Packing up your house isn’t easy and many people find the task intimidating. Where do you start? Even the idea of fitting everything you own into boxes to load it onto a truck can feel daunting. If you aren’t sure where to start packing to move, here are some tips.

1. Get your packing materials

Determining how many boxes you’ll need depends on the size of your house and how much you own. Don’t worry about trying to get the right amount from the start. You can always get more as you need them.

What you’ll need to get started:

• A selection of small, medium and large packing boxes.
• Rolls of packing tape and scissors.
• Packing paper or similar materials.
• A permanent marker.

Tip: You can buy a starter kit from our box shop. We have small, medium and large combos with everything you need to start packing.

2. Starting

Make up your first box by securely sealing the flaps on the bottom with tape. We recommend sealing the seams of the box for additional support, especially for heavy loads.

Start in an area you use least, such as your attic. Label the box with the name of the room and list the contents on the side of the box. Start packing. Don’t overfill the box, use padding for protection and stack items carefully. Once it’s full, seal it with tape. You’re underway.

Ideas for places to start:

• Pack any clothing you won’t need until after you move.
• Pack up books, games, DVDs and puzzles.
• Pack up pots and pans you don’t use often.
• Pack up any linen that doesn’t get used often.
• Pack up any storage areas such as cupboards.

3. Break up the job into manageable chunks

What we find most intimidating is the idea of packing up the entire house. If you break it into manageable chunks, i.e. room by room, it will feel much easier. Work through each room leaving any items you use often until last.

4. Declutter

Moving is the perfect time to dispose of anything you don’t need. It also makes packing easier and reduces the cost of moving in time and money.

For a complete guide to decluttering, read our article: Decluttering When Moving.

5. Make sure you have plenty of time

Don’t be fooled by professional movers about time if you’re packing yourself. Professionals know how to pack a household quickly and efficiently. You’ll need much more time to do it yourself. Do some packing every day, but don’t tire yourself out and get plenty of sleep. 

If you find the task is becoming overwhelming or you’re falling behind, call in the professionals. The small cost far outweighs the stress and risk of breakages.

Tip: You can save yourself a huge amount of work by getting professionals to pack up your entire house. When you get a moving quote, ask about the cost of getting professionally packed too. Professional packing also allows you to get moving insurance for extra peace of mind.

If you’re moving anytime soon, ask us about our packing service. You might be pleasantly surprised.