Moving house is a daunting prospect by itself, and packing all of your belongings away into boxes only adds to that stress. You may be putting it off, but as the big day draws ever closer, you will need to get started. Luckily, we have put our years of removal expertise to good use, compiling a list of the most important things to remember when packing.
Get prepared
Firstly, make sure that you have enough boxes (it’s always better to have too many than too little!). Corrugated cardboard boxes are stronger than ordinary ones, so may be more suitable for heavier items. Keep little, light objects in smaller boxes with items of a similar size, to avoid them getting lost or crushed by bigger, heavier items. Getting what boxes you need in order is the first step on your road to having your items neatly packed away. Got that sorted? Then it’s time for your packing to commence!
Pack a case
Before you start to work on the rest of the house, ensure that you pack a suitcase for each member of the household with enough clothes, toiletries and everyday essentials to last them for a few days while their belongings are unpacked and put into their new home. By doing this, you will be able to access clean clothes instantly, rather than root around in boxes as your patience rapidly decreases.
Label, label, label!
If you have a lot of stuff, then labelling your boxes with their exact contents is a must. When there are twenty or thirty identical boxes in front of you, knowing exactly where the remote control or the cushions are can save you a lot of time and stress. A list of what is in the box, packed in the order in which it is written (last item on the list at the bottom of the box, etc.) will make your hunt for that particular item as straightforward as possible.
Label your boxes with what room the items belong in, so that the boxes can then be placed in the appropriate location, ready for unpacking. Knives, forks and other utensils should have ‘kitchen’ written on the box, whilst any pillows and quilts should be in boxes labelled ‘bedroom’. Knowing not only what is exactly in each box but also where it belongs will make your unpacking a much easier task.
The everyday essentials
Another good tip is to pack a box full of the essentials you will immediately need when you arrive in your new home. Some food & drink, any medication and important documents should be all securely packed in separate boxes from the rest of your possessions. Make sure you keep your important documents in a sealed, waterproof box to prevent any damage, and label the box containing food and medication as ‘immediate essentials’ or something similar. A kettle, cutlery and some paper towels may also be helpful to include. Due to the essential contents, this should be the last box you close and the first box you open in your new home.
Protecting valuables
It may seem obvious, but wrap any breakable objects up in some bubble wrap before packing them. You’d be surprised at how many people think that their most loved objects won’t come to any harm in a box, only to be devastated when unpacking them. Place the wrapped objects in between other items to protect and cushion them from any impact.
Ready, steady, move!
After you have followed our advice and packed in a convenient, easy way, you will be ready to enjoy your new home. By planning ahead and thinking carefully about what goes into each box, unpacking will be easier too. While there is no such thing as a completely stress-free move, our handy hints will certainly ensure that your packing goes without a hitch!
James Young is the Founder of London Van Moves which provides a man and van service across London, Middlesex, Essex and Kent. No job is too small and with all drivers being fully CRB checked, you can trust London Van Moves.