowls, arrange them face down and cushion them with folded towels or packing paper. For cups and mugs, nest them together and fill any empty spaces with extra paper.
Finally, don’t forget about the food in your pantry and fridge. Most non-perishable items can be packed as is, but all the food that’s perishable will need to be either eaten or thrown away. If you have time, try to use up any perishable items in the days leading up to the move.
Bedroom
Start by packing up your clothes. You can either pack them in suitcases or storage bins, depending on what’s easier for you. If you’re using storage bins, be sure to line them with garbage bags to keep your clothes clean. If you’re using suitcases, pack them as tightly as possible to prevent your clothes from wrinkling.
Next, focus on your bedding. Most duvets and blankets can be packed in storage bins or suitcases, but pillows should be packed in garbage bags.
Finally, don’t forget about any small items in your bedroom, such as jewelry, makeup, and toiletries. These items should be packed in small cardboard boxes or bags to prevent them from getting lost.
Living room
Start by packing up any large items, such as furniture and electronics. If possible, disassemble furniture before packing it, as this will make it easier to move. For electronics, be sure to pack them in their original boxes (if you have them) or in padded storage bins.
Next, focus on smaller items, such as books, knick-knacks, and picture frames. Books can be packed in small boxes or storage bins, while knick-knacks and picture frames can be packed in larger boxes.
Finally, don’t forget about any items that you use on a daily basis, such as remote controls, chargers, and coffee mugs. These items should be packed in a small box or bag so that they’re easy to find when you need them.
Bathroom
Start by packing up any large items, such as towels, shower curtains, and rugs. These items can be packed in storage bins or garbage bags.
Next, focus on your toiletries. Be sure to pack all of your liquids in leak-proof containers, and consider packing your toiletries in a small bag or box so that they’re easy to find when you need them.
Finally, don’t forget about any small items in your bathroom, such as toiletries, makeup, and medicine. These items should be packed in small boxes or bags to prevent them from getting lost.
Use strong boxes
Fragile items can easily be broken if they’re not packed properly, and boxes that are too weak will collapse under the weight of your things. Strong boxes will also help to prevent your belongings from shifting during transport, which can reduce the risk of damage. Additionally, using good-quality boxes will make it easier to stack items in the truck or van, saving you time and space.
Line boxes with packing paper or bubble wrap
Packing paper provides a layer of cushioning that will help keep your items safe, while bubble wrap offers an extra layer of protection, especially for delicate items. Plus, both options are relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
Label each box clearly
Labelling each box clearly can help to make the process a lot smoother. That way, you’ll know exactly what’s in each box and where it needs to go when you start unpacking. It can also be helpful to include a packing list inside each box so that you don’t forget anything. And if you’re hiring professional movers, clear labels will help them to understand which boxes need to be handled with extra care.
Book the services of a good removal company
One of the most important things to do is to book the services of a good removal company in advance. This will give you peace of mind that your belongings will be in safe hands and taken care of during the move. A good removal company will also be able to give you advice on how to pack and transport your items, which can make the whole process a lot easier.
Use bubble wrap for breakables
Whether it’s your grandmother’s china or your child’s favorite mug, you want to make sure that everything arrives at your new home in one piece. Bubble wrap is the ideal material for protecting fragile items during a move. Its cushioned surface helps to absorb impact, and its flexibility makes it easy to wrap around even the most delicate objects.
Pack heavy items at the bottom of the box with light ones on top
One thing that is often overlooked is the importance of packing boxes correctly. Heavy items should always be packed at the bottom of the box, with lighter items on top. This will help to prevent the box from becoming too heavy and tipping over. In addition, it will help to protect your belongings from being damaged by heavier items.
The same goes for packing the truck. Pack lighter boxes on top of the heavier ones.
Don’t over-pack your moving boxes
Over-packing your moving boxes when moving house can cause a number of problems. Firstly, it can make the boxes too heavy to lift, which can lead to back injuries. Secondly, it can make the boxes difficult to stack, which can make the move more stressful and chaotic. And finally, it can damage your belongings, as items that are packed too tightly are more likely to be broken during the move.
Pack clothes on hangers where possible
One way to make the process a little easier is hanging clothes wherever possible. Not only does this save time, but it also reduces the risk of wrinkles and creases. Simply put your clothes on hangers and cover them with a plastic bag before placing them in boxes or storage bags. When you arrive at your new home, simply unpack the clothes and hang them up – no ironing necessary!
Roll up delicate items like curtains
This helps to prevent wrinkles and creases, and it also minimizes the risk of fabric tearing or ripping. Furthermore, rolling items up takes up less space than folding them, which can be helpful when you’re trying to fit everything into a moving truck.
Use suitcases for out-of-season clothes
If you’re short on space, one option is to use suitcases for out-of-season clothes. This way, you can keep your favourite items close at hand, while still making use of valuable storage space. Plus, it’s a great way to stay organized during the chaotic process of moving.
Pack an overnight bag
This essentials box should contain everything you need to get by for the first few days in your new home, packing toiletries, toilet paper rolls, a change of clothes, bedding, and kitchen supplies. Having this box packed and ready to go will make the transition to your new home much smoother and less stressful.
Make a list of everything you pack
When you’re packing up your belongings to move house, it’s easy to forget things. Small items like jewelry or keys can get lost in the chaos, and larger items like furniture can be damaged if not packed properly. By making a list of everything you pack, you can avoid these problems and ensure that everything arrives at your new home safe and sound.
Creating a packing list is simple: just start with a basic inventory of everything in your home. As you pack each item, add it to the list. This will help you keep track of what you’ve packed and where it is, so you can easily find things when you need them. You can also use your packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything important. Simply refer to the list as you’re packing, and check off each item as you go. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s been packed and what’s still left to do.
Empty all drawers and cabinets before you start packing them up
One of the most important things to do is to empty all of your drawers and cabinets before you start packing them up. This may seem like an extra step, but it will save you time and hassle in the long run. By emptying out all of your storage spaces, you’ll be able to see exactly what you have and what needs to be packed. This will also give you a chance to sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t need or use anymore.
Pack valuables separately
It’s easy to misplace small items, and valuables can often get lost in the shuffle. That’s why it’s important to pack valuables separately when you’re moving. This way, you can be sure that they’re not going to get lost or stolen. You can also keep an eye on them more easily, which will give you peace of mind during the move. In addition, packing valuables separately will protect them from damage. fragile items can be securely wrapped and placed in a dedicated box in plastic bags, and you won’t have to worry about them being crushed by heavier items.
Fill the gaps with bedding or towels
If you’re planning on moving house, one thing you’ll want to do is make sure all your belongings are securely packed away. But what about the spaces in between your furniture? It’s important not to leave these gaps empty, as they can create opportunities for damage to occur during the move. Instead, fill them with bedding or towels to help protect your belongings. The bedding will help to cushion any bumps along the way, and the towels will absorb any moisture that could cause damage.
Use both big and small boxes
Using both big and small boxes will help make the process easier and less stressful. The large boxes can be used for heavy items, such as books and appliances, while the smaller ones can be used for lighter items, such as clothes and linens. Packing compact items into smaller boxes will also help to keep them organized and easy to find. In addition, using a mix of big and small boxes will help to evenly distribute the weight of your belongings, making it easier to transport them from one place to another.
Pack cables on toilet roll tubes
Most people have experienced the frustration of trying to untangle a mess of wires and cables, only to give up in frustration. When moving home, this problem can be magnified tenfold as you try to figure out which cord goes to what appliance. However, there is a simple solution that can help keep your cables organized and prevent future headaches: packing them on toilet roll tubes.
Toilet roll tubes are the perfect size for most cords and cables, and they can be easily label for quick identification. This way, you won’t have to spend hours untangling a tangled mess of wires when you could be unpacking your other belongings. Furthermore, packing your cables on toilet roll tubes will help protect them from damage during the move. So if you’re looking for a way to keep your cables organized and protected during a move, toilet roll tubes are the way to go.
Keep important documents on you
While it’s unlikely that you’ll need to produce these items during the move itself, having them on hand will give you peace of mind knowing that they’re safe. In addition, if something does happen to go missing during the move, having these documents on you will make it much easier to replace them.
Conclusion
When you’re planning a move, there are a lot of things to think about. Will all your belongings fit in the new place? How will you get everything there? And most importantly, who can you trust to handle your belongings with care? At KKRemoval, we understand that moving can be a stressful time. That’s why we go above and beyond to make sure our customers have a smooth and hassle-free experience. We offer competitive rates and comprehensive services, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. We also pride ourselves on our customer service. Our team is experienced and efficient, and we’ll work with you to create a personalized plan that meets your needs. So if you’re looking for a moving company you can rely on, look no further than KKRemoval. We’ll take care of everything, so you can focus on starting your new life.