25 Packing Tips When Moving House

Moving to a new home is a significant undertaking, and effective packing is key to being organised and reducing stress levels when moving. To help you, we have written this article outlining 25 packing tips when moving house so you know when to start packing, what to pack first and even how to save money on packing so you can easily navigate the packing process:

When should I start to pack when moving?

Start early to avoid last-minute stress. Begin the packing process at least six weeks before your moving date; first, focus on non-essential items that you won’t need before you move house. Leave the essential items that you need the most until the week of the move.

What do I need to pack my house for a move?

You will need packing supplies, including sturdy boxes (reinforce with joints with tape where possible), packing tape, bubble wrap (but towels and other fabric items can be used for the same purpose), packing paper, labels and markers for labelling. You will also need to create an inventory of items so you know what you have packed into boxes. This should be done on a room-by-room basis, and you can then use this to check off items as you unpack in your new home.

What should I start packing when moving home?

Begin with items you rarely use, such as things stored in the loft like Christmas decorations, out-of-season clothing, and books. Gradually work your way to everyday essentials and then the things you most need and use most frequently, such as laptops and cooking items.

Top tip: Allocate space in one room to start collecting your boxes so all rooms in the house are not taken over by boxes.

What should I not pack when moving home?

Avoid packing hazardous materials such as aerosols, perishable items that might go off, and any important documents you might need for the move. Keep these items with you during the move and separate them from other things.

How do I organise items to pack when moving home?

Sort items, first by room and then by category, and label boxes accordingly and even consider colour coding labels. This will make the unpacking process in your new home much easier.

As you approach moving day, don’t forget to pack a moving essentials box for the first few nights at your new home. 

Keep this box separate, and make sure you load it last. Essentials that should be packed separately could include: 

• Bedding
• Chargers
• Tea/Coffee
• Kettle
• Toilet roll
• Pet food
• First aid kit

Ways to save money on packing when moving home?

Utilise existing household items as packing materials, such as towels and linens, to protect delicate items and reduce the need for extra supplies like bubble wrap. One tip is transporting kitchen utensils and cutlery inside padded items such as oven gloves. If you do need to buy packing materials, compare prices and opt, don’t just opt for the most expensive options. Instead of spending money on cardboard boxes, ask family and friends who have moved recently if they have any and consider asking supermarkets if they have any boxes they can take off their hands from deliveries. 

Should I use a removal company that offers a packing service?

If time is a concern, consider hiring a removal company that offers a packing service. Professional packers can efficiently and securely pack your belongings, saving you time and effort. Packing companies may offer a full or part packing service, so you can opt for just furniture or valuables to be packed or sit back and let them pack up your entire home. This will cost more than just removal hire, and costs will vary according to which package you opt for. Most removal companies will conduct a survey and provide a quote based on the items in your home and any additional services, such as packing or disassembling furniture.

25 Tips for packing when moving home:

1. Create a packing timeline – this will ensure things go smoothly and save you time
2. Declutter before packing – this will mean there are fewer items to pack and help you to get rid of old items you may no longer need
3. Pack one room at a time – taking things step by step breaks a big job into more manageable tasks
4. Label boxes clearly – Mark labels clearly by room and items
5. Use small boxes for heavy items – this will stop you from packing too many heavy items into one box so it can’t be lifted easily
6. Reinforce the bottom of boxes with extra tape – this will ensure there are no unnecessary breakages from boxes opening
7. Pack a moving day essentials box – Keep this box separate and pack close to moving day
8. Take inventory of your belongings – this will ensure you can unpack easily on the other end
9. Pack a separate bag for essential documents – Keep this with your essential items and to hand in case you need it
10. Use plastic wrapping to prevent leaks – use for bottles and wash items that contain liquids
11. Pack dishes vertically – this will save space and pad with packing paper or fabric household items for extra safety
12. Wrap breakables in clothing – thick socks are great for packing small, fragile items and jewellery
13. Use suitcases for heavy items – suitcases are more sturdy than cardboard boxes, so instead of using them for clothing, consider using them for heavier items
14. Pack a first aid kit for emergencies – keep this in your essentials box
15. Disassemble furniture properly – cutting corners can result in damages and increased difficulty when reassembling. Keep manuals or drawings to hand where possible.
16. Keep screws and small parts organised – use can use storage tubs to keep these together
17. Use Tupperware for small items – make use of your kitchen tubs for packing
18. Pack an overnight bag for each family member – clean clothes, underwear, essential wash items
19. Clearly mark boxes with fragile items – keep these boxes clearly labelled and separate from the rest of your packing boxes so they can be easily seen on moving day
20. Pack a separate box for cleaning supplies – keeping these items separate means you will be able to access them easily when you move into your new home
21. Don’t overpack boxes & monitor weight – it is much better to have a few lighter boxes that end up with boxes that can’t be lifted
22. Leave clothes on hangers – leaving on hangers and packing them in bin bags can save time when unpacking clothing
23. Take photos or videos of electronic setups for easy reassembly – This will save time when setting electronics up in your new home
24. Pack a separate box for pet essentials – this will include food, toys and bedding
25. Stay organised with a packing checklist

By following these tips, you’ll ensure a more efficient and organised packing process, making your move to a new home a more enjoyable experience.