Moving house is a big life event that can be both exciting and stressful. The anticipation of a new home and fresh beginnings is often overshadowed by the daunting task of packing up your entire life. However, with the right strategies, you can simplify the packing process and make your move a smoother, more organised experience.

In this article, we’ll explore top strategies for packing your house with ease, focusing on the key question: “How is best to pack when moving house?”

Start Early: Create a Packing Timeline

The key to an stress-free move is starting early. Begin by creating a packing timeline that outlines when you’ll pack each room. Ideally, you should start packing at least a few weeks before your moving day. Begin with areas of your home that are used less frequently, such as the attic, basement, or spare bedrooms. Gradually work your way towards the more commonly used spaces like the kitchen and living room. This gradual approach will prevent a last-minute packing frenzy, reducing stress and ensuring you have enough time to pack items carefully.

Declutter Before You Pack

Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter your belongings. Before you start packing, go through your items and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Consider the rule of thumb: if you haven’t used it in a year, it might be time to let it go. This not only reduces the number of items you need to pack but also ensures that you’re not bringing unnecessary clutter to your new home. Donate usable items to local charities or host a garage sale to lighten your load and maybe even make some extra cash. It is worth checking what items local charity shops will take, take a look at this handy guide: The Charity Shop Checklist.

Gather the Right Packing Supplies

Having the right packing supplies is crucial to a smooth packing process. Ensure you have an ample supply of sturdy boxes in various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and labels. Invest in high-quality boxes that can withstand the weight of your items and provide adequate protection. Consider obtaining speciality boxes for fragile items like dishware or electronics, as these often come with extra padding and protection. You can purchase packing boxes and packing materials from us at Headington Carriers.

Learn more – 8 Key Moving Supplies

Pack Room by Room

To maintain organisation and sanity, pack one room at a time. Starting with less frequently used rooms allows you to make progress without disrupting your daily routines. As you pack each room, label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. This makes unpacking at your new home a breeze, as you can direct movers or helpers to place boxes in their designated rooms. It also helps you quickly locate essential items when you’re settling in.

Protect Fragile Items

Fragile items like glassware, dishes, and electronics require extra care. Wrap them individually in packing paper or bubble wrap and place them in boxes with plenty of cushioning material, such as crumpled paper or packing peanuts. Consider using dish boxes or specialised dishware packing kits with dividers to prevent breakage. Label these boxes as “fragile” to ensure they’re handled with care during the move. For electronic equipment, take photos of how cables are connected before unplugging to make reassembly easier.

Use Clothing as Packing Material

Maximise space and reduce the need for excess packing materials by using your clothing as padding. Wrap delicate items in clean, soft clothing, such as t-shirts or sweaters. This not only protects your items but also saves money on packing supplies. For instance, wrap dishes in clean dish towels or place framed artwork between layers of clothing.

Pack Essentials Separately

Pack a separate box or bag with essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This may include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medications, and basic kitchen items like a kettle, coffee maker, or a few utensils. Having these essentials readily accessible will make your first day in your new home more comfortable, especially when you’re too tired from the move to unpack everything immediately.

Take Inventory

Keep a detailed inventory of your packed boxes. You can use a simple notebook or a digital app for this purpose. Note the contents of each box and assign it a number that corresponds to its label. This inventory will be invaluable when you’re unpacking and searching for specific items. It not only helps you keep track of your belongings but also serves as a record for potential insurance claims in case of loss or damage during the move.

Seek Professional Help

Consider hiring a professional moving company, especially for heavy or valuable items. They have the expertise and equipment to handle your possessions safely. Research local moving companies, read reviews, and obtain quotes to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Professional movers can often provide additional services like packing and unpacking, which can save you time and effort.

At Headington Carriers we offer a full or part packing service to give you a hand. Learn more here.

Label Furniture and Hardware

If you’re disassembling furniture for the move, use small plastic bags to store screws, bolts, and other hardware. Label each bag and tape it to the corresponding piece of furniture. This simple step will make reassembly a breeze when you arrive at your new home, preventing the frustration of searching for missing parts.

Conclusion

Moving house can be a daunting task, but with these strategies, you can simplify the packing process and make your move more manageable. Remember to start early, declutter, gather the right supplies, and pack room by room. Take extra care with fragile items and use your clothing as padding. Keep essentials separate, take inventory, and consider professional help for heavy or valuable items.

By following these tips, you’ll not only reduce the stress of moving but also ensure that your belongings arrive safely and intact at your new home. Moving is a significant life event, and with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and exciting transition to the next chapter of your life. Happy packing and happy moving!

If you would like more information on how we could help you with your move then reach out to us at Headington Carriers here.