If you’re moving quite a distance from your old place then you won’t be wanting to drive back and forth because you’ve forgotten something or you just haven’t quite got it all together in time. So, you need to pack everything up as efficiently and quickly as possible so that when it comes to moving day you and your team of removers have an easy time.
Buy in your supplies
You’ll need special packing tape, old newspapers, markers and labels for boxes, bubble wrap for delicate items and stretch wrap for furniture. Make sure you have plenty of each before you even start packing so that once you start, you can just carry on.
Then you’ll need the boxes, of course. You can often beg boxes from supermarkets, or buy them from your removal company or a self-storage place.
Get started
There’s no time like the present, so start now! If you have a couple of months, then aim to fill a box a day. If it’s slightly more pressing, then aim for two or more. Pick out items you won’t be using for a while, like Christmas lights, out-of-season sports kit and clothes and seasonal cooking utensils.
Once you’ve attended to non-essentials, start packing up one room at a time. The spare room should go first, obviously, as it’s not in constant use. Make sure each box is clearly labelled so your movers know where to put them.
Declutter
Moving house is the perfect time to declutter as you have less weight to schlep across town (or country) and you can rent a smaller unit if you have to use self-storage. You can bin unwanted items, recycle them or give them to charity; you can also sell some if you think they’re worth anything.
Watch your back
Each box should weigh no more than 12-13 kilos as any heavier can damage your back or, even worse, the back of a professional remover. Think about it, you’re moving boxes from your house to a self-storage place, then from there to the new house… It’s easy to hurt yourself if you’re not careful. Put lighter items in large boxes and heavy things in small boxes to help you stay in limit.
Avoid crushes
When you load the van, place the smaller, heavier boxes on the bottom. Boxes of books are ideal as they can stand up to more weight being placed on them and they add ballast.
