Moving House Packing Tips

Moving home is something that most of us will experience during our lifetime. There is no denying that moving house can be stressful and even those who are extremely organised can find that packing and arranging everything can get the better of them. Fortunately, there are packing tips available that can help you to make the process easier, faster, and more efficient.

Before Packing, Clear the House

Your move will be made a lot easier when you reduce the number of items that you move. This is your chance to create a checklist that enables you to remove items you no longer want or need.

So, go through all of your wardrobes and remove any clothing that you no longer wear or need. Then look at items you no longer need – this can include anything and everything. Consider old furniture, ornaments, and old appliances, and more because getting rid of this will make the packing experience a lot simpler.

If you want to avoid throwing things away then offer them to charity shops and make sure you put arrangements in place to have them picked up. Finally, you might want to consider short-term storage for some of your items as this will make the process of deciding what you want and don’t want to keep a lot easier.

Getting Started

Getting started with moving could be considered the hardest part of the process. However, creating a structure and a plan will enable you to get moving. Therefore, you should consider packing rooms that are used least, to begin with. Then you’ll need to consider what you will need to pack in each room, what you need and how to pack everything securely.

Packing Supplies to Help You Pack Easier

To ensure you pack correctly, you must have all the right packing materials readily available. You’re going to require a whole range of materials for the many different items that you will be moving, so it is worth considering this. Your packing materials will need to be sturdy and tough while plastic boxes might be more suitable for transporting fragile items. So, what will you need?

• Small boxes
• Medium boxes
• Large boxes
• Heavy-duty boxes
• Wardrobe boxes
• Mirror boxes/ Telescopic cardboard boxes

While the packing boxes are really important, there are other materials you will need that can be used during the packing, this includes:

• Packing tape
• Bubble wrap
• Styrofoam
• Old newspapers
• Stretch wrap for furniture
• Marker
• Plastic bags
• Labels

Packing Hacks

Labelling the Boxes

Labels are vital to ensuring your move goes as smoothly as possible as this will enable you to determine what goes where and what belongs to what when you eventually unpack in your new home. This can include labelling boxes for rooms or even labelling cables so you can determine which appliances they belong to. Labelling before moving will make moving home a lot less stressful.

Heavy Items Packing Hack

Place heavy items and books in small boxes. The aim is to ensure you don’t make the box too heavy, which can make it difficult to move. Heavier boxes should be placed at the bottom as this will ensure the heavier boxes do not crush the lighter boxes. You should also label heavy boxes so everyone is aware of what they are lifting when the time comes to move or even unpack in your new house.

Cables Packing Hack

Keeping cables tidy and organised when moving is important. Therefore, you can use used toilet tolls to help keep your cables tidy. The rolls can then be labelled to ensure you know exactly where they are when it comes to unpacking.

Fragile Items Packing Hack

This will include things such as crockery, ornaments, mirrors, and artwork. It’s important to avoid stacking these items unprotected and so, they will need to be individually wrapped using newspaper or paper. You can also use mirror boxes for your mirrors and you can tape cardboard around other items should they be an unusual shape.

Large Items Packing Hack

Should you find that you need to disassemble large pieces of furniture, you will need to make sure that the parts are all packed together. You should collect all screws and fittings and place these in a bag and then tie that bag to the larger pieces. You can use bubble wrap to protect any parts that could be potentially damaged.

For electronics such as computers, you should make sure that all of your data is backed up just in case your equipment does become damaged during removals. Turn all devices off and then unplug them along with any accessories. All cables should be labelled, making it easier to reconnect them after you have finished moving house. For your computer itself, use a box that has a thick wall and then pack the box with cushioning material to protect it during the move.

While most gas ovens are integrated, some can be moved, so you will need a Gas Safe registered engineer. This will need to be booked in advance of moving, so make sure you put a date in the diary.

Finally, you will need to unplumbed your washing machine which is not a challenging task. You should ensure that no water remains in the drum as that could cause issues when you arrive in your new house. Along with this, you will also need to ensure that all connecting pipes remain with your washing machine.

Packing Tips Room by Room

Kitchen Items

So, one of the most important things you should do is defrost your refrigerator. This should be done around 48 hours before moving out of your current property. Don’t worry about packing dishes either as this is relatively simple? You will need to ensure that you pack them with plenty of protection and don’t overpack as this will make boxes heavy and could lead to damage while you are moving.

Consider all of your small appliances such as your toaster, kettle, portable grills, and other devices. Use a small piece of tape to ensure that the cord is taped to the appliance while any blades or loose components should be removed too.

Dining Room

You will need to make sure that your dining table and chair are packaged correctly. So, if possible, remove the legs of chairs and place them in house moving boxes. You can then wrap the dining table in a blanket before you start packing anything else. Do the same with all other decorations such as ornaments and mirrors, using blankets and bubble wrap to ensure that they are adequately protected?

Living Room Essentials

Your living room is likely to consist of furniture such as sofas, chairs, coffee tables, and an array of other things such as ornaments, mirrors. Therefore, you should look to remove any feet that can be unscrewed off feet before moving as this will keep them safe and will make them easier to pack. Any rugs should be rolled up, with one of the best packing tips being to secure rugs with cable ties or tape. Ensure all ornaments are wrapped in bubble wrap before being packed and either pack them in their box or pack them tightly in a box together, making sure the box isn’t too heavy. Pack all mirrors using cardboard to protect them and use sofa bags to protect your sofas and chairs. Cover the top of your coffee table with a rug and then look to ensure that you pack all books and CDs in separate boxes before moving.

Bedroom

Begin by packing clothing that you do not need any time soon and place them in moving boxes with wardrobe boxes being used for formal clothing. Make sure all of your jewellery is stored and protected accordingly before moving although you should keep them with you at all times so they do not get lost. Mattresses can be placed in bed packs as this will ensure they are protected when they leave your house from the elements. Make sure all electronics are also boxed and protected accordingly, using the right packing boxes and materials.

Bathroom

This is one of the easier rooms to manage when moving home. Make sure you pack all of your toiletries in a clearly labelled box so you can find them when you arrive at your new home. Make sure you pack all towels, soap, and toilet paper in easy-to-access boxes as you will need them when you arrive at your new house.

Laundry Room Items

Your laundry room is likely to have several appliances such as a washing machine and tumble dryer. Before moving, make sure they are unplugged and disconnected with all power cords secure to each appliance. Make sure you dispose of detergents and fabric softeners as they are not safe to transport when moving. You can use your laundry basket to pack and carry some items and you’ll know where they belong when you arrive in your new home.

Garage

Your garage will likely contain all kinds of items. So, when moving, ensure you pack all lawn furniture cushions in boxes or bags while hazardous materials will need to be disposed of. This will include the likes of pain, weed killer, or fertilizer. If you have a tool chest or a toolbox, pack all tools away while any sharp tools will need to be wrapped in towels or old sheets. Mowers can often be folded down and BBQs will need to have the gas disconnected. If possible, use a bike rack to transport your bicycles as this will make it easier and quicker while moving and it will save space on the removal vans.

Home Office

If possible, dismantle your desk and ensure that all fittings such as screws are placed in a bag and attached to the desk. Store your monitor in a box and ensure it is protected with bubble wrap and then make sure you do the same with the computer and any peripherals. Consider packing all files and paperwork into folders or boxes while labelling what everything is, so you know exactly what it is when it comes to unpacking after moving. Your desk chair will also need to be transported and that will mean that you should aim to remove any wheels and place those in a bag before attaching them to the chair before you move.

How to Choose a Reliable House Removals Company?

When the time comes to move, you should ensure that you choose a reliable moving company. The company should have an excellent track record and you should aim to get feedback testimonials from customers they have helped to move.

Your chosen company should ensure that they recognise your specific requirements, enabling them to provide an accurate price as well as the right vehicles and a team of removals experts. The moving company should be honest and open and should take care of the booking process thoroughly and methodically. You should ensure that they provide information relating to how they plan to move you on the day and how they will take care of your essentials and belongings throughout the move.

Moving Day

When moving day come, it’s important to put everything in place to make moving easier.

A cooler bag will enable you to keep certain foods and drinks cool throughout the day as you won’t have access to these things until you have moved into your new home. Make sure you also consider what will happen to your children or pets. Can they stay with friends or family while you move? Moving can be disruptive for both children and pets, so removing them from the process will make things easier. You might feel as though you have spent your entire life packing but make sure that everything is packed up the day before you move. This ensures that your moving plans and your removal company can help you to move with ease.

Unpacking

Unpacking should feel a lot easier and more efficient than when you were packing to move home. Make sure you begin by moving all boxes into the right rooms and then begin by unpacking the rooms and items you are going to need most. This will include unpacking and installing appliances such as your washing machine, fridge freezer, and television. You will need to begin unpacking crockery and cutlery, toiletries and bedding as well as towels and other belongings that will enable you to settle into your new home after moving.

Rooms such as the garage or the spare bedroom can be left until another time but make sure the correct boxes are placed in the correct rooms. Once unpacked, make sure you dispose of all boxes and packing materials as soon as possible as this will make your home clearer and easier to make your own.

Moving Home Can Becomes a Stress-free Experience

The key to moving home is to ensure that you plan, pack in advance, and use the right moving tips to make the entire process streamlined and simple. By taking a slow approach and by remaining organised, you’ll feel in control. Furthermore, by using a reputable and reliable removals services company, you can also have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are taken care of.