Packing tips: how to pack for a move?

Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be! By taking the time to properly plan and prepare ahead of time, you can make sure your move goes smoothly. To help you out, we've put together our most helpful packing tips for a successful move. Let's get started!

When should I start packing?

It’s important to start packing around 2 weeks to a month before you move, depending on the size of your home. This will give you plenty of time to go through all your belongings, determine what should stay and what can be donated or discarded. Don't forget that disassembling furniture can take a while too, so make sure to set aside more time than you think you'll need; this will cover for any unexpected delays or complications.

What should I use for packing?

When it comes to packing materials, use sturdy boxes, plastic bins, and suitcases that can be easily moved and transported. Bubble wrap and foam peanuts are great for wrapping fragile items like glassware, dishes, lamps, or electronic components. For labelling your boxes, you can either buy blank labels and write on them with a permanent marker or print pre-made labels from the internet.

How long does it take to pack a house?

The length of time it takes to pack your home will depend on the size of your home and the amount of stuff you have, but normally it can take at least a week. It’s best to set aside enough time in advance so that you don’t feel rushed.

Packing for a move: how to pack efficiently

For a seamless packing experience, here are some of our top tips and tricks for packing up your home:

Get all hands on deck

If you’re going to be moving, it’s a good idea to get help from friends and family. Moving can be a lot of work, so having extra hands on deck will make the process much easier. Assign packing roles to each member of your household, or enlist the help of friends and family if you're moving alone. Make sure to show your gratitude by providing snacks and refreshments for everyone involved.

Pack one room at a time

When you’re packing, it can be tempting to try to tackle the entire house at once. However, this will just end up overwhelming you, so it’s better to focus on one room at a time. This way, you’ll be more organised and efficient; plus, your progress will be much easier to track.

Start with the least used items

It's best to start by packing up lesser-used items like decorations or keepsakes first. This means that when you move into your new home, these things will be out of the way while you're unpacking the essentials. It also means you'll be able to live comfortably in your current home before you leave.

Label everything clearly

It’s important to label all of your moving boxes so that you know where each item is when it comes time to unpack. This will save you a lot of time and energy trying to figure out what’s been packed where - you may also want to use coloured tape or stickers on the outside of each box to make it easier to identify.

Have a clear out while packing

A new home means a new start, so take the opportunity to get rid of anything you don’t need or use. Old clothes, expired food, and just plain clutter can be put into bags for donation or disposal. Once your house is packed up, you’ll want it to feel fresh and clutter-free when you move in - so why not start now?

Hire a removal company

If you have a lot of belongings or are moving long distance, it may be wise to hire a professional removal company. This will save you time and energy and make the move much smoother; a reputable removal company will also come with their own packing materials so that your items are better protected during transportation.

What should you not pack when moving?

There are certain items you should avoid packing when moving, such as hazardous materials like paint, cleaning supplies, and flammable liquids. It’s also a good idea to leave out valuable items like money, jewellery, or important documents. Keep these items with you in your car or check them as luggage if you’re flying. Lastly, it’s best not to pack any food or perishables - either eat them before you move or discard them.

What is the fastest way to pack for a move?

The fastest and most efficient way to pack for a move is by hiring a professional removal company. By doing this, you can be sure that your items are securely packed and transported with minimal effort on your part. Professional removal companies have years of experience in the industry and will be able to provide all the packing materials needed for the job, as well as offering any additional services such as storing or disassembling furniture. This will save you both time and energy, allowing for an easier and smoother moving process.

What to do the night before moving?

The night before you move, it’s a good idea to take some time to go through your belongings one final time. This will help you make sure that everything is packed up and ready to go. It’s also important to double-check all of the details for your moving day, such as confirming any arrangements with a removal company and making sure you have directions to your new home.

Finally, it’s best to get an early start on the morning of the move by having a light breakfast and packing up any last minute items. Ideally, you'll want to ensure that all packing is completed a few days before your move-in date; this means that you can relax the night before and get excited about moving into your new home!

If you’re looking for a packing company in Kent for your next house move, get in touch with Goodfellows removals today!