Before You Start Packing

Good preparation can make your house move considerably easier. Before filling your first box, create a clear packing plan so you can work through your home systematically and avoid unnecessary stress as moving day approaches.

Start by deciding which rooms you will pack first. A practical approach is to begin with areas containing items you rarely use. If your property has a loft or attic, this is often a good place to start before gradually working your way through the rest of the house.

Clearly label every box with the room it belongs to and, where useful, a short description of its contents. Labels such as Kitchen – Plates, Bedroom – Clothes or Living Room – Books can make unloading and unpacking much easier.

Get Your Packing Materials Ready

Before you begin, estimate how many boxes and packing materials you are likely to need. Most households have considerably more belongings than they initially realise, so having a few extra boxes available can be useful.

Consider preparing:

• Small, medium and large moving boxes
• Strong packing tape
• Bubble wrap
• Packing paper
• Marker pens
• Furniture covers
• Protective blankets
• Labels
• Strong refuse or storage bags

Using different box sizes allows you to pack according to the weight and type of your belongings rather than trying to fit everything into identical containers.

Declutter Before Your Move

Moving home is an excellent opportunity to decide what you genuinely want to take with you.

Go through your belongings before packing and separate anything you no longer need. Items in good condition can be donated to charity, given to friends or family, sold or recycled.

The fewer unnecessary possessions you move, the less you will have to pack, transport and unpack at your new property.

Useful Packing Tips for Moving House

A few simple packing techniques can save considerable time and make your belongings easier to organise when you arrive.

Label Cables and Accessories

When disconnecting televisions, computers, speakers and other electrical equipment, keep track of their cables and accessories.

Coil each cable neatly and attach a small label identifying the device it belongs to. You can also place accessories belonging to the same appliance in a clearly labelled bag.

This can save you from having to work out which cable belongs to which device after the move.

Keep Important Documents Safe

Documents such as passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, insurance paperwork, tenancy documents and other important records should be kept separately from your general household belongings.

Consider placing them in a secure folder or personal essentials bag that remains with you throughout the move rather than loading them onto the removal vehicle.

Prepare a Moving-Day Essentials Box

Pack one clearly identifiable box containing the things you are likely to need immediately after arriving at your new home.

This could include:

• Phone chargers
• Toiletries
• Toothbrushes
• Toilet paper
• Medication
• Basic cleaning products
• A change of clothes
• Kettle, cups, tea and coffee
• Snacks
• Essential paperwork

Keeping these items easily accessible means you won't have to open several boxes just to find something you need on your first evening.

Keep Cables Organised

Loose cables can quickly become tangled. Use cable ties, reusable ties, elastic bands or even cardboard tubes to keep them neatly organised.

Label each bundle so you immediately know which television, computer, router or appliance it belongs to.

Packing Books and Other Heavy Items

Heavy possessions should generally be packed into smaller, strong boxes. This helps prevent boxes becoming excessively heavy and difficult to lift.

When loading boxes, position heavier containers underneath lighter or more fragile ones. Clea