Packing for a move can get messy if you don’t have a plan. Boxes pile up, things go missing, and fragile items can easily break. But with the right packing methods, you can keep everything safe and organised to avoid last-minute stress.
Let’s discuss the best packing tips and hacks to make moving house easier, protect your belongings, and keep the process stress-free
How To Pack For Moving House?
1- Plan Everything
One of the biggest mistakes during a move is leaving packing to the last minute. Starting early gives you extra time to sort your things, pack thoughtfully, and avoid unnecessary stress. Here is how you can plan everything:
Make a Packing Checklist
Creating a checklist is important for staying organised. Start by listing each room in your house and breaking it down into smaller sections, such as closets, cabinets, and drawers. Then, list the items in each section, prioritising essential belongings.
Decide What to Pack First
Packing little by little helps avoid last-minute stress. Begin with items you don’t need daily, such as seasonal decorations, books, and extra linens. By packing these non-essential items early, you free up time to focus on frequently used items. Keep daily-use items unpacked until the last moment so your routine remains uninterrupted.
Declutter Before Packing
Moving provides an excellent opportunity to declutter and get rid of unnecessary items. Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Reducing the number of items to move saves time, effort, and even money if you’re hiring movers. Consider donating clothes you haven’t worn in a year, selling unused furniture, and discarding broken or expired products.
2- Gather Packing Materials
It’s important to have the right packing supplies to protect your things during the move. The right materials can prevent damage and make packing faster and more efficient.
Essential Packing Materials
- Boxes (small, medium, large)
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Labels and markers
- Scissors
- Ziplock bags
Extra Protective Materials
- Packing paper
- Foam peanuts
- Furniture covers
3- Packing Room by Room
Packing one room at a time is the most effective way to stay organised. Label each box with its destination room in your new home to make unpacking easier and avoid unnecessary confusion.
Kitchen
- Wrap dishes and glassware individually with bubble wrap, then stack them vertically inside sturdy boxes to prevent breakage.
- Pack silverware and utensils in small boxes or wrap them in kitchen towels to save space.
- Secure appliances with their original packaging if possible. Otherwise, wrap them in thick layers of padding and tape them securely.
- Use plastic wrap or tape to seal opened food containers to prevent spills.
Bedroom
- Pack clothes in wardrobe boxes to keep them organised.
- Fold and store casual clothing in suitcases to maximise the space.
- Protect mattresses and pillows with plastic covers to keep them clean and dust-free.
- Keep bedding essentials like pillows, blankets, and sheets in a labeled bag for easy access on your first day after moving.
Living Room
- Wrap electronics such as TVs, gaming consoles, and speakers in bubble wrap. Keep their cables organised by placing them in labeled ziplock bags.
- Wrap decorative items like photo frames and sculptures carefully, by adding extra padding.
Bathroom
- Store liquids (shampoo, conditioner, cleaning supplies) in sealed plastic bags to prevent leaks.
- Pack toiletries in a small, easy-to-reach box.
- Keep a set of towels readily available for immediate use upon arrival.
4- Pack Moving Boxes Properly
Labeling Boxes
Label each box clearly with its contents and the designated room. For better packing, use a color-coded system, such as assigning a specific color to each room and marking boxes accordingly. This makes it easier for movers to place boxes in the right areas at your new home.
Distribute Weight Evenly
To avoid injuries and damage, make sure each box has a balanced weight. Heavy items should be packed in small boxes, and lighter items in larger ones. If a box becomes too heavy, redistribute the contents.
Sealing and Securing
Use strong packing tape to secure the bottom and top of each box. Secure weaker boxes with additional layers of tape to prevent them from collapsing during transport.
5- Packing Fragile Items Carefully
Fragile and valuable items need extra care. Improper packing can result in breakage or loss, so you can consider these points to prevent this.
Wrap Individually: Wrap each glass, dish, or fragile item in bubble wrap or packing paper. Place fragile items on top of sturdier items rather than at the bottom of boxes.
Use Cushioning: Line boxes with soft materials like peanut foams to add padding. Use dividers for glassware and plates to prevent them from knocking against each other.
Packing Hacks For Moving House
1- Use Clothes as Padding
Instead of spending extra money on bubble wrap, you can wrap fragile items using household items like towels, blankets, and clothes. This not only provides excellent protection but also reduces the number of boxes needed for packing linens and clothes.
2- Photograph Electronics
Before unplugging TVs, computers, or gaming consoles, take pictures of the cable connections. This visual reference will help you reconnect everything correctly in your new home without frustration.
3- Keep Clothes on Hangers
Instead of folding clothes and packing them in boxes, slide a large garbage bag over a group of hanging clothes, securing the hangers at the top. This keeps them clean, organised, and easy to transfer directly into your new closet.
4- Pack a “Moving Day Box”
Moving day can be exhausting, so pack a survival box with essentials such as snacks, cleaning supplies, phone chargers, medications and Toiletries. Having these items easily accessible can prevent you from digging through boxes when you need something urgent.
5- Use Suitcases for Heavy Items
Heavy items like books, toiletries, and medicines can be difficult to carry in cardboard boxes. Instead, place them in suitcases with wheels for an easier and more efficient way to transport them.
Conclusion
Packing for a move can be overwhelming, but with proper planning, it becomes manageable. Take your time, start early, stay organised, and use a packing checklist for moving to minimise stress. By following these detailed steps and hacks, you can efficiently pack house for moving and settle into your new home with ease. However, if you have a busy routine, you can also hire professional movers and packers to get the job done.
FAQs
How early should I start packing for a move?
Ideally, you should start packing at least 4-6 weeks before your moving date. Begin with non-essential items and gradually pack daily-use belongings as the move approaches.
What should I do with items I no longer need?
Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer use. Hosting a garage sale or listing items online can help reduce moving costs and clutter.
How do I make unpacking easier?
Pack a first-night essentials box with toiletries, clothes, and basic kitchen supplies. Unpack room by room, starting with the most essential areas like the bedroom and kitchen.
Should I hire professional movers or move myself?
Hiring professional movers can save time and effort, especially for large or long-distance moves. If moving yourself, ensure you have enough help and the right equipment to transport heavy items safely.
