Moving? Here are 8 tips on how to pack for a move like a pro! 

The most time-consuming and hardest part of moving is the packing. Looking at the pile of stuff you need to pack into boxes can be quite overwhelming and demotivating. With some easy tips and techniques, packing for a move can be hassle-free. Here are some tips from us on how you can pack quickly and efficiently, to make your move a smoother process! 

Tip 1: Start packing in advance.

Leaving packing to the last minute is never a good idea – you don’t want to be staying up all night packing your items into boxes the day before your move. Setting yourself a weekly target on how much to pack, like three boxes a week for example – will provide you with a good balance of making progress whilst also still enjoying your life and not having to cancel plans to pack!

Tip 2: Declutter and donate.

Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and downsize your belongings. Take the time to go through each item and decide whether you want to keep, donate, or discard it. Be ruthless—only hold onto items that you truly need or love.

Tip 3: Gather packing materials.

Before you dive into packing, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. This includes sturdy moving boxes in various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers for labeling, and any specialised containers for fragile items.

Tip 4: Pack an essentials box.

When you are moving home there will always be items that you will need to use until the very last minute – like your toiletries, for example. You will also have things that you need the moment you get to your new house, like cleaning supplies, a change of clothes, and a set of plates and cutlery for when you get hungry. It’s a good idea to pack an Essentials Box that you pack last before your move, and open first after your move. If you are planning to place your items in storage, your other boxes can head to the storage facility, but this box always comes with you! Check out the full list of items you should pack when moving home.

Tip 5: Use vacuum bags.

Large items like bedding, duvets, pillows, and puffer jackets take up a lot of space in your cardboard boxes. Vacuum bags will shrink your puffy items to save some storage space!

Tip 6: No need to remove clothes from hangers.

Removing your clothes from hangers, folding them, packing them in boxes, unpacking them and then hanging them again at your new place is just too long of a process. Instead, leave your clothes on the hangers as they are, and wrap them in a big plastic bag. Carry the bag to your new home, and voila! Just hang them back on your wardrobe again. No need to fold, pack and unpack.

Tip 7: Secure heavy items.

When packing heavy items such as books or small appliances, use smaller boxes to prevent them from becoming too heavy to lift. Reinforce the bottom of boxes with extra tape and distribute weight evenly to avoid overloading.

Tip 8: Always, ALWAYS. Label your boxes.

Whether you are putting your boxes in storage or moving directly to the new home, you want to make sure you know what exactly is in each box. Avoid the nightmare of opening every box to find your favourite outfit. Labelling boxes will also help you set priorities on which box to open first, so that you have everything you need unpacked and settled at your new home.  

By following these tips and staying organised, you can make the packing process for your move much smoother and less stressful. Remember to take breaks when needed and ask for help from your friends and family. Before you know it, you’ll be settled into your new home and ready to embark on the next chapter of your life. Happy moving!