How to pack to move house
Moving house can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make the process far more organised and stress-free. At Getting Rid Rubbish Removals, we’ve helped countless people move smoothly, and these are the packing methods that truly work.
Start Early and Declutter First
Begin packing well before moving day. Start with items you rarely use, such as things kept in the loft, spare rooms or storage cupboards. Use this time to declutter. If an item hasn’t been used for a long time or no longer fits your lifestyle, consider donating, selling or recycling it. The fewer items you have, the easier your move will be.
Gather the Right Packing Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. Choose strong boxes in various sizes, using smaller boxes for heavy items like books and larger boxes for lighter items such as bedding. Stock up on packing tape, protective materials such as bubble wrap or paper, and a good marker pen for labelling. Having everything ready from the start will save time and keep your packing process smooth.
Pack Room by Room
Work methodically through your home, focusing on one room at a time. This helps you stay organised and makes unpacking far easier later. Begin with rooms you use the least and finish with spaces like your kitchen or living room, which you’ll need right up until moving day.
Pack Smart
Distribute weight sensibly. Heavy items should go into small, sturdy boxes so they remain easy to carry, while light, bulky items are better suited to larger boxes. Wrap fragile belongings carefully using bubble wrap, paper or soft fabrics, and pad boxes to prevent movement during transport. If you dismantle furniture, keep all screws and fittings in a labelled bag and tape it securely to the item it belongs to. Taking photos as you dismantle things can help you reassemble them later.
Prepare an Essentials Box
Set aside a box that contains items you’ll need immediately after moving in. This might include toiletries, snacks, chargers, a kettle, a few plates and cutlery, bedding, medication and important documents. Keep this box with you or make sure it’s loaded last so you can access it easily.
Know What Not to Pack
Some items are better transported separately. Large appliances such as fridges or washing machines should be emptied, cleaned and prepared for transport rather than boxed. Keep valuable or sentimental items like jewellery, passports or important paperwork with you instead of sending them in the van. Avoid packing hazardous materials such as chemicals or flammable liquids, as these may not be allowed in the removals truck.
Final Checks Before Moving
Before moving day, make a simple inventory to keep track of your boxes and their contents. Confirm all arrangements with your removals team, including arrival time, parking requirements and any furniture that may need disassembling. Make sure fragile boxes are clearly marked and placed where they can be handled carefully.
Make Your Move Simple
Packing efficiently helps reduce stress, minimise breakages and keep your move organised from start to finish. At Getting Rid Rubbish Removals, we’re here to help every step of the way — whether you need packing assistance, removal services or help disposing of unwanted items before you move.