Essential Packing Tips for Families Moving Home

Weeks Before the Move

1. Declutter and Sort Items

   • Start early by sorting through your belongings. Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. The less you have to pack, the quicker and cheaper the move will be.

   • Involve your family by getting kids to sort through their toys and clothes. This will make the packing process easier later on.

2. Create a Packing Plan

   • Make a checklist for each room and allocate a packing schedule. Decide which rooms to pack first and how much time you need to dedicate to each.

   • Label each box with its contents and the room it’s going to in your new home to help the unpacking process.

3. Start Packing Non-Essential Items

   • Begin packing items that you don't use daily, such as seasonal clothes, books, decorations, or extra kitchenware. Pack these in sturdy boxes, and make sure to clearly label each box with its contents and the room it’s going to.

   • Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. This way, you can move them directly from your wardrobe without needing to fold them.

4. Secure Packing Materials

   • Order or buy quality packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Some removal companies offer packing supplies for rent or purchase, so check with your provider in advance.

   • Consider using eco-friendly packing materials, such as biodegradable packing peanuts or recycled paper.

5. Start with Less Frequent Rooms

   • Rooms like the guest room, attic, or basement can be packed earlier, as they are less frequently used. Begin packing non-essential items from these rooms.

6. Protect Fragile Items

   • Wrap fragile items such as dishes, glassware, and ornaments carefully in bubble wrap, towels, or packing paper. Mark these boxes clearly as fragile so that they are handled with extra care.

One to Two Weeks Before the Move

7. Pack the Kitchen

   • The kitchen usually takes the longest to pack, so tackle it well in advance. Pack rarely-used items first, such as extra crockery, pots, and pans, and leave only the essentials (like a few dishes and utensils) until the last few days.

   • Wrap each item securely to prevent breakage. Use dish packs for fragile items, and fill gaps with soft materials like towels or clothes.

8. Prepare Important Documents

   • Organize essential documents, such as passports, birth certificates, medical records, and financial paperwork. Keep these in a separate, easily accessible box or folder to ensure they don’t get lost during the move.

9. Set Aside Moving Day Essentials

   • Pack a moving essentials box with items you'll need immediately after the move (toiletries, phone chargers, medication, snacks, a change of clothes, cleaning supplies, etc.). Make sure this box is labeled and easily accessible.

   • Keep important items like car keys, house keys, and any paperwork related to the move in a safe, separate place.

10. Contact Service Providers

    • Notify utility companies (gas, water, electricity, internet) of your moving date, and arrange for the disconnection at your current home and connection at the new one.

    • Don’t forget to forward your mail through the Royal Mail to ensure you don’t miss anything important.

A Few Days Before the Move

11. Pack Your Wardrobe

    • Begin packing up your clothes. Consider using wardrobe boxes for clothes you want to keep hanging. Fold or roll clothes in your drawers to make the process quicker.

    • Leave just enough clothes for the remaining days and make sure to pack an overnight bag with everything you’ll need for the first few days in your new home.

12. Disassemble Furniture

    • Take apart large furniture that can be disassembled (e.g. beds, bookshelves, tables) to make the move more efficient. Keep all screws, nuts, and bolts in labeled bags, taped to the furniture.

    • If you’re unsure how to disassemble larger items, ask your removal company if they provide this service.

13. Confirm Details with Your Removal Company

    • Confirm the time, date, and logistics with your removal company. Make sure they are aware of any special requirements, such as fragile items or items that need disassembling.

    • If you’ve rented packing materials, confirm the return process and deposit arrangements.

The Day Before the Move

14. Finish Packing

    • Finish packing any remaining items, such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchen essentials. Ensure everything is properly packed, sealed, and labeled.

    • Double-check your moving essentials box to make sure you’ve included everything you’ll need on the first night in your new home.

15. Prepare Appliances

    • If you’re moving large appliances (fridge, washer, etc.), ensure they are disconnected and ready to go. Defrost the freezer and clean out any perishable items.

    • If you’ve hired movers, check if they offer assistance with large appliances.

16. Check Parking and Access for the Movers

    • Ensure there’s a clear path and sufficient parking for the removal van at both your current home and new home. Arrange parking permits or reservations if necessary to avoid delays.

Moving Day

17. Last-Minute Packing

    • On the day of the move, pack up your last remaining items, such as toiletries, bedding, and any kitchen items you’ve been using that morning.

    • Remember to pack a snack and drinks to stay refreshed throughout the day.

18. Do a Final Walkthrough

    • Before you leave your old home, do a final walkthrough to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Check closets, drawers, and storage areas.

19. Supervise the Loading Process

    • While the movers load your belongings, make sure everything is carefully packed, especially fragile items. Double-check that nothing is left behind.

    • Ensure all items are securely loaded into the van to prevent damage during transport.

20. Stay Calm and Organized

    • Moving can be overwhelming, but staying organized and calm will help everything go smoothly. Trust your removal company to handle the logistics, and focus on keeping your family comfortable throughout the day.

After the Move

21. Unpack Essentials First

    • Start by unpacking the essentials box, setting up the beds, and making sure everyone has what they need to settle in. Then, begin unpacking room by room.

22. Return Packing Materials

    • If you borrowed boxes or packing materials from your removal company, make sure to return them promptly to avoid any additional charges.

By following these packing tips, your family’s move will be more organized and less stressful. The key is to start early, stay organized, and take one step at a time. Good luck with your move!

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