Moving home is exhausting, but these packing tips from our moving experts will help save you time, stress and money. From the best way to find free boxes to keeping your valuables safe here are our tried and tested moving hacks.
Before you start
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Declutter
Before you start packing anything, think hard about what you’re going to need at the new home. The less you bring with you, the quicker, easier and cheaper your move will be
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Plan it out
Make a plan for what will go where in the new home and label your boxes accordingly. Remember, the room things are going to might not be the same as where they’re coming from.
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Start early
Start packing things you lose less frequently ahead of your move. Think out-of-season clothes, holiday items and hobby gear.
Getting supplies
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Get free boxes
We’ve put together a guide on the easiest ways to get free moving boxes here.
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Soft touch
Instead of buying miles of bubble wrap, cushion delicate objects by packing them alongside blankets, pillows and clothes.
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Self-contained
You can also use containers you already have in place of moving boxes. Plastic storage bins, suitcases and backpacks can all be filled up.
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Stock up
Make sure you have plenty of tape, permanent markers, scissors, packing paper, bin bags and containers well before moving day. Shopping for supplies last minute wastes time and you’ll
Packing Efficiently
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Don’t overload!
Pack heavy items like books or kitchenware in smaller boxes. Large boxes filled with heavy items are awkward to move and likely to tear.
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Closed drawer policy
Pack clothes inside a chest of drawers, then tape it closed and move it all together. You’ll save time on packing and unpacking at your new home.
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DIY vacuum bags
Vacuum packing bulky items like duvets and puffy coats saves a lot of space. However, specialty vacuum bags are expensive. DIY a homemade version by wrapping items in a bin bag, using your vacuum cleaner to suck out the air and tieing or taping up the opening.
Furniture
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In the bag
When disassembling flat pack furniture, keep all the screws, bolts and hardware in a freezer bag and label it with where they came from.
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Donating saves a trip
Furniture that you’re planning to throw out can often be donated – and many charities will collect large items. Look for a local charity furniture shop and check their policies.
Labelling Boxes
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Perspective check
Label boxes on the top and the sides so you can see what’s inside from any angle, even when they’re stacked
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Box 5 of 6
Label boxes with a room name and a number (e.g. 1 of 6) so you can easily tell if any have been misplaced.
Electronics
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TV guide
Take a photo of the back of your TV before you unplug everything. Then, use it as a guide when you reconnect everything.
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Cable confusion
Pack cables that go together in one plastic bag before putting them in a larger box to avoid a huge tangle. For example, all of your PC peripherals or everything that was connected to your TV.
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Lightbulb moment
Take the lightbulbs out of any lamps so they don’t shatter in transit. Wrap them in bubble wrap then label them or pack them alongside the lamp stand.
Moving day
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Day one essentials
Pack a bag to keep with you with medicines, chargers, and other things you’ll need as soon as you arrive.
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What not to bring
Don’t pack open boxes of food or half-used bottles that might spill, throw them away or give them to a neighbour.
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Use the daylight
Start your move as early in the day as you can to make the most of the daylight. Once it gets dark, manoeuvring boxes and furniture in from outside becomes much more difficult.
