If the thought of packing up your property makes you quiver, we’re here to help you make packing a smooth-sailing task.
10 packing hacks to help prepare you for your move
1. Create a packing “kit”
The best place to start is by gathering all of the essentials you need to pack. This may include boxes, tape, permanent markers, bubble wrap (or linen and newspaper) to wrap delicate belongings, scissors and a trolley if you’re moving by yourself.
It’s a good idea to keep your packing kit in a basket (or something similar) so you can easily move from room to room.
If you’re dismantling furniture, you may also need to include these tools.
2. Stay systematic with labelling
Rather than simply ‘shoving’ everything into boxes, having a systematic approach to labelling your boxes will save you hours of time at the other end. There are a few ways you can be smart about labelling to make sure you know exactly where the box belongs when you get to your new house.
Ranking system
Use a priority ranking system (e.g. 1 = important, 5 = unimportant). When you get to your new place, you can unpack in order of importance.
For example, you may need your kitchenware and toiletries on the night you move in so you would label those boxes with a number 1. But things like books and boardgames might be something you might not need for weeks so you would label them with a number 5.
A room-by-room approach
If you’re moving into a property in which you’ll set up similarly to your existing property, a room-by-room approach is an easy way to stay organised. It means you can tackle one room at a time, which can really give you a sense of achievement as you pack up each room.
3. Wrap hanging clothes in garbage bags
Rather than taking your hanging clothes off their hangers, packing them in boxes and re-hanging them, a quick solution is to wrap them in garbage bags and tighten the bag around the top of the coat hanger – it works a treat and can save hours of time!
4. Place cords in snap-lock bags or toilet paper rolls
We’ve all experienced the nightmare of untangling cords. So, it’s a good idea to keep them separated throughout the move.
Two good tricks are rolling them up in snap-lock bags or toilet rolls. Then, you can label them accordingly with the technology they belong to.
5. Separate crockery with linen or newspaper
Rather than wasting money on ridiculous amounts of bubble wrap, you can use existing materials to separate / wrap up your kitchenware.
6. Wrap all of your plastic bottles in plastic
Avoid messy explosions by wrapping your shampoo, cleaning supplies and other plastic bottles in plastic bags.
7. Cut handles in boxes for easy lifting
To avoid injuries and damaged goods, cut small rectangles into the sides of your boxes. This will save you time and energy.
8. Pack books in suitcases
There’s nothing worse than 20 books breaking through a cardboard box. They’re heavy too. It’s a good idea to pack books into suitcases for easy transportation. If the suitcase has wheels, even better!
9. Use cooking pots as storage
If your pots and pans don’t pack inside of each other, you can use them to pack things like spices and other food from the pantry.
10. Pack a snack box
You’re probably going to use a lot of energy on moving day. So, why not create a box full of snacks to keep you going throughout the big day. We hope these tips help with your packing. Happy moving!