Our Top Tips for Packing and Moving House

Moving house can be one of the most exciting yet stressful life events.  Proper planning and smart packing can make the process far more manageable.  Here are our top tips to help you pack efficiently and make your move as smooth as possible.

1. START EARLY

Begin packing well in advance of your move.  Ideally, start at least a month before moving day.  This gives you plenty of time to sort through your belongings, declutter, and pack at a relaxed pace without the last-minute rush.

2. DECLUTTER FIRST

Before you pack, go through each room and decide what you truly need and want to take with you.  Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer use.  Not only will this lighten your load, but it will also save time and money when packing and unpacking.

3. GATHER PACKING SUPPLIES

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand, including:

  • Sturdy boxes in various sizes
  • Packing tape
  • Bubble wrap or packing paper
  • Labels and markers
  • Plastic wrap for furniture

Investing in quality materials can prevent damage to your belongings during the move.

4. PACK ROOM BY ROOM

Focus on packing one room at a time.  This helps you stay organised and makes unpacking easier.  Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, so movers or yourself can place them in the correct locations in your new home.

5. USE THE "ESSENTIAL BOX" METHOD

Pack a box or bag with items you'll need immediately after moving, such as basic kitchen items, food, important documents, toilet paper, basic cleaning products, cloths, rubbish bags, scissors, basic tools, pet food.

Pack a box or bag with items you'll need to use after moving, such as medications, toiletries, pajamas, change of clothes, towel, phone chargers.

Keep these boxes with you during the move for easy access.

6. PROTECT FRAGILE ITEMS

Wrap fragile items likes dishes, glasses, and electronics individually using bubble wrap or packing paper.  Place heaver items at the bottom of the box and lighter, more delicate items on top.  Fill empty spaces with soft materials like towels or clothing to prevent shifting.

7. TAKE PHOTOS OF YOUR ELECTRONICS

Before disassembling electronics, take photos of the wiring and setup.  This will make reassembly at your new home much easier.

8. LABEL CABLES AND SMALL PARTS

Use zip-lock bags to store small parts, screws, or cables and label them clearly.  Tape the bag to the corresponding item so nothing gets lost.

9. USE SUITCASES AND BASKETS

Maximise your available packing space by using suitcases, laundry baskets and storage bins for items like clothes, books or heavy items.

10. KEEP VALUABLES AND IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS SEPARATE

Carry valuable items like jewellery, passports and financial documents with you instead of packing them in moving boxes.  This ensures they remain safe and easily accessible.

11. LABEL CLEARLY

Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.  Consider using colour-coded labels or stickers to make the process even easier.

12. PACK SMART

  • Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books to make them easier to lift.
  • Roll clothing to save space and prevent wrinkles.  Alternatively, leave clothes in the drawers and move them with the chest of drawers.
  • Use a large rubbish bag to transport your hanging clothes from the wardrobe by grouping 10 - 15 items together, pull a rubbish bag up from the bottom and then tie the bag handles around the hooks to secure.  Alternatively, use a sheet or large blanket to wrap a pile of hanging garments and then secure with a rope or strap.
  • Place plates vertically in boxes to reduce the risk of breakage.

13. DON'T OVERPACK BOXES

Overfilled boxes can break or become too heavy to carry.  Keep each box's weight manageable to avoid injuries and damage.

14. ENLIST HELP

Don't be afraid to ask friends, family or professional movers or organisers for assistance.  More hands make the process quicker and less daunting.

15. CREATE AN INVENTORY

Keep a detailed inventory of your packed boxes and their contents.  This helps you track your belongings and ensures nothing is misplaced during the move.

FINAL THOUGHTS

A well organised move begins with thoughtful packing.  By starting early, decluttering and using these tips, you'll make the process much more efficient and less stressful.

Do you have any tried-and-true packing hacks or tips for moving? We'd love to hear your thoughts, ideas, or feedback in the comments below. Sharing your experiences might just help someone else on their moving journey.

Happy moving!!

 

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Absolutely love the jars! Airtight, sleek look and makes my life so much easier being so organised.

by Abi F. - Verified Buyer