0800 0852 954
Preparing for a move can feel like a whirlwind of excitement and anxiety. As you envision your fresh start in a new space, the daunting task of packing up your entire life hangs over your head.
Packing can be the most stressful part of moving, but with the right strategies, you can alleviate these headaches. In this blog, we share our top five packing tips and tricks for packing and moving, to make move day as smooth and painless as possible.
1. Create A Packing Timeline
One of the golden rules of packing is to start early. Don't wait until the last minute to begin. Give yourself ample time to sort through your belongings, declutter, and pack systematically. Starting early will help alleviate stress and make sure you don't rush the process.
8 Weeks Before Move Date
Most professional movers recommend starting the packing process at least eight weeks before your scheduled move date. This may seem like a long lead time, but it allows you to take a systematic and stress-free approach to packing.
During this early stage, you can begin decluttering and sorting through your belongings. Categorise items into “keep”, “donate”, and “discard” piles. This will significantly reduce the amount you need to pack.
6 Weeks Before Move Date
Around six weeks before your move, you can start packing non-essential items that you won't need until after the move. These may include:
- Out-of-season clothing and accessories
- Decorative items
- Rarely used kitchenware
- Books and media collections
- Outdoor furniture and equipment
Packing non-essentials first allows you to make steady progress without disrupting your daily routine too much.
4 Weeks Before Move Date
Four weeks before your move date, it's time to tackle the more involved packing tasks. These include:
- Purchasing packing materials
- Packing room by room, starting with lesser-used spaces like guest rooms and home offices
- Disassembling and properly wrapping furniture
- Labelling all boxes clearly with their contents and destination rooms
1–2 Weeks Before Your Move Date
In the final one to two weeks leading up to your move, focus on packing up essential items you'll need until the last minute, such as:
- Kitchen appliances and cookware
- Bathroom essentials
- Bedding and linens
- Electronics and chargers
- Valuables and important documents
By starting the packing process well in advance and following a structured timeline, you'll be able to tackle the task efficiently and without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Gather Essential Packing Supplies
Repurpose Household Items
Before purchasing packing materials, look around your home for items you can repurpose. Towels, blankets, and clothing can be used to wrap and cushion fragile items. Suitcases and laundry baskets can also serve as convenient containers for packing.
Invest in Quality Boxes and Materials
Invest in sturdy, high-quality boxes and packing materials. Avoid using flimsy or damaged boxes, as they may not withstand the weight or stress of moving.
Consider purchasing specialised boxes for fragile items, such as dishes and glassware. Also remember to stock up on packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers for labelling.
3. Categorise and Label Boxes
Categorising and labelling your boxes is a game-changer when it comes to packing. This will make unpacking a breeze and help you locate items quickly once you're in your new home.
Here's how to effectively categorise and label boxes when packing for a move:
Categorise by Room
The most straightforward way to categorise your packed boxes is by room. Designate a specific colour or label for each room in your current home, such as "Kitchen”, "Bedroom 1”, "Living Room”, etc. This method ensures that all items belonging to a particular room are packed together, making unpacking in your new home much easier.
Categorise by Item Type
Another approach is to categorise boxes by the type of items they contain. For example, you could have boxes labelled "Books”, "Kitchenware”, "Linens”, "Electronics”, etc. This method works well if you have a large number of similar items scattered throughout your home. It can also be combined with room categorisation for even better organisation.
Label Clearly and Descriptively
No matter which categorisation method you choose, labelling is crucial. Use large, bold letters and write directly on the boxes or attach labels.
Colour-Code or Number Boxes
To further simplify the process, you can assign a colour or number to each room or category. For example, use red labels or markers for the kitchen, blue for the master bedroom, and so on. Alternatively, number the boxes sequentially for each room or category (e.g., Kitchen 1, Kitchen 2, Bedroom 1, Bedroom 2, etc.).
Label Fragile and Heavy Boxes
Mark any boxes containing fragile items, such as glassware or electronics, with the word "FRAGILE" on multiple sides. Similarly, label heavy boxes with "HEAVY" to alert movers and prevent potential injuries.
By categorising and labelling your boxes systematically, you'll not only streamline the unpacking process but also minimise the risk of misplacing or damaging your belongings during the move.
Create a Master List
Maintain a master list or inventory of all the boxes you've packed, noting their corresponding room, category, colour/number, and a brief description of the contents. This list will be invaluable when you arrive at your new home and need to locate specific items quickly.
4. Choose a Packing Strategy
Decide on a packing strategy and stick to it for efficiency.
Three Piles Method: This method allows you to separate everything you own into three piles. It works well if you’re cleaning out your garage and prepping your entire place for a move across the country.
Future Home Method: This method focuses on the organisation of your new home rather than the home you’re leaving. It’s a good option for moves where you already have a plan for each room in your new home.
Moving Helpers Method: With this method, you designate specific tasks for each person helping you with your move. It’s best for in-town moves where you have friends and family on-site to help with the move on both ends.
Room-By-Room Method: The room-by-room method allows you to start and finish in a room before moving on, which helps with clutter around the house.
5. Get Organised for Moving Day
Getting organised for moving day is crucial to ensure a smooth and efficient transition. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of the chaos:
Designate a Moving Day Essentials Bag: Pack a separate bag or backpack with all the essentials you'll need on moving day. This could include snacks, water bottles, important documents, medication, chargers, and a change of clothes. Having these items readily accessible will prevent unnecessary stress and scrambling.
Have an inventory list: Make a list of all your items — including boxes — and tick them off the list as they are moved out. When you arrive at your new destination you can check everything on the list has arrived safely.
By following these pro packing tips, you'll be well on your way to a painless move. Remember to stay organised, plan, and don't hesitate to ask for help from friends or family members. With a little preparation and effort, you can make your move a stress-free and successful endeavour.
Looking for a place to store your things between moves? Make the transition easy by booking a unit with Storage King. Pay us a visit at one of our 43 stores today or get a quote online.
