A box being taped up using sellotape dispenser
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Packing tips when you’re moving home

When it comes to packing –- the earlier you start, the better. Boxing up a whole house can take longer than you think, and you want to do everything you can to avoid having a mad rush in the last few days before your move.

Here are some top tips to get you started:

  • You’re going to need a lot of boxes, so before you buy any from a removals company, online or high street store, see if you can get some for free at your local supermarket. You’ll also need bubble wrap and newspaper for fragile items, as well as packing tape to secure your boxes, some labels and a marker pen.
  • You’ll need boxes in different sizes, with some heavy-duty boxes for weighty items. Wardrobe boxes can be a great idea, as you can hang up clothes on a metal bar, stopping them from creasing. And once you’re in your new home, you can use them as temporary wardrobes, which is a bonus.
  • Even if you have a small home and plan to pack one box a day, it could take around a month to pack everything up. Start by packing up rooms you don’t use much, for instance, guest bedrooms or dining rooms. You can then use these rooms as the storage space for your packed boxes. Don’t attempt to pack more than one room at once, as this will only complicate things. Strategy is key.
  • Moving home is a great opportunity for a declutter. You could sell unwanted items at a car boot or on eBay, donate to charity or recycle. If you’re downsizing, decluttering is a must, as you won’t want to have to shell out for a storage unit for belongings that won’t fit in your new home.
  • Don’t half fill your boxes. Fill them to the top, filling any gaps with scrunched up newspaper. Otherwise when you stack them they could crush. Each box should weigh no more than 20kg. It’s a good idea to put light items in big boxes and heavy items in small boxes, making sure that when you stack them, heavy boxes are at the bottom of the pile.
  • Labelling is so important. Make sure your labels are on the side of the boxes, so they can be seen when the boxes are stacked. Try to use a different colour for each room. Inside each box, why not have a brief summary of the items inside? This should save you time if you have to search for something later on.
  • Keep all hazardous materials, such as bleach and aerosols, in one box, separate from your other boxes. Some removal companies won’t transport these items, so they may need to travel with you.
  • Prepare a couple of boxes of essentials and pack them last. Include things like your kettle, cups, tea bags, a can opener, pet food (if applicable), snacks, tinned food, saucepans, dishcloths, tea towels, towels, cutlery, toiletries, first aid kit, tools, pyjamas and a change of clothes for each member of your family. Your boxes of essentials should be the last box you put in the removal van, so it can be the first out.
  • Check your contents insurance will cover you for any damages or breakages during the move, your insurer may require your contents to be professionally packed and carried for cover to apply. Make sure you’ll be fully covered in your new home, too. If you don’t currently have contents insurance, or your policy is due for renewal soon, click here to get a quote >

We hope you find these tips useful and you’re feeling confident about packing up your home, ready for your new adventure.