Eight moving house packing tips
October 16, 2018
As exciting as it can be to move house, the actual process isn’t something people tend to look forward to. There is always a great deal to organise, such as conveyancing, updating your utility providers, writing your moving checklist and searching for a top-quality removal company. Even if you’re a whizz at those things, proper packing is an entirely different science.
You likely have a considerable range of belongings, including furniture, appliances, clothes - and dozens of knick-knacks - many of which you didn’t even realise you owned.
Finding a way to organise everything and find enough places to store everything for the move can be a long and drawn-out task. This process and the stress can worsen if you leave it until the last minute.
As such, you should get started with packing as quickly as possible. Ideally, this process will begin several weeks before your move, although there are many ways to make the most of your time if you have little to spare.
Let’s look at essential packing tips you should know when moving house:
Free cardboard boxes
You would be surprised at how much cardboard boxes can cost. A new set of moving boxes from a website like Amazon is usually north of £20, and it's not much better at the Post Office.
Luckily, there are several places where you can get free moving boxes. Local shops are a good place to start, especially bookstores and pubs. As these shops always need sturdy boxes to transport heavy stock, they should have more than enough on hand for your moving day - provided you time it correctly.
Start by asking what day of the week they get rid of old boxes, then ask if you can take some off their hands - just be sure to come back before they get flattened and thrown out. Or, ask your family or friends if they have any spare. Just remember your valuables are going in there, so make sure they're robust and fit for the task.
Leave the important stuff for last
Whilst this may sound counterproductive, only some things need packing immediately. For example, you should consider belongings you don't - or can't - be without, such as toiletries, work clothes or chargers. Pack these belongings in a marked box or suitcase, allowing you to unpack them when you arrive at your new home.
A better place to start is with the items you don't need to use daily, such as home accessories, seasonal clothes, or other non-essential goods. Place these into clearly marked boxes, then move them to where nobody can trip over them.
If you have a spare bedroom or shed, these are great places to start, as you'll likely use them the least in moving out. Or even begin with seasonal clothes you won't need at the time of year you're moving.
Packing one room at a time
You can make it easier to organise your packing by following a formula. Start by packing what you can from less essential rooms, such as the living rooms or bedrooms. Essentials, such as cooking utensils, can be left until last.
Why not clear a room and use it to store all of your packed boxes before moving day?
Fill up any gaps
When packing small or fragile belongings, it is a good idea not to leave any wiggle room. If your items can move around, there is a chance that they could break - or be damaged - during the move.
Once you have packed a box or suitcase, fill gaps with newspaper, bubble wrap or any other padding available - one tip we recommend is to use clothing to fill the space and protect breakables. You can also utilise cushions, blankets or even tote bags!
Are you transporting particularly fragile or valuable items? If so, leave this to a professional. Not only will they have the materials and experience to do it safely, but they should also be able to offer insurance to cover the items in case any accidents occur.
Declutter
The less you have to pack, the easier it will be! Rather than struggling to cram everything you own into a single vehicle, start thinking about which belongings you can do without and declutter your home before moving.
Clothes, in particular, can pile up quickly, as can furniture and appliances. Luckily, there are several ways to find new homes for unwanted belongings.
Selling anything of decent quality is a good idea, as this should allow you to offset some of the costs of your moving day. Charity shops are also a good choice, especially as many offer home pick-up services for large or heavy items, or you could always look for new owners on freecycling websites like Freegle.
Keep things light
Initially, filling large boxes sounds like the most efficient way to pack. However, they can be heavy and awkward come moving day, so limit yourself if possible.
Remember, the easier you can make things for your removers, the easier the entire day will be. The last thing you want is for someone to get injured.
Contents insurance
Even with all the bubble wrap in the world, there is still only so much you can do to keep your belongings safe. It's always a good idea to check whether your home contents insurance will cover your belongings during the move. If not, consider taking out an additional policy before the big day.
Remember, you want coverage for damages and breakages for the value of your most expensive belongings. An unbiased insurance broker should be able to recommend a policy for you, though there are also several online comparison websites that can help you find the best options.
Hire a removal company
With everything else to organise during a move, sorting your packing can be an unnecessary additional stress. If so, hiring a professional removal company can save time and worry. Not only will they move your belongings, but for an extra fee, they can pack them for you too.
Highly experienced in packing everything from clothes to heavy furniture, removers have more than their fair share of tricks and all the necessary packaging materials to ensure everything is secure for the move.
Most importantly, professional removers can fully insure your belongings on moving day, protecting you in case any unfortunate incidents crop up during the day.
It's worth asking each of your candidates how much coverage they can offer. And, if your belongings are costly, notify them as they may need to take out an additional policy.