The paperwork is signed, your completion date is approaching, and you’re ready to start packing for the big move. Packing can feel overwhelming, so we’ve gathered the best advice on packing to move house to make it as stress-free as possible.
From having the right materials and knowing what to throw away to making unpacking smoother, read on for our top 10 moving home packing tips.
From having the right materials and knowing what to throw away to making unpacking smoother, read on for our top 10 moving home packing tips.
How long will packing to move house take?
The time it takes to pack depends on how much you own, but don’t try to rush or do it all in one go. Taking regular breaks makes it easier to handle any unforeseen hold-ups.
If you’re using professional house packing services, you won’t need to spare as much time, but you may want to pack cherished or irreplaceable belongings yourself for peace of mind.
1. Declutter before packing
We can’t tell you exactly what to pack and what to ditch when moving house, but there’s a simple way to make decluttering easier and faster.
Ask yourself if you’ve used something since the last time you moved house. If not, is it likely to be used in your new home? Consider donating to your local charity shops or listing quality items on sites like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
2. Wrap delicate items
From glassware to ornaments, picture frames to pottery, the best way to protect delicate belongings when you’re moving between houses is to wrap them up well. Bubble wrap offers maximum protection, but newspapers are a cheaper, plastic-free alternative.
3. Save room by rolling clothes
When packing up your wardrobe, rolling clothes can save room in your boxes compared to folding them. But if you want to keep items crease-free and make unpacking even easier, it’s worth investing in boxes with built-in hanging rails. This way, you can transfer each item on its hanger.
4. Use dust covers and sheets to protect furniture
Large cloths and plastic sheets can prevent your furniture from scratching during your move, then protect your new carpets and wood floors as you unpack. You can also buy rolls of floor-protecting film to save busy walkways from dirty shoes on moving day.
5. Pack your essentials for your first night
It can be tempting to pack everything away when you’re moving house, but keep a few essentials to hand for a smooth first night. These include:
• Toothbrush and toiletries
• Towels
• Bedding
• Spare clothes
• Device chargers
• Cups, cutlery and plates (a couple of each)
• Teabags or coffee
In addition, having clearly marked ‘first to open’ boxes can make the first few hours or days in your new home less stressful. From kitchenware to tools, you’ll be glad to know that these basics are at the top of the pile.
6. Disassemble furniture
Lifting, manoeuvring and transporting furniture is much easier when it’s disassembled, so take any flatpack furniture apart before trying to move or pack it.
We recommend keeping all the screws, bolts and Allen keys together in a clearly labelled Ziploc bag, then tape that to the furniture they belong to.
7. Pack heavier items first in boxes
We recommend having a variety of boxes in different sizes and shapes on hand while packing. Strong, double-walled boxes are best for transporting anything particularly heavy or fragile. For a more sustainable option, you can also save boxes from deliveries in the run-up to your house move.
8. Don’t pack boxes too heavily
As obvious as it may sound, it’s important to pay attention to how heavy your boxes are getting as you pack them. It’s always safer to put a few heavy items into small, shallow boxes so that they’re easier to carry and won’t break. If you need to stack boxes on top of each other, place the heaviest at the bottom and the lightest at the top to avoid crushing anything fragile.
Alongside being mindful of what’s inside, securing your boxes is essential, so keep a few rolls of strong packing tape on hand.
9. Pack boxes by room and label them
Perhaps our smartest tip for packing to move house is to label boxes as you fill them. Clearly labelling your boxes is a must, and thick marker pens are better for writing on cardboard than a biro. Include which room the box comes from and what sort of things are inside.
10. Keep similar items together
In addition to packing your boxes by room, we recommend packing similar items together so you can focus on one area at a time. For example, packing clothing together, rather than an assortment of bedroom items, can help with organisation when unpacking.
If you’re looking for your new property, browse our wide range of stylish 2 bedroom homes to 5 bedroom homes. These energy-efficient developments offer ample living space and contemporary features.
We also have unique homebuying offers, including Deposit Unlock and Parent Power, to help you move.
Contact our Sales Advisers today to get started.
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