Moving house is consistently ranked as one of life’s most stressful events. But it doesn’t have to be a chaotic mess of unmarked boxes and broken mugs! The secret to a smooth transition lies in smart, strategic preparation.
If you’re looking for the best moving house packing tips to save time, sanity, and your security deposit, this guide is for you.
1. The Best Way to Start Packing for a Move
The biggest mistake movers make is starting with the wrong item (or starting too late!). The best way to start packing for a move isn’t with a box; it’s with a trash bag and a donation pile.
Declutter First, Pack Second
Before you buy a single roll of tape, commit to a ruthless decluttering session. Why pay to move things you haven’t used in two years? By reducing your inventory by even 10-15%, you drastically reduce your packing time and cost.
The “Essentials” Box Strategy
As you begin packing for moving house, the very first box you should assemble is the “Essentials Box.” This one travels with you, not the movers.
- Contents: Toilet paper, soap, towels, first-aid kit, phone chargers, snacks, crucial documents (passports, rental agreement), and tools (screwdriver, box cutter).
- Goal: To survive the first 24 hours in the new house without having to dig through 50 boxes.
2. Implement the “Packing Strategy” (The Best Way to Pack Up a House for Moving)
Once the clutter is gone, it’s time to get organized. This strategic approach is the best way to pack up a house for moving.
Essential Smart Packing Tips
| Step | Action | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Start Early | Dedicate time each day, even if it’s just 30 minutes. | Prevents a last-minute panic and exhaustion. |
| Use Quality Supplies | Invest in sturdy boxes, thick packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers. | Protects your belongings and prevents the box from collapsing. |
| Pack Room by Room | Complete one room before moving to the next. Do NOT mix items from different rooms in one box. | Makes unpacking infinitely easier; you know exactly where everything goes. |
| Create an Essentials Box | A clear or clearly labeled box with items you’ll need immediately (toiletries, medications, phone chargers, snacks, tools, pet food, etc.). | Ensures you have the necessities on moving day and the first night. |
3. General Packing Tips for Shifting House
Once the essentials are sorted and the decluttering is done, you can move on to the practical packing tips for shifting house that professionals swear by.
Color-Coding is the Best Way to Pack Up a House for Moving
- Forget writing vague labels like “Master Bedroom Stuff.” This is the best way to pack up a house for moving efficiently:
Assign a different color tape or sticker to each room (e.g., Red for the Kitchen, Blue for the Master Bedroom). - Stick the corresponding color on the top and side of every box.
- Put a matching sign (or piece of colored paper) on the door of the corresponding room in the new house. Movers and helpers will know exactly where to put the boxes at a glance.
The ‘LIFO’ Principle (Last In, First Out)
Pack the least-used items first (guest room linens, seasonal decor, books). Leave the most essential items (kitchen items, primary clothing, toiletries) until the very end.
Don’t Pay for Air
Use towels, sheets, clothes, and socks as padding instead of buying excessive bubble wrap. Not only does this save you money on packing supplies, but it also means you’re efficiently packing for moving house by filling every available space in your boxes and minimizing shifting during transport.
4. Taming the Toughest: Bedroom, Kitchen, and Bathroom
These two rooms are notoriously challenging due to breakables and liquids. Here is the strategic approach for handling them.
Packing a Kitchen for Moving
The kitchen contains more small, heavy, and fragile items than any other room. Smart packing a kitchen for moving a kitchen is critical.
- Plates and Dishes: Do not stack plates flat. Instead, pack them vertically (like records in a box). They are far less likely to break this way. Pad heavily with paper.
- Glasses: Stuff each glass with paper, then wrap it securely. Pack them in smaller, manageable boxes.
- The ‘Last Meal’ Box: When packing the kitchen for moving, leave a final small box with coffee essentials, one pot, one pan, and enough plates and cutlery for your final night. This avoids the frantic search for a fork on moving day.
Packing the Bathroom for Moving
The bathroom is all about liquids and organization.
- The Cling-Film Trick: For shampoo, soap, and lotion bottles, unscrew the cap, place a small square of plastic cling-film over the opening, and screw the cap back on tightly. This prevents catastrophic leaks.
- Keep Sets Together: When packing the bathroom for moving, put all cleaning supplies in one dedicated box and all toiletries in another. Label them clearly as “LIQUIDS – THIS SIDE UP.”
- Towels are Padding: Use your bath towels and hand towels to line the bottom of the bathroom boxes for protection.
How to Pack a Bedroom for Moving
Bedrooms are generally easier, focusing mostly on clothing and decor.
- Dressers: Don’t bother emptying clothes from drawers. You can often leave non-fragile items (like folded clothes) inside the dresser drawers, then secure the drawers with stretch wrap or tape for the move. Check with your movers first, as some may not allow this.
- Hanging Clothes: Use wardrobe boxes to move clothes directly on their hangers. If you don’t have wardrobe boxes, gather a handful of clothes on hangers, cover them with a large garbage bag (poke the hangers through the top), and tie the bag at the bottom.
- Jewelry: Place small items in pillboxes or wrap them in tissue paper or small plastic bags to prevent tangling before placing them in a small, well-labeled box.
Moving is work, but it’s not rocket science. By implementing these strategic moving house packing tips, starting with a good declutter, color-coding your boxes, and tackling tough rooms with smart hacks, you can cut stress and time out of the process.
Focus on organization, label everything clearly, and you’ll find that unpacking in your new home is a satisfying experience, not a chore.
Ready to make your move smooth and stress-free? Contact the SS Removals and Rentals expert Removalists team in Brisbane. Call us now at 0450 203 763 to plan your next move with confidence!
