Moving can be a stressful experience, but with proper planning and organisation, you can make the process less overwhelming. One of the key factors in a successful move is proper packing. When you pack your belongings correctly, you can minimise the risk of damage during transport, make unpacking easier, and ensure that you have everything you need when you arrive at your new home.
In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to pack for a move, including how to label your boxes, pack fragile items, and disassemble furniture. Follow our directions to make your move smoother, more organised, and less stressful.
Properly Pack Your Belongings
When packing your items, it’s best to avoid overfilling boxes. Keep the cargo to half or a maximum of ⅔ of the box, and avoid filling large cardboard boxes with multiple heavy items. This way, you can prevent the box from breaking open at the bottom, where it’s the weakest.
For the packing itself – it is best to do it room by room and keep all the belongings from each room separate. This will help you keep track of your items, avoid any confusion, and make unpacking easier.
If you are packing spillable items, pack each item in individual containers in a plastic bag before putting them into your suitcase or box. This will help prevent any potential spills during the move.
Pack First and Last
When packing, start with the items you use less frequently or are out of season, such as winter clothes in summer, books, decorative items, and electronics that you don’t use on a daily basis. This way, you can minimise the number of items you have to pack on the day of the move, making the process much smoother.
For the last items to pack, make sure to keep all of your essentials close by. These include toiletries, medication, a few changes of clothes, bedding, and any important documents or valuables that you want to keep close to you.
Label Everything
The labelling process is key to making sure that you know what is in each box and where it goes when unpacking. Use a numbering and colour-coding system to label your boxes. Assign a colour to each room, and put the same colour tape or paper on the boxes that contain items from that room.
Number each box, and prepare an inventory list that reflects the number of each box and the items in it. This way, you can keep track of your items and unpack them easily. Don’t forget to label the house decor, too.
Pack Fragile Items Properly
Fragile items such as glassware, picture frames, and electronics need extra attention during packing. Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam to provide cushioning and protection for these items. For glassware, it’s best to wrap each item individually in packing paper and then wrap them again in bubble wrap.
When packing electronics, make sure to wrap each item in anti-static bubble wrap or an anti-static bag to avoid any damage from static electricity.
Disassemble Large Furniture
Disassembling large furniture items such as beds, desks, and bookcases can save space in the moving truck, making it easier to pack and transport them. When disassembling, make sure to keep all the screws and bolts together in a bag, and label the bag with the name of the furniture piece.
Dispose of Unwanted Items
When moving, it’s the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of any unwanted items, like old house decorations. Donate unwanted items to charity, sell them online, or dispose of them at a recycling centre. This way, you can minimise the number of items you have to pack and save space in the moving truck.
Use Eco-Friendly Packing Materials
Consider using eco-friendly packing materials such as reusable bags or containers or biodegradable packing peanuts. This way, you can minimise the amount of waste produced during the move.
Prepare a Bag of Necessities
When moving, it’s crucial to prepare a bag of necessities you’ll need on the day of the move and the first few days in your new home. Pack a comfortable bag or backpack with snacks, a bottle of water, basic toiletries like wet wipes and a toothbrush, medication, a fresh change of clothes, and a cardigan or jacket. Having these items within reach will make your moving day much easier.
In addition to the bag of necessities, prepare a box of essentials you will need immediately when you arrive at your new destination, like bathroom items. Pack double-purpose garments, office clothes (if necessary), bedding, snacks, canned or boxed food, a can opener, eating utensils, pans, pots, towels, a dishcloth, toiletries, a first aid kit, baby supplies (if you have a baby), pet food (if you have a pet), instruction manuals for all your electric appliances, remote controls, and a toolbox.
This box should be the last to be loaded and the first to be unloaded. Label it clearly to find it quickly, and keep it close to you during the move.
Use Proper Lifting Techniques
When moving heavy items, use proper lifting techniques to avoid injuring yourself or others. Bend your knees, not your back, and keep your back straight. Use your leg muscles to lift the item, and avoid twisting your body while carrying it.
If the item is too heavy or awkward to carry, use a dolly or hand truck to move it. This way, you can minimise the risk of injury and make the process much easier. In case you don’t want to carry anything at all – call a man and van service.
Keep Heavy Objects on the Bottom
Always keep heavier objects on the bottom, both when packing boxes or suitcases and when loading your belongings into the transportation vehicle. This will help avoid damaging your belongings in transit and prevent any potential injury during the move.
Final words
Proper planning, organisation, and the right techniques can help minimise the risk of damage to your belongings, make unpacking easier, and ensure that you have everything you need when you arrive at your new home. Remember to take breaks as needed and stay safe during the process. Hopefully, our tips can help you move successfully and start your new chapter on the right foot.
