Moving house can be both exciting and stressful, but packing properly can make a huge difference to how smooth the process feels. With the right approach, you can protect your belongings, stay organised, and make unpacking in your new home much easier.

Start Early and Make a Plan

Begin packing as early as possible—ideally months before your moving date. Start with items you use less frequently, such as seasonal clothing, books, and decorations. Create a simple packing schedule so you can tackle one room at a time rather than feeling overwhelmed.

Gather the Right Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials. These include sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and marker pens. You can see what you need here.

Declutter Before You Pack

Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need. Sort your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, or throw away. This will reduce the number of items you need to pack and save time and money on moving costs. Consider your local Whats App Group if you belong to one.

If you started packing a box months ago and now can’t remember what’s in it, consider if you really need it and if want to take it to your new home.

Pack Room by Room

Focus on one room at a time to stay organised. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will help movers know where to place boxes in your new home and make unpacking much easier.

Protect Fragile Items

Wrap delicate items such as glassware, dishes, and ornaments carefully using bubble wrap or packing paper. Fill any empty spaces in boxes with soft materials like towels or clothing to prevent items from shifting during transport. You can watch our video on this here

Keep Essentials Separate

Pack a separate “essentials box” with items you’ll need immediately after moving. This might include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, phone chargers, and basic kitchen supplies like a kettle and mugs…or wine!

Don’t Overpack Boxes

While it may be tempting to fill boxes to the top, overly heavy boxes are difficult to carry and more likely to break. Keep boxes at a manageable weight and use smaller boxes for heavier items like books. Keep in mind, different boxes are optimised to store different things. have a look at the description here for different box types.

Label and Inventory Everything

Clearly label all boxes and consider numbering them with a simple inventory list. This helps ensure nothing gets lost and allows you to quickly find important items when you arrive at your new home. The numbering idea is REALLY useful.

Consider Professional Help

If your budget allows, hiring professional movers or packers can save time and reduce stress. Our parent company, Clarks can help you find out about using professional home movers.

Final Checks Before Moving Day

Before the move, double-check that all boxes are sealed and labelled. Take photos of valuable items for insurance purposes and ensure important documents are kept safe and accessible.

Packing your house properly takes time and effort, but it pays off by making your move more organised and less stressful. With careful planning and the right techniques, you can settle into your new home with ease.