With the right approach and some helpful tips, packing for a house move can be a stress-free experience.
Decluttering and Organising
It’s a good idea to declutter your belongings before packing, so that you aren’t transporting unnecessary items to your new home. Here are some tips to help you declutter and organise:
1. Start as early as possible
Begin the decluttering and packing process several weeks before your move date. Start with the rooms that are used the least, and focus on completing one room at a time.
2. Sort your belongings
The first step in decluttering is to sort your belongings into categories. You can use boxes or bags to separate items into categories such as:
- Clothes
- Books
- Kitchen items
- Decorations
- Electronics
Once you have sorted your belongings, you can decide what to keep, donate or sell, and what to throw away.
3. Donate or sell unwanted items
You can donate items to charity shops, shelters, libraries, or community centres. Alternatively, you can sell items via sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Gumtree.
4. Consider using self storage
You may have items that you want to keep, but do not have an immediate need for, nor the space in your new home. You may want to consider storage services such as containerised storage or self storage for ease of access. Charles Wood offers a variety of storage solutions in secure, CCTV-monitored facilities that keep your belongings safe.
Packing Materials and Techniques
Here are some tips for using packing materials effectively:
1. Invest in quality packing materials
Invest in good quality boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and packing tape. This will ensure that your items are protected during the move and that the boxes won’t break or fall apart during transit. Charles Wood can supply high-quality packing materials to help you with your move.
2. Use the right-sized boxes
Make sure to use appropriately sized boxes for the size and weight of your items. Heavy items, such as books, should be packed in smaller boxes so they’re still a manageable weight.
3. Label your boxes properly
Make sure to label each box with the contents and the room it belongs in. You can use colour-coded labels or write on the boxes with a marker.
4. Pack heavy items at the bottom
When packing boxes, always pack heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. This will help distribute the weight evenly and reduce the risk of boxes breaking or falling apart during transit.
5. Take photos of electronics
Before disconnecting your electronics, take photos of how they are connected. This will make it easier to reconnect them in your new home.
6. Pack essentials separately
Pack a bag or box of important items you will need during moving day. This could include:
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Clothes for a few days
- Bedding
- Cleaning supplies
- Snacks and drinks
- Important documents
- Phone chargers
Keep this bag or box with you during the move so that you have easy access to these items. This will relieve the pressure of needing to unpack everything in order to find the important items that you will need within the first few days in your new home.
Packing Fragile and Valuable Items
Follow these tips to pack fragile and valuable items:
1. Wrap fragile items carefully
When packing fragile items, it’s important to wrap them carefully to prevent damage during transit. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap each item individually, and secure it with tape. For added protection, you can also wrap fragile items in soft cloth or towels before packing them.
If you’re packing fragile items such as glasses or plates, stack them vertically in a sturdy box. Fill any gaps with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent them from moving around during transit. For larger fragile items such as picture frames or mirrors, lay a piece of foam over the item before wrapping it to provide extra cushioning.
2. Label boxes with fragile items
Make sure to label boxes containing fragile items clearly, so that you and your movers know to handle them with care. Use a permanent marker to write “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” on the top and sides of the box.
It’s also a good idea to label boxes with the room they belong in, so that your movers know where to place them in your new home. This will help prevent fragile items from being stacked or placed under heavy boxes.
3. Pack valuable items separately
If you have valuable items such as artwork or antiques, it’s best to pack them separately and transport them yourself if possible. Use a sturdy box and wrap the item in bubble wrap or packing paper. Label the box clearly with “Valuable” or “Do Not Stack”.
If you’re unable to transport valuable items yourself, make sure to inform your movers and provide them with a detailed inventory of the items.
4. Consider using packing services
It can feel stressful packing your valuables if you are not sure how to carefully pack fragile items without causing damage in transit. Charles Wood has a team of experienced packers and movers that can offer a packing an unpacking service. Not only will your belongings be safely packed, transported, and unpacked, it will free up time for you to handle other aspects of your move.
Final Checks and Tips
As you come closer to moving day, there are some final checks and tips that can make the moving process smoother and easier for you:
1. Consider hiring removal specialists
Professional movers, such as those at Charles Wood, have many years of experience in removals and packing services. The average UK resident moves house 8 times in their lifetime, whereas professional removal companies help families move home every day. Not only are removal specialists skilled in prioritising, organising, and keeping to schedule, they have the necessary skills and equipment to move heavy and fragile belongings without causing injury to themselves or the items.
2. Check all boxes and label them
Before your movers arrive, make sure that each box is labelled with the corresponding room it belongs to in your new home. This will help your movers know exactly where to place each box.
3. Prepare your new home
Check the utilities are connected and turned on. Arrange to have the locks changed if possible. If you have any large furniture items, take measurements of your new home to ensure that they will fit through the doorways and into the rooms you want them in.
Contact us today
If you would like a no-obligation quote for your house move, get in touch with Charles Wood. We can provide packing materials, packing and unpacking services, storage services, and removal services. As a member of the British Association of Removers, you can trust Charles Wood to take care of this exciting milestone in your life. Call our team on 01865 747555 or use our contact form.