THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PACKING FOR A HOUSE MOVE
Moving house is exciting - new beginnings, fresh spaces and endless possibilities. But let's be honest: the packing part? Not so fun. Between boxes, tape and that drawer full of random cables, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
The good news? With a little planning and a few smart tips, packing can be a lot smoother (and maybe even a little satisfying). Here’s how to tackle your house move like a pro.
1. Start with a Packing Plan
Before you touch a single box, take 15–20 minutes to plan.
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Set your move date and count backward to create a rough schedule.
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Decide which rooms to pack first - usually, the ones you use least.
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Make a checklist of supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers etc. (all are included in our Home Moving bundles)
Pro tip: Start packing at least 4–6 weeks before your move, especially if you have a big house or a family.
2. Declutter Like You Mean It
Moving is the perfect excuse to get rid of things you no longer need.
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Ask yourself: Have I used this in the last year?
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Donate, sell, recycle or bin items that no longer serve you.
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Be ruthless. Don’t pay to move clutter to a new home.
Bonus tip: List the items for sale online - it’s a great way to fund your moving costs.
3. Gather the Right Supplies
Avoid last minute trips to the store by stocking up early. You'll need:
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Sturdy moving boxes (small, medium, large)
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Packing tape + tape dispenser
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Bubble wrap or packing paper
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Labels or markers
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Ziplock bags (for screws, cords, etc.)
See what our Home Bundles contain, with prices starting from just £34.
4. Label Everything (Seriously, Everything)
Label each box with:
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Room it belongs to
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Brief list of contents (Kitchen – Plates & Glasses)
Numbering boxes can make labelling and unpacking a breeze. You’ll thank yourself when you're not opening five boxes just to find a phone charger.
5. Pack an Essentials Box
Set aside one or two boxes for things you’ll need right away:
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Toiletries
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Chargers
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A couple of outfits
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Snacks
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Medications
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Cleaning supplies
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Toilet paper
Keep this with you - not on the moving van.
6. Tackle One Room at a Time
Stay focused. Don’t jump from room to room - it’s inefficient and stressful.
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Pack similar items together
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Wrap fragile items carefully
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Use clothes, towels or linens as padding where possible.
7. Use What You Already Have
Save money and space by getting creative:
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Pack clothes in suitcases or laundry baskets
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Use towels to wrap breakables
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Store small items in pots, bins or storage ottomans
Think of it as packing and decluttering in one go.
8. Don’t Overpack Boxes
It’s tempting to fill boxes to the top, but heavy boxes = risk of injury and broken items.
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Keep boxes under 20kg
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Heavy items (books, dishes) in small boxes
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Light items (pillows, bedding) in big boxes
9. Take Photos for Easy Setup
Before disassembling electronics or furniture, snap photos of:
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Cable setups
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Furniture screws/parts (and keep these in separate labelled Ziploc bags)
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How things fit together
This small step saves hours of frustration when setting up your new space.
10. Stay Calm and Keep Packing
Moving is stressful, even when everything goes smoothly. Remember:
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It’s okay to take breaks
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Ask for help if you need it
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Not everything has to be perfect
Focus on progress, not perfection. You’ve got this!
Packing for a move doesn't have to be chaos. With a little strategy and some practical steps, you can turn it into a streamlined process that sets you up for success in your new home.
Download our handy packing checklist to help keep you on target.
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Good luck - and happy moving!
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