17 Smart Packing Tips To Make Moving Home A Breeze

Moving home can be incredibly stressful. Before you break down in tears in a heap on the floor, check out our top packing tips to help alleviate the pain.

If you've got any tips you'd love to add, please comment below - and remember to share this article, we're trying to spread the word of Expert Home Tips!

1. Bag hanging clothes

This is a great tip for when you're moving. Grab a black bin-liner bag and gather your hanging clothes. Put a rubber band around the hangers for some extra support if you want. Once you get to your new home, hang up your clothes and remove the bag. Easy as pie!

2. Pack a "1st Day Box"

Grab a box and fill it with all the essentials you'll need on the first day. Include toilet paper, mugs, teabags, milk, scissors, bin bags and why not add a celebratory tipple? Remember to keep it with you on your journey to your new home, so it doesn't get mixed with rest of your belongings and lost.

3. Put things in things

Never leave a space empty that could be filled with smaller things. Grab your pots and put spices in them, make sure every nook and cranny is being used sensibly.

4. Use coloured tape

Grab yourself some different coloured tape - I've used Washi tape above. Use different colours for different rooms so it's easy to signify which room you want the boxes to go in. This makes things easier for all the box lifters to know where to go at your new home.

5. Write a list

As you pack your boxes, keep a note of all their contents. It's a good idea to number them so if you're missing a box it's easy to see what you're missing. You can also then decide which boxes are more important to unpack on the first day.

6. Label plugs

Electrical wires can be a nightmare, so save yourself time and label your plugs so you can quickly work out what goes where / what does what. You could even take a photo of your set up so at your new home you don't have to think about where everything goes.

7. Protect breakables

Keep delicate items secure in boxes by inserting paper inside them and bubble wrap on the outside. This will help to prevent any tears in your new home upon un-boxing. If you're really worried about some items, do keep them near to you on the journey - this way they won't be underneath other boxes and you won't worry about them being damaged.

8. Ziplock

Use ziplock bags to group bathroom items together to help protect any spillages from occurring. Try to remember not to group products such as shampoo and toothpaste together though, you might end up with a nasty surprise when you go to brush your teeth!

9. Roll clothes

I'm all for shoving clothes in black bin-liners bags, but the sensible thing should be to carefully pack your them away. Save more space by rolling clothes neatly, this will mean they won't get creased.

10. Magic Eraser

Got pesky stains on your walls? I can highly recommend a 'Magic Eraser'. Just add water to to your foam and stains will be removed with ease! It's a good idea to test the eraser first on an unnoticeable section, as sometimes they can work a little too well.

11. De-clutter

If you find yourself spinning around the room with your hands on your head asking "WHY is there SO MUCH STUFF?", then it's probably a good idea to sort out this problem instead of just taking it all to your new home. It's a good idea to clear the clutter before you move, so either sell it or give it away. Try places like Freecycle.org, Gumtree.com or head to your local charity shop.

12. Make up your new bed first

Make your bed as soon as you get into your new home. When you're exhausted from all the moving, the last thing you want to be doing is making up your bed. Throw yourself into the first day of unpacking, and when it gets late you'll be able to peacefully crawl into bed.

13. Involve the kids...

Got children? Give them each a cardboard box. Tell them to pack their favourite toys, pyjamas, games and any cuddly toys and put them in your car on moving day. They could even decorate it, which will give you time to do other moving tasks. Your children can unpack their own boxes when you get to your new house, and the contents will make them feel right at home straight away.

14. ...or don't involve the kids!

Why not have your children and pets looked after for the first day of your new move? It will give you the chance to get the bulk of the work done, without having to worry about entertaining or looking after them. They'll feel more at home once you've got most of your belongings set up!

15. Order food

If you've packed your 1st Day Box, chances are you've sensibly included some first day snacks and already considered what take-away you deserve after a hard day unpacking. For day 2 at your new home, why not pre-emptively order an online food shop? You'll be able to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables without leaving your house, so you can get on with all the important tasks - like more unpacking!

16. Wrap cutlery

Tape and wrap up your cutlery draw as it is, to save time and effort packing and unpacking all the items. Once you're in your new home, just take off the tape and paper and place in your brand new kitchen drawer. Easy!

17. Wear comfy clothes

Pick out your comfiest (and most practical) outfit for moving day. You want to be able to move around with ease (think leggings, jogging bottoms) and also be able to take layers off when you get too hot (think cardigans, t-shirts).

Packing isn't the only thing on the agenda when moving house. Be prepared and take a look at our advice on how to disconnect a washing machine. 

Hope you've enjoyed these tips - and I wish you good luck with the move!