An essential part of moving house is making sure you have the right packing supplies to make the move as stress-free as possible.
This might seem trivial, but it can be all too easy to underestimate this process and end up damaging your belongings because you didn’t prepare the right items for transport.
In this guide, we’ll give you an easy checklist to follow and some tips to help your move go to plan.
Essential Packing Supply Checklist
When planning your move, the right packing supplies are critical for safeguarding your belongings and ensuring an efficient transition.
They are essential for both protection and organisation during the moving process.
Here’s a quick checklist of all the items you’ll need.
Boxes and Containers
Sturdy boxes come in various sizes and are crucial for most items during a move.
You can often find free boxes at supermarkets or obtain specially designed moving boxes that accommodate a range of household goods.
It’s important to choose boxes appropriate for the items being packed; heavier items require smaller, more sturdy boxes to manage the weight.
Always check the boxes to make sure they’re sturdy enough to carry your items, especially if you find some for free or borrow them from a friend.
Wrapping and Padding Materials
Bubble wrap and packing paper serve as padding to protect fragile items from damage and will be your best friend when moving your items.
Bubble wrap is excellent for shock absorption while packing paper can fill up empty spaces in boxes to prevent movement. Items such as dishes and glassware benefit greatly from these materials.
Additionally, plastic wrap can be used to keep drawers and doors shut on furniture and to bundle items together.
Labelling and Sealing Tools
Clear labelling is vital for organising your belongings and streamlining the unpacking process.
Use a permanent marker to label all sides of each box with a description of its contents and which room it belongs to. For sealing boxes, packing tape is stronger and more reliable than duct tape.
Clear plastic bins can be used for items that need to be visible or accessed quickly. Use Ziploc bags for small, loose items to keep together with the relevant box.
Organising Your Belongings
Effective organisation is the cornerstone of a smooth moving experience. Carefully sorting your belongings and using a systematic approach ensures that everything arrives at your new home in order and ready for a new start.
Sorting and Decluttering
Before tucking items away in moving boxes, it’s important to sort and declutter. This involves going through belongings and deciding what to keep, donate, or throw away.
Focusing on one area at a time, such as a single drawer or cupboard, can make this task less overwhelming.
For example, in the kitchen, you might separate out rarely used gadgets or mismatched cutlery, while the bedroom might yield clothes that no longer fit or are out of style. Decluttering not only lightens the load but also clears space for new memories.
Room-by-Room Packing Guide
Packing room by room brings organisation into the chaos of moving. It’s recommended to start with rooms that are least used and to clearly label each box with its contents and designated room in the new house.
For the bedroom, pack clothes in suitcases or wardrobe boxes. In the bathroom, ensure all lids are secure to prevent leaks and keep daily essentials aside for easy access. In the kitchen, gather all non-essentials first, leaving everyday dishes and cutlery until just before moving day.
Fragile Items and Electronics
Special attention is required when packing fragile items and electronics. For glassware and china, use bubble wrap or packing paper and place them in sturdy, double-walled boxes.
Compartmentalised boxes can prevent items from shifting and creating damage. Electronics should be packed in their original boxes when possible or in boxes lined with bubble wrap or foam.
Always back up important data before packing computers or laptops. Labeling cords and taking photos of setup configurations is also prudent to simplify reassembly at the new residence.
Efficient Packing Techniques
When preparing for a move, choosing the right packing supplies and employing efficient packing techniques are vital. By strategically filling boxes, protecting delicate items, and maximising space—while minimising the chance of damage—readers can ensure a stress-free transition to their new home.
Boxes Filling Strategy
To keep items secure during transit, use sturdy boxes that are uniform in size for easy stacking. Begin with heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top, filling all gaps with crumpled paper or foam to prevent movement. Labeling each box with its content and designated room will streamline the unpacking process.
Protective Measures for Delicate Items
Delicate items demand special attention. Wrapping each piece individually in bubble wrap or padding and securing it with tape ensures a layer of protection against knocks. Plates should be packed vertically, like records, in boxes lined with cushioning materials, while glasses and stemware benefit from extra padding inside and around them.
Maximising Space and Minimising Damage
The knack for maximising space lies in using suitcases for bulky items and vacuum bags for soft goods like clothing and linens. Not only does this save space, but it also keeps these items clean and compact. For furniture, dismantling where possible and wrapping sharp edges with furniture pads prevents injury and damage to other items.
Final Preparations and Moving Day
As the moving day approaches, it’s critical to ensure one’s final preparations are in order and that the transportation of items is set to be carried out safely. These last steps can significantly reduce stress and ensure a smooth transition to one’s new home.
Essential Last-Minute Checklist
- Confirm the booking with the removal company, ensuring they have the correct address and time.
- Prepare an essentials box with items like kettle, mugs, tea, snacks, and toiletries for easy access.
- Charge your phone fully to stay connected throughout the move.
- Do a final walk-through of your current home:
| Room | Task |
| Kitchen | Empty and clean fridge |
| Living Room | Check for any left behind items |
| Bedrooms | Make sure closets are empty |
| Bathrooms | Dispose of any rubbish |
Safely Transporting Your Items
- Pack strategically, placing heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top.
- Label all boxes clearly with their contents and intended room in the new house.
- Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury when loading. Bend at the knees and keep the back straight.
- Secure all items in the moving vehicle to prevent shifting during transportation. Utilising straps and padding can aid in keeping items stationary and safe from damage.
