Moving house can be really exciting and a great opportunity for a fresh start. Perhaps you’re daydreaming about what colour you’re going to paint the kitchen and all the wonderful new memories you’re going to make there.

And then you realise that you’ve got to pack everything you own and actually move. This task can seem overwhelming. How do we end up accumulating so many possessions?! Not to mention the different timelines of moving dates to contend with.

Here are our top tips on how to pack to move house efficiently.

Invest in good boxes

When preparing to move house efficiently, it’s important to invest in good quality boxes. Whilst you may think that you can get away with putting things into large carrier bags or flimsy boxes, remember that these are going to contain all of your wordly belongings.

Ideally, you want to avoid any potential damage to your belongings during the move! Boxes should be sturdy and in good condition without any wear or tear. Work out how many you might need and order them in bulk online. It’s a good idea to invest in a range of sizes.

Pack up room by room

Packing up room by room not only keeps the mammoth task of moving manageable, but it becomes a tick list that can help you feel as if you are progressing through the house. And of course, if boxes are categorised by room, locating items and unpacking the other end will be so much easier.

Depending on when you are planning to move, it’s a good idea to start with the things you use least. For example, if you have a spare or guest room, this could be the perfect place to start. Rooms such as your bathroom and kitchen should probably be packed last, as these rooms tend to house the most everyday items.

Keep the essentials handy

Picture this – you’ve spent all morning loading boxes, you’ve made it to the new house and could really do with a cup of tea before the next phase of moving begins. But where on earth did you put the kettle, tea bags and sugar?

Always keep a handy stash of essentials nearby of items you might need during the move. This could also include toilet paper, snacks, scissors and bin bags.

Pack the essentials last

No one likes living out of boxes. To move house efficiently, minimise the time you’ll spend rooting around for certain items by packaging all your essentials last. We’re talking about everyday items such as toiletries, work clothes, hair appliances and kitchen utensils.

Make sure these items are the last on the removal van and the first off. Put them straight into an accessible place so that no matter how much progress you make with unpacking, you know exactly where the important items are.

Don’t over-fill boxes

If you’ve invested in good quality moving boxes, it’s natural to want to get the most out of them. However, filling them to the brim might not be the best idea. Firstly, they may become very heavy and hard to lift. The last thing you need is a sore back!

Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in larger boxes. If you are packing a box containing items of different weights, make sure the heavier items are packed first and then the lighter items at the top. This prevents the lighter items from being crushed and also means the heaviest items are being directly supported when being carried. Overfilling boxes will also prevent the boxes from stacking properly in the moving van.

Small items

They say good things come in small packages! It’s essential to wrap small and fragile items before packing them into boxes to ensure they are fully protected during the move. Wrapping items in tissue paper or bubble wrap is a great way to prevent breaking glasses, vases, mugs and more.

Once these items are wrapped you are ready to place them into the boxes – materials such as foam wrap or corrugated cardboard can be used to fill space in boxes and provide a protective layer between items.

Seal boxes and label

No one wants a box that is collapsing on them with all the contents falling out! Seal your boxes securely at the top and bottom with some strong tape. Opt for heavy-duty scotch tape or heavy-duty strong packaging tape. The best packing tape has a strong adhesive which can withstand the jolts and jostles that accompany moving and will protect the box and its contents.

Label your boxes using a thick marker pen with what it contains and the room it needs to be unpacked in. Clearly mark the outside of the boxes the way up it should be carried too. You’ll thank yourself later for labelling – particularly when you’re looking for that kettle!

Put up your bed first

It can be hard to know where to start when unpacking – but we’ll make it easy for you. The bedroom! Make sure the first thing you do is put up your bed and perhaps even any bedside tables and lamps.

This is the room you’re going to want to crash in at the end of the day and just feel comfortable. Making it as cosy as possible at the first opportunity is a move that future you will thank you for!

How Magenta Self Storage can help you in your house move…

Here at Magenta Self Storage, we know that moving home is no easy task. This is why we offer a range of flexible storage solutions to help make your house move hassle-free and allow you to move house efficiently. If you are downsizing, moving in with someone, or your current furniture just won’t fit in your new home, simply store it with us until you have moved and then decide whether to keep it or sell it.

You can also use our storage units if you are planning on decorating your new place before moving your items in, making it easier to tackle the DIY job list and giving it those personal touches to make it feel like home!
In addition to this, we also have van hire options as we have partnered up with Hertz 24/7 to offer you a simple and flexible way to transport your personal goods to and from your local self-storage centre. This can be worked around your schedule at any time, taking the hassle out of your move!

We have storage units in Acton, Banbury, Nottingham, Oxford and St Albans and are upfront and honest about our prices.

Give us a call on 0800 058 4102 today, or visit our personal storage to find out more information.