Before You Start Packing for Moving House
When Should I Start Packing for a House Move?
You should begin planning your move at least two months in advance of your actual moving date. Begin actively sorting belongings into essential and non-essential categories approximately one month before departure. Use our moving house checklist to stay on track.
What Packing Materials Do I Need To Move House?
Getting Packing Supplies
Essential materials include:
- Moving boxes (standard 45cm x 45cm x 51.5cm recommended)
- Sticky labels
- Brown packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Newspapers
- Marker pens
- Stretch wrap
- Wardrobe boxes for clothing
How To Label Moving Boxes
Boxes should feature clear room labels with specific contents noted (e.g. "glasses"). Hazardous materials and valuables require visible warning labels.
Need Help Setting Up Your New Home?
Moving house? Our experts at Selectra can set up your energy, broadband, and utilities in one free call — saving you time and money.
10 Essential Packing Tips for Moving House
- Start Packing Early — Break the task into manageable chunks to reduce stress.
- Book Removals as Soon as Possible — Secure better pricing and coordination by booking removals early.
- Pack Non-Essentials First — Prioritise seasonal items and less-used belongings.
- Get Rid of Unnecessary Items — Declutter before packing to save time and space.
- Pack One Room at a Time — Maintain organisation and simplify unpacking.
- Roll Up Your Clothes — Maximise space and reduce wrinkles.
- Do Not Leave Extra Spaces — Fill gaps with towels or paper to secure contents.
- Keep Your Documents on You — Maintain an organised folder of essential paperwork.
- Heavier Below, Light on Top — Load the van strategically to prevent damage.
- Organise Utilities Sooner — Contact energy and broadband providers in advance.
What Is the Best Way To Declutter?
- Hire a skip
- Have a jumble sale
- Donate old clothes
- Sell items online
- Give items to friends and family
How Do You Pack a House Fast?
In an emergency move: purge unwanted items aggressively, skip sorting procedures, donate large furniture, hire professional movers, and pack an essentials bag prioritising immediate needs.
How To Pack Each Room
Which Room Should I Pack First?
Start with rarely-used spaces: spare rooms, loft, cellar, garage, and out-of-season clothing storage.
Packing Tips for Each Room
- Bedrooms — Use wardrobe boxes for clothing; carefully label miscellaneous items; wrap mattresses with stretch wrap for protection.
- Living Room — Dismantle cabinets and drawers for easier packing; pack TVs securely; transport potted plants in secure containers.
- Kitchen — The largest category requiring organisation. Wrap glasses in bubble wrap; stack pots and pans vertically; use blade protectors for knives; use up food supplies 2+ weeks before moving.
- Bathroom — Pack towels and linens tightly; discard expired medicines and cleaning products; prevent leakage during transit.
- Valuables — Ensure specialist packaging for breakables; organise jewellery to prevent tangling; properly insure antiques.
Need Help Setting Up Your New Home?
Moving house? Our experts at Selectra can set up your energy, broadband, and utilities in one free call — saving you time and money.
Packing Tips for Loading the Van
- Heavy Items — Wardrobes, refrigerators, freezers, sofas and ovens loaded first with careful balance.
- Delicate Objects — Mirrors, televisions, and picture frames wrapped in bubble wrap after heavier items.
- Longer Furniture — Mattresses and disassembled furniture positioned along van sides.
- Heavy Boxes — Fill remaining floor space with secure positioning.
- Lighter Boxes — Packed tightly into remaining available space.
Tips for Unloading and Unpacking
- Inspect items for damage
- Move each box to its designated room
- Reassemble furniture first
- Unpack room-by-room systematically
- Unpack bedding before evening
Frequently Asked Questions About packing
Two months of advance planning is recommended. Setting a defined moving date should be the first task on your moving checklist.
Larger rooms are often packed first, though kitchen packing timing presents challenges due to ongoing usage needs. Start with spare rooms and storage areas.
Multiple methods are available including skip hire, jumble sales, donations, online sales, or gifting items to friends and family.
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