How to pack up your home ahead of a move
Moving house is exciting but there’s no denying that packing up your home in advance is nobody’s favourite task. Yet packing is a crucial part of the process and efficient, effective packing can mean the difference between a successful move and one fraught with stress.
Of course, the easiest way to ensure it goes to plan is to hire a packing and moving company who’ll provide professional packing services for you. But if you’re going it alone, here’s what you need to know.
Pre-move packing checklist
Before you start packing, make sure you have everything you need to hand, including:
> Packing boxes in a variety of sizes – large, medium and small plus wardrobe boxes for clothes
> Packing tape – plus stronger duct tape for heavier boxes
> Packing paper for wrapping fragile items and padding boxes for extra stability
> Bubble wrap to protect delicate or breakable belongings
> Sharp scissors for cutting through tape, paper and bubble wrap
> Box cutters – they’ll save you time when unpacking at the other end
> Rubbish bags – for transporting bulkier items as well as for rubbish
> Small, sealable plastic bags to keep small items safe and in one place
> Labels to attach to your boxes so you know what they contain
> Permanent pens and markers
How to pack for moving house: 5 top tips
Follow this advice to help your packing – and your house move – run smoothly.
1. Start packing early
Don’t try to pack up your entire home in a single day or even two – only professional packers will be able to work with that level of speed and efficiency. Instead, begin packing well in advance, starting with lesser-used rooms and areas, such as a spare room or occasional study.
2. Pack strategically
Pack similar items together, whether they’re used alongside each other, or they live in the same part of the house. And start with items you don’t use everyday – make a list and plan the most sensible order in which you’ll pack everything.
3. Use the right boxes
Using appropriate-sized boxes for your items is key. Pack bulky but lightweight things, like bedding, into your largest boxes, and use smaller ones for heavy or fragile belongings. This helps prevent overloading the boxes.
4. Label everything
Be diligent about labelling boxes with details of what’s inside. It can help to stick labels on each side of a box as well, so they’re visible from every angle, and make sure you write clearly with a permanent marker that won’t rub or wash off.
5. Consider fragile items
If you have anything valuable or delicate, give some thought to how you can pack them up so they stay safe and protected both during loading and unloading, as well as in transit. Wrapping and packing items individually can help, but for complete peace of mind, why not look at packing and moving companies that offer a fragile pack service, for expert help where it’s needed most.
If you want a hand packing your fragile or specialist items, or just fancy letting the professionals take the reins, contact Spire Removals for a bespoke quote.
