21 August 2019
1. Get the proper supplies
Having the right packaging will go a long way to keeping the whole process stress free. Invest in some good quality boxes and moving supplies to minimise breaking any valuables. You will also need labels, marker pens, strong tape, lots of bubble wrap and resealable bags.
2. List everything you own
Creating an inventory will save you a lot of time when you come to unpack everything in your new home. List down everything that belongs in each room, so when you move in, you can make sure everything is accounted for.
3. Start by organising each room
In order to stay on top of packing, start by designating a room for filling up with boxes. Once this has been done, begin to pack up the least used room. This could be the garage or attic as they usually hold the most items.
4. Throw away any unwanted items
Another great packing tip for moving home is to get rid of any unwanted items. This could range from food or bathroom products past their sell by date, or even old clothes. If you have any unwanted clothing or furniture, why not donate it to charity or see if friends and family will have it. By decluttering before you move, you'll avoid taking on extra baggage.
5. Label everything clearly
Labelling is essential to moving house efficiently. Being clear about what's inside the box and what room it's going in will save you a lot of time. Try colour coding boxes to make it easier to scan a room to see where things should go.
6. Pack a box of essentials
Keep the things that you use everyday in a separate box so you can have easy access to them. You don't want to have to sift through lots of boxes to find essential items.
7. Use lots of protective padding
Avoid breaking valuables like crockery, paintings and mirrors by using lots of protective padding. This can range from bubblewrap to pieces of clothing. Wrapping up your belongings in clothing cuts down on the amount of packaging you need. Another helpful tip, pack plates vertically like records so that they're less likely to break.
8. Wrap up liquid products to avoid leaks
To avoid leaks all over your belongings, wrap up liquid products very carefully. To prevent this you can:
- Remove the top, wrap the bottle or jar in cling film or a resealable bag, and then place the top back on
- Place the bottle or jar into a resealable plastic bag to contain the liquid if it spills
9. Hire a reliable moving company
An extremely important part of moving home is securing a reliable moving company. The last thing you want is to have your belongings broken or lost in transit, so finding the right company is essential. You can do this by using the Which? Trusted Traders Scheme to find a removal company near you.
10. Make the most of friends and family
Moving home isn't a one-man-job, so make the most of friends and family. Ask close friends and family to see who can help with moving boxes, labelling or taping. A little help can go a long way and having people you know and trust around you will ease the moving process.
