Whether you’re heading to a bigger home, downsizing, or simply starting a new chapter, there’s a lot to think about before moving day arrives. And while finding the right property is the exciting bit, packing everything up is usually the part people look forward to the least.
It can feel like a huge job when you don’t know where to begin. One minute you’re taping up a box of books, the next you’re wondering why you own three drawers full of tangled cables, old takeaway menus and mystery keys.
The good news is that packing doesn’t have to be a last-minute panic. A few clever ideas can save you time, cut down on stress and make unpacking at the other end much easier. Here are seven handy packing tips to help your move go more smoothly.
Most people remember to pack for the first night. Far fewer think about the first week.
The reality is that once you’ve moved in, it can take days to get fully organised. You may not know where everything is going straight away, and some boxes may sit unopened longer than expected. That’s why it’s worth packing one bag or box with the things you’ll need immediately and regularly during your first few days.
This might include toiletries, medications, chargers, a kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, a few changes of clothes, towels, pet supplies, children’s essentials and important paperwork.
Having all of that ready to go means you won’t be rummaging through ten taped-up boxes just to find your toothbrush or phone charger.
2. Wrap chests of drawers and move them with contents inside
This is one of those simple moving tricks that can save a surprising amount of time.
If a chest of drawers contains lightweight items such as clothes, pyjamas, bedding or towels, you may be able to leave everything inside and wrap the whole unit tightly with cling film. That keeps the drawers shut and the contents in place while it’s being moved.
At the other end, you simply unwrap it and put it in position.
It’s quick, tidy and saves you from having to empty every drawer, box everything up, then unpack it all again. Just make sure the furniture isn’t overloaded, and check with your removals team that they’re happy to transport it that way.
A heavy box without handles is awkward for anyone to carry. One small trick that can make a big difference is cutting hand holes into the side of sturdy cardboard boxes.
This gives you, and your removals team, a better grip, which can make lifting, shifting and stacking much easier. Be careful not to weaken the box by cutting too much away, and avoid doing this on boxes filled with very heavy items. Still, for many standard moving boxes, it’s a handy little upgrade that makes the whole process less clumsy.
Suitcases are designed to carry weight, which makes them ideal for some of the heaviest items in your home.
Instead of filling boxes with books, shoes, sports kit or bulky toiletries, use your wheeled luggage. It’s easier to pull a suitcase than carry a sagging cardboard box across the driveway or up the stairs, and there’s less chance of the bottom giving way mid-move.
This tip is especially useful if you’re moving without a full removals service or if you’re doing some of the lifting yourself.
Small items are often the easiest to lose and the most fiddly to pack.
Jewellery, cufflinks, spare screws, keys, pins and other bits and pieces can quickly become tangled or go missing if they’re all thrown into one bag or box. Egg cartons are a great low-cost fix. Each compartment keeps things separate, which helps stop damage and makes it easier to find what you need later.
Once filled, secure the carton shut with tape or cling film and place it in a clearly labelled box.
It’s one of those old-school moving tips that still earns its place.
Labelling every box is a clever idea. Colour-coding them takes it one step further.
Assign a colour to each room in your new home - perhaps green for the kitchen, blue for the bathroom, yellow for the main bedroom - then use matching stickers, labels or coloured tape on the boxes. This gives you a quick visual system that helps everyone know where things need to go.
It can speed things up on moving day and cuts down on the number of boxes dumped in the wrong room.
For best results, label boxes on more than one side and add a short note about what’s inside. “Kitchen – mugs and plates” is much more helpful than just “Kitchen”.
Packing wardrobes can be one of the most annoying parts of a house move.
Rather than taking everything off hangers, folding it into bags, then having to hang it all up again, keep things simple. Leave clothes on their hangers, group them together and pull clean bin bags over them from the bottom. Tie the bags around the hanger hooks at the top so the clothes stay protected.
This is a quick and easy way to move shirts, dresses, jackets, coats and school uniforms without creating extra work for yourself.
When you arrive, just remove the bags and hang everything straight into the wardrobe.
Packing may be part and parcel of moving home, but finding the right property is where the journey begins.
At Shinerocks, we’ve been helping people move in Purley, Croydon & Greater London for years. Whether you’re buying, selling or still searching for the perfect place, our experienced team is here to help make the whole process feel clearer, smoother and far less stressful.
Call us on 020 8660 2010 to chat about what you’re looking for - we’ll be delighted to help.
In the meantime, we've answered your common questions about packing for your house move.
Ideally, you should start around four to six weeks before your moving date. Begin with things you don’t use every day, such as seasonal clothes, books, decorative items and spare bedding. Leaving it all until the final week can make the move feel far more rushed than it needs to be.
Start with non-essential items first. Spare rooms, loft contents, garage storage, ornaments and out-of-season clothes are all good places to begin. Keep daily-use items until later so your home still functions normally while you prepare to move.
Wrap each item separately using packing paper, bubble wrap or towels, and use strong boxes that won’t collapse under weight. Fill empty gaps so items can’t shift about in transit, and clearly label the box as fragile on several sides.
Yes, definitely. Moving house is the perfect time to clear out anything you no longer use or want. There’s little point spending time and money packing, moving and unpacking items that no longer serve a purpose.
Keep essentials such as keys, important documents, medications, chargers, wallets, snacks, drinks and anything valuable with you rather than in the removals van. That way, you know exactly where they are when you need them.
That depends on the size of your move and how much help you have. A professional removals company can make the day much easier, especially if you have larger furniture, lots of boxes or a longer distance to travel.
Write the room name clearly on each box and include a short description of the contents. Colour-coding by room can make things even easier and helps movers place boxes in the right location straight away.
Pack logically, keep similar items together and clearly mark the boxes you’ll need to open first. An essentials box for the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms can help you settle in more quickly without feeling surrounded by chaos.
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You can also call us on 020 8660 2010, or email enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk.
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