News

How to Pack for Moving House: A Comprehensive Guide

Start Early

When you are planning to move then one of the most important things that you need to do is to start early. However, as for packing and moving, it is always better to start in advance so that you do not rush through the process. It is one of the most effective ways of avoiding the stress that is inherent in the whole process of moving. This important suggestion can go a long way in making the whole process easy and packing less stressful. If you begin the process early, then you are able to go through all your belongings, determine what shall be kept or discarded and then take time to pack your belongings in a very systematic manner without having to rush through the process. You will also be able to spend time to buy what you need to pack your stuff, look up how to pack some items, sort out your belongings and label your moving boxes. By following these tips it is possible to have a great packing experience and a stress free moving process to your new home. Do not just pack, pack well. Therefore, starting early should always be on your list of tips on how to avoid stress during the moving process.

Create a Moving Checklist

There are many things that have to be done when you are preparing to relocate your belongings and change the address of your house and that is why it is recommended to make a moving checklist. This will help you to have a checklist that will assist you in not missing any steps and not to forget any procedure that you were supposed to follow. First of all, make the list of all the rooms in the home as well the outside areas and the items that need to be packed. It is advised to begin with the packing of the items which are not required on a daily basis and gradually continue with the packing of essential items in the last few days before the shifting.

As you pack your house for moving, do not be in a hurry as this article has highlighted. This way, you will be in a position to make the right decisions on some of the things to pack as you give yourself enough time. This will help you avoid the last minute rush and therefore, make the moving process seamless to your new home. Also, write down any unique tips you find here and there on packing, for example, on how to pack delicate items. Following these tips you will be able to make your moving process much easier. So, remember the fact that having a detailed and well-organised moving checklist can certainly help in having a proper packing process.

Sorting and Decluttering

The other tip that one should consider in moving is to sort and declutter. First of all, it is necessary to go round all the rooms and determine, which belongings should be taken with you and which of them can be left behind. It is very crucial in determining the extent of how well one will be able to pack. Sorting helps you to arrange items that are similar in a certain way and this way you are able to arrange them easily when you want to move them. On the other hand, decluttering not only enables you to minimise the items that you have to move but also enables you to begin a new life in your new home without extra items that you may not need.

It is, however, important to pack appropriately and this takes some work. This is because you don’t want to be in a position where you are moving things that are of no value or even worse miss on moving some valuable items. So, when moving, always remember these tips: begin the process early, make a plan, have a moving checklist, sort, declutter and pack well. That’s how you prepare for a perfect moving process.

Gather Packing Supplies

It is now that you have planted early, made a moving checklist, and even arranged and organized your things, it is time to get your packing materials. Specifically, boxes, boxes and more boxes you are likely to require more than what you had estimated. Sizes are important because each of these boxes is needed in this home transition process in one way or another. Small ones are the best for heavier items such as books while the larger ones are best for lighter items that have a lot of space.

Then wrap, wrap and yes, wrap it in again! It is important not to overlook the use of wrapping for items to reduce the likelihood of damage. Fragile items can be wrapped in bubble wrap while furniture items can be covered with moving blankets or wrapped with stretch wrap.

Further, pack, pack, and pack anything that you can! Make sure to buy a pack of packing tape so that you can seal your boxes properly and use the Sharpies to write down on the boxes. Other things that may come in handy include using packing paper or newspaper to stuff empty spaces in boxes and to provide support to other items. That is why it is very important that you prepare all the necessary supplies for the house moving process.

Packing Tips

Relocation could be a very daunting task and this is especially so when it comes to packing. But don’t stress, that’s why we are here, and in this article, we will provide you with a couple of key packing tips for a successful moving process. First of all, never underrate the value of time management as it is paramount to start early. Actually, one of the most important pieces of advice for effective packing is to start at a good time. Make a list of things that you need to pack, sort items by their importance and make a checklist for moving and adhere to it.

Then you need to deliberate on the issue of clutter and start getting rid of any unwanted items. Organisation and cleaning can be tiring and boring at times but we assure you that the time you will spend is nothing compared to the reward. Choose the items that you should keep, those which are no longer needed and should be thrown away, and those which can be donated. By reducing the luggage one has to carry, the packing process and the move itself becomes easier and it is also a way of giving a new lease of life to your new home.

However, last but not the least, get all the supplies that you will need for packing. Bubble wraps, packing tapes, and boxes should be your priority list when it comes to the packing materials. Purchasing quality packing supplies will be a wise decision for a problem free moving process of the belongings.

Packing Electronics and Cords

When relocating to a new home, you will find it rather daunting to pack electronics and cords. Most of these items are sensitive and hence they must be packed in the right manner to minimise the probability of damaging them during the moving process. Start with going through all the gadgets that are used in the house and laying a hold of each and every cord that is connected to them because losing them can be very annoying. It will be a good idea to pack these items in a strong box. It is preferable to use smaller boxes because they are manageable and do not leave little space for movement.

It is advisable to pack each electrical item in bubble wrap or packing paper and make sure that they are well fixed. As a final step, wrap each cord or cable separately to avoid them from being entangled to each other and this can be done using cable ties, rubber bands, or any other means of tying them up. After the wrapping it is better to put them into the box as careful as you can. Put the heavier things at the bottom and the lighter ones at the top so as to avoid damaging any of them. It may be useful to write what is in each box to make it easier to find something when unpacking for example.

Therefore, packing electronics and cords when shifting is all about being very particular and methodical. Here are the steps to follow to ensure that when you move you do it in the right way and all your electronics get to your new house safely.

Important Documents and Records

Relocation, though, can be quite a daunting task, but it does not have to be that way if you plan well for it. You should always ensure that you handle your papers and files with so much care. These are some of the things that are easily forgotten during the whole process of moving but are extremely important to have in your new house.

Unfortunately, when you are in the process of packing, it is best to sort and declutter these important documents and have a special checklist for them when moving. It is advisable to begin this process as early as possible before you can start moving the other household stuff and it is advised that you get the right packing materials such as water proof containers or folders to store them in.

This is because packing important documents is a delicate process which has to be performed with a lot of attention. Ensure they are well packed and easy to find in the course of the moving process, you wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time searching for them. Also, when packing electronic gadgets and cords, make sure that the two are not packed in the same box to prevent chances of damage. With these suggestions, you will be able to avoid some of the common problems that are associated with home moving and thus have a successful move.

Valuables and Sentimental Items

If you are planning to move to a new house you have to face certain problems when packing your belongings. That is why it is necessary to pack all these items properly to avoid any possible damage during the process of the moving. For ceramics, and glassware, it is best to wrap each piece and then pack it gently in a box. Photographs or paintings in frames should be covered with bubble wrap and placed in a box with the frame laying down.

It is also important how one deals with belongings that have emotional value. These are not just objects, these are milestones of life which hold a lot of value to us. Be very much protective and cautious while packing these valuable items. The following are the measures that are recommended to be followed in the handling of the items; It is advised that one uses some materials like bubble wrap to pack them tightly.

Also, it is wrong to ignore the psychological aspect of moving and settling in a new place. It isn’t merely a house that you are to leave behind, but you are also leaving behind a number of memories. What is interesting, some things can be rather difficult to fold and put away. In case you get overwhelmed, you should not forget that you are not discarding your past, you are only relocating it.

Packing Books

In the process of packing books to take with you during your house move there is one thing that many people tend to do and that is underestimating the weight of the books. It is not recommended trying to fit all your books in one box as this will result in the box being very heavy. It would be much easier, and better for your books, if you used more than one box. It may seem quite absurd to use the word box time and again, but ensuring that the box is packed with the right weight distribution and your books are well protected is as important as knowing how to pack. The following are some of the main packing tips that can help you ensure that your books are well packed; Always ensure that you pack your books in small to medium sized boxes because it makes them easier to move around.

In what way should you sort your books when packing them in the box? Put the heavier books at the base of the box then the lighter ones on top of them. For high priced or personal books, it will be safer to wrap them in bubble wrap or packing paper. It is also important to ensure that each box is well labeled so that when it is time to unpack you will know what is in each box.

By following these few and easy steps for packing books, you will be able to have a stress-free moving experience.

Kitchen Essentials

When it comes to packing kitchen essentials for your home move it is not as complicated as one would presume. The main thing is to begin in advance and to plan everything in advance. Make a separate checklist of all the items that you have in your kitchen and the items that you need to take along with you while shifting your home. First, pack the items that are not in regular use and always remember first to sort, then declutter, and then eliminate any items which are no longer required or useful. It will help you avoid moving items you don’t need to your new house.

Lastly, get all the packing materials which include the boxes, the bubble wraps and tape among others. Some of the things that should be carefully packed include; glasses, plates and any other breakage items because they can easily get damaged in the process. If you are still confused with the best way to pack these items, many articles can help you out.

Also, do not forget to keep your electronic devices as well as the cords in a different bag. Pack them well so that they do not get damaged in any way. All the necessary documents and papers which are related to appliances and devices in your kitchen must be packed in a safe manner. Other things that should also be taken into consideration include valuables, sentimental items and books. If you plan it properly, then your kitchen items and other things will be also displaced safely in your new house.

Packing Clothing and Accessories

So now we’re going to get into how to prepare for your move: organising and arranging clothes and other accessories. Let’s start with clothes. First of all, it is better to classify the items. Do not pack the clothes you have not used for quite some time, this is a good chance to let go of the unwanted clothes. For the clothes you are going to move, it will be useful to use wardrobe boxes. These moving boxes help you transport your clothes on hangers and thus prevent them from being wrinkled and you will not have to iron them once you move into your new house. Other items like shoes and accessories can be packed in ordinary boxes and it would be wise to wrap fragile items.

Which brings us to our next key point in preparing for your move: In other words, wrap, wrap, wrap. Items that are sensitive such as jewelry and watches should be packed in packing paper or bubble wraps and then put into a box accordingly. To increase its padding, put in crumpled paper or packing peanuts, for instance. When it comes to the wardrobes and other accessories, they will be well packed to ensure that they are not damaged during the move and they will safely reach your new home.

Bedding and Linens

House moving is a great experience that is full of joy but at times may also be stressful especially when it is time to pack. In particular, packing bedding and linens is a rather delicate process to prevent possible damage of the items. Another important tip is to clean all the beddings before moving in so as to avoid transferring (dirt or insects) to the new house. It’s also important to fold and sort linens by type in order to make the moving process go as smoothly as possible. Another area that many people seem to forget is that of ensuring that they pack the bedding and linens and ensure that they are well labeled so that they can easily be identified. Some of the items that are very large including the comforters and pillows may require vacuuming in order to make them compact. It is wise to ensure that soft fabrics such as linens are well packed to prevent them from being damaged while in the process of shipping or handling. Barely-there materials such as lace or silk should be packed carefully. First of all, one must not pack in a hurry. It is recommended that you take some time in order to sort, fold and pack your belongings so that they can reach your new house safely. It is also important to ensure that you also take some time off, and pack slowly to ensure that you have a smooth moving process.

Packing Cleaning Supplies

If you are planning to move house you need to know how you are going to pack your cleaning products and supplies. Not only these items may be large, but they can also create a lot of clutter if they are not packed properly. First thing that you need to do is to get all the cleaning supplies together and then arrange them accordingly. Empty your cabinets and closets and get rid of any expired food items or things that you do not use any more; this will reduce the time that you take in packing. However, it is recommended that one should check each item, make sure that it is securely closed and then place it into a special box.

For liquids and other items which may pose some risk, it may be advisable to use another box appropriately labeled. This is a very important tip but is rarely heeded and can mean the difference between having damages or not during the moving process. There is one more point that should not be neglected and that is how to pack cleaning supplies properly. If nothing else though, it makes sense that when you get to your new home these are some of the first things that you will need to start making your new house feel like your home.

Pack Room by Room

One of the best tips that you need to consider when you are packing for moving house is to pack per room. This way, one does not feel overwhelmed by the move and also it also helps in avoiding forgetting some items. Begin with the areas of your house which are not regularly used for example the spare room or the office since they are usually difficult to sort through. You should also try this way when packing the kitchen items of your choice too. This means that when you have packed in this manner it is easier to unpack as everything is in order.

While handling the ageing or valuable products keep them in a better manner. This may take time to do so for every piece but it is a good practice to do so. One should ensure that sentimental belonging or important documents and records are well protected and easily accessible during the moving process. As has been mentioned before, packing is an important aspect of moving and understanding how to do it right will help you avoid many problems. Follow these guidelines to help minimise the stress of the moving process when going to your new house.

Don’t Overpack Boxes

One critical tip for a successful move when packing up your home is to remember the Golden Rule: Overpacking of the boxes should be avoided. One tends to believe that the more one crams into one box the less number of boxes one will require. But that is a huge mistake. The boxes become very heavy to carry because of over packing and they can break leading to damages of the items. If you have sorted and decluttered your items before packing then this step will be a piece of cake. Pack your belongings with durable and strong supplies in order to minimize the risk of damage to your belongings. Some of the things that you should avoid doing when packing include; using electronics and cords, valuable assets, and sentimental belongings. These need to be handled with a lot of precaution when packing so that they do not get damaged. So as you check things off your moving checklist, make sure that you pack by room, and do not forget things like kitchen utensils, clothes and accessories, beddings and towels, and cleaning supplies. These are the packing tips to consider and you will be good to go for your moving process.

Pack Overnight Bags

When you’re moving home, here’s a crucial ‘how to pack’ tip: packing for a family vacation is always a hassle, so always ensure you pack overnight bags for each family member. It is never easy and fun when you have to move around with a bunch of boxes. That is why it is rather handy to have everything on hand that is necessary. In your overnighter bag, it is advisable to include some clothes for a couple of days, toiletries, drugs if any, chargers for your electronic gadgets and some snacks. It will assist you in not having to look for stuff amidst the packed boxes when you arrive in your new house at night.

The following are some of the most essential packing tips you should not overlook; Another useful tip is that your overnight bag should have a special pocket or compartment for your passport, tickets, money and other documents and possessions that you would not like to lose. As you may know, when you are in the process of packing and moving it is not difficult to lose track of things. So, place these important things where you can monitor their location for example on the table.

Therefore, as you prepare to move, do not underestimate this very important aspect of the ‘how to pack’. It is wise to pack overnight bags and this way, the first few days in the new home will not be that stressful.

Label “Load Last” Boxes

As we go on with the house moving packing series, let me tell you more about these “Load Last” boxes. So, let’s begin with the basics, which are the boxes or should I say, tons of boxes? Yes, that’s what you’ll require in the beginning. These are very essential when moving as this is where we store our belongings. But wait, there is more to it. When relocating it is crucial to pack the items well in order to avoid damages during the transport process and this means packing, packing and more packing. This is particularly so where the items to be moved are sensitive and can easily be damaged during the moving process.

Perhaps, these boxes should be labelled as “Load Last”. This is the primary reason as to why they are used because they are convenient. These are things that you would most probably need as soon as you move into your new home. As stated by many moving resources, these boxes should always be left for the last in your moving truck and the first to be taken out. Because when the moving process is tiring you out, it is much better when you know where you have placed your belongings, and this helps in making the whole moving process to be less stressful.

Conclusion

Therefore, before you move, it is easy to get intimidated by the number of things that need to be done. However, if you follow these tips then your moving process will be smooth and you will achieve success. Therefore, the best way to approach the whole process could be to start as early as possible with a clear moving checklist. Then, sort, declutter and then try to collect all the packing materials that you require. If you are to pack right for electronics, cords, important documents, records, valuables, and sentimental items then there are several tips to follow. All the belongings starting from books, cutlery, clothing and accessories, beddings and linen have to be packed properly. The following tips are also useful; the cleaning supplies should be packed as well as the cleaning process should be done per room. Remember, don’t overpack boxes. It is recommended to pack night essentials in overnight bags and mark “load last” on the boxes which contain items you will require immediately in your new house.

These are the pack, pack, pack, move, move, move tips and if used in the right manner, they will surely make the whole packing and moving process less stressful.

Fortunately, Excalibur Removals are based in Bristol, UK and the good news is that we can do the packing for you if you are local!

 

Read related article: