It’s easy to get over excited and jump straight into packing without giving it a second thought, but that is usually not the best way to go about your move. Before you start, go through this list of tips to help you with your packing process, you won’t regret it.
Some general tips
- Don’t leave it until the last minute.
- Pack each room one by one and clearly label the boxes.
- Label each box by room and try your best to keep them all together.
- If the contents of a box is fragile or heavy, write it on the box.
- If you need extra protection on fragile items, blankets and pillows come in handy.
- Take into consideration the time it takes to dismantle your furniture.
- Put any heavy items in small boxes so they are easier to carry.
- Don’t over pack each box, as they can become to heavy or the box can break.
- Keep fragile items in their own boxes and put extra padding like bubble wrap inside.
- Newspaper can leave marks, if you can wrap with tissue paper first.
- If you have important documents like birth certificates, file them together in a folder. To be extra safe, scan them so you have them saved on your computer or hard drive.
Electronics
- Take photos of your electronics before you disconnect the cables.
- Place the cables, brackets and small parts in a zip-seal bag and tape it to the box.
- Pack your electronics in their original boxes, if possible.
- Buy specialty TV boxes if you no longer have your original boxes.
Clothing
- Never pack damp or dirty clothes.
- Go through your wardrobe and throw out anything you no longer need.
- If it’s summer, pack away your winter clothes first and vise versa.
- Pack an overnight bag with clothes and essentials like shampoo and your toothbrush.
- If you can, keep some of the clothes on their hangers that way you can hang them straight up.
- If you have drawers that you are taking with you, leave your clothes in them and secure them closed.
- If you have suitcases, use them!
- Invest in some vacuum bags to save space.
- If you keep your shoe boxes, pack your shoes in them.
- Put socks inside your shoes.
- If you’re taking laundry baskets with you, pack them with clothes too.
Books
- A pile of books can get pretty heavy. Be mindful when packing them, don’t over do it.
- Place tissue paper in between each book so they don’t get damaged.
- Seal your boxes properly and add extra tape so they don’t break.
Photo frames and artwork
- Pack small frames in a medium sized box.
- Pack large pieces in specialty boxes or flatten a large box.
- Wrap them with brown paper or bubble wrap.
- Clearly label the boxes so everyone knows they are fragile and important.
Kitchen appliances and utensils
- Don’t pack anything that is still dirty or wet.
- Separate any small bits and pieces into clearly labelled Ziploc bags. If you can, put the manual in there too.
- For extra protection, place some bubble wrap at the bottom of any boxes with plates inside it.
- Pack plates vertically, kind of like a dishwasher. Place bubble wrap in between each item.
- Stuff your glasses with bubble wrap, packing peanuts or clean socks.
- Tie your forks, knives and utensils together with rubber bands.
- Stack pots and pans in big boxes, with biggest at the bottom and smallest on top.
- Stack lids around the pots after you wrap them in bubble wrap.
- Try not to do a grocery shop the week of your move. Pack any remaining food in a cooler bag or esky.
How to pack your bathroom for the move
- Do your best not to open any new bottles before your move.
- Clean out your products and throw out anything you have used in a few months.
- A handy trick to stop products from leaking, put glad wrap under the lid.
- Put your everyday items in a toiletries bag so you can easily access them on your first day at the new house.
- Keep your first aid supplies in a small box and close by for easy access.
To wrap it up
Download this list and tick off items as you go. Packing may not be the most exciting job but this certainly makes it a little easier.