17 Smart Packing Tips To Make Moving Home A Breeze

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

clothes in bin bags
From one clothes rack to another - with ease.

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"

1st Day box
Don't forget to include a treat or two, you deserve it!

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

things in things
Like Russian Dolls, but with packing 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

using different colour tape on boxes
So pretty AND so practical.

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

lists
Write as you go, so you don't miss anything out.

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

plug
Organised electrical items, how very pleasing.

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

newspaper and bubble wrap
Precious mugs need to be secure.

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

ziplock
Prevent all spillages.

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

roll up clothes
Roll, roll, roll your clothes, gently in your bag.

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

magic eraser
Abracadabra!

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

too much stuff
But seriously, HOW did this happen?

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

bedding
Oh sweet comfortable bed, how I've longed for you.

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...

child box
One box per child.

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!

pets and kids
"Hey, let's just make ourselves scarce - we don't want to be a nuisance!" said no child or pet ever.

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

fruit
Lashings of fruit and vegetables.

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

cutlery
Packing, the lazy way.

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

clothes
Who cares about fashion when you're lugging insanely heavy boxes around?

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!

Colleen B

Editor

Lifelong biscuit addict. Obsessed with recipes, cooking & eating. Slightly lazier than the average bear, so likes writing about life hacks & discovering the quickest / easiest way to do things.

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  1. Author susan bowden on May 16, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    If you're moving and need bubble wrap, ask nicely at your local supermarket and they usually let you collect the bubble wrap sheets the apples etc. come packed in - these would otherwise be put with the waste. When my Mum moved both ASDA and Morrisons were very helpful and we didn't need to buy any!

    1. Author Colleen B on May 19, 2015 at 1:26 pm

      Thanks Susan, that's a fab tip - I've never thought to ask them for bubble wrap.

    Reply
  2. Author James A. on June 10, 2015 at 1:45 am

    Hi Colleen! Just dropping by to say you've done a good job explaining things well. I was looking for a more organized way of packing and wrapping.

    1. Author Colleen B on July 7, 2015 at 1:24 pm

      Thank you, glad you enjoyed them!

    Reply
  3. Author Kath on June 10, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    Instead of wrapping your plates and bowls individually in bubble wrap or newspaper, put paper plates between them - saves lots of time and you can use the paper plates for your first few meals to save on washing up!

    1. Author Colleen B on June 11, 2015 at 1:55 pm

      That's a brilliant tip Kath, thanks for that! Plus, washing up is just another unwanted chore while you're unpacking everything...

    Reply
  4. Author Zoe on June 11, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    Wonderful tips and ideas! Moving can be overwhelming but luckily when everything is properly prepared it goes like a breeze, indeed! On of the top things that must be prepared is the first night box with all the essentials - toiletries, mugs, coffee, you name it!

    1. Author Colleen B on June 11, 2015 at 1:58 pm

      Thanks Zoe, it's great to hear you liked the post. Now if there were only magical fairies who did all the unpacking for you...

    Reply
  5. Author rachael matthews on July 13, 2015 at 8:58 pm

    I LOVE THIS SITE!!!!! so glad I found it great ideas thank you! been so helpful

    1. Author Colleen B on July 14, 2015 at 11:29 am

      Oh that's so lovely to hear Rachael, thanks for letting us know you like them!

    Reply
  6. Author Jade L. on October 1, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    Golden tips! This is the best guide for packing I've found so far. I'm really grateful for this amazing post and will definitely share it with all my friends. I'm sure they will save it to favourites right away just as I did, and come back later. Keep being awesome and helping people get a stress free house move. THANK YOU!

    1. Author Colleen B on October 2, 2015 at 8:51 am

      Thank you for your kind words!

    Reply
  7. Author Tammy Ramsey on October 30, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    Very fresh and cool article! I agree that involving the kids in packing might be tricky! :D The tips are great! Having a good organization is essential for when moving house!

    1. Author Colleen B on October 30, 2015 at 4:10 pm

      Thanks Tammy!

    Reply
  8. Author Household Packers on December 4, 2015 at 11:38 am

    Really nice tips! Your tips are very helpful. One of my friend will move next month. I will suggest these all tips to him. Hope it will help him...

    1. Author Colleen B on December 7, 2015 at 9:30 am

      Thanks, enjoy!

    Reply
  9. Author Kethy Lara on March 10, 2016 at 7:29 am

    nice tips.

    1. Author Colleen B on March 11, 2016 at 11:50 am

      Thanks very much, glad you like the article!

    Reply
  10. Author Justin Gray on March 15, 2016 at 7:52 am

    http://supercheapboxes.com.au/. Use a couple of pieces of tape to close the bottom and top seams, then use one of the movers’ techniques―making a couple of wraps all the way around the box’s top and bottom edges, where stress is concentrated.

    1. Author Colleen B on March 21, 2016 at 4:27 pm

      Thanks for the tip Justin!

    Reply
  11. Author Orlando Shannon on June 15, 2016 at 9:51 am

    It is advisable that you pack your belongings in small carton boxes as that will keep the weightless and easy to carry out.

    1. Author Colleen B on June 20, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks for your useful tip!

    Reply
  12. Author Packers5th.in on May 25, 2017 at 10:59 am

    Really nice tips.It is very useful during relocation. Thanks for sharing these tips.

    1. Author Stephanie C on May 26, 2017 at 9:45 am

      Hi there. I'm glad you enjoyed the article - thanks for stopping by! :)

    Reply
  13. Author Revan on July 16, 2017 at 8:04 am

    Sometimes it is very hard to find good content on this topic. But your blog is my way to desired information, my problem is solved now. Thanks for posting something worth reading. Great work.

    1. Author Stephanie C on July 17, 2017 at 9:52 am

      Hi Revan. I'm glad you enjoyed our post! Thanks a lot for reading.

    Reply
  14. Author Fazilat on August 25, 2017 at 6:37 am

    It's gonna help me thanks colleen

    1. Author Stephanie C on August 25, 2017 at 12:15 pm

      We're glad to hear that Fazilat! Thanks for stopping by :)

    Reply
  15. Author Aashi on August 31, 2017 at 1:10 pm

    The most thoughtful and helpful tips I’ve found so far. This post is golden and by sharing it you help a lot of people. When I moved the first time I wish I had this article as my guide. This is why I’m bookmarking it now and sharing it on my fb wall. Thanks for existing and being awesome!

    1. Author Stephanie C on September 1, 2017 at 10:20 am

      Hi Aashi. Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I'm so glad you found our tips useful and we really appreciate you sharing the post :)

    Reply
  16. Author Sahar on November 5, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    I am grateful to you for your help by sharing this great post.I had never read this type of good information.It was very helpful on my first moving.Once again thanks a lot.

    1. Author Stephanie C on November 6, 2017 at 9:08 am

      Hi Sahar. Thanks a lot for your kind comment. We're glad you enjoyed the tips & hope your move was a success!

    Reply
  17. Author Nadia Ammal on February 25, 2018 at 10:27 am

    So much helpful!! I already am feeling relieved by just reading the tips even though I haven’t started packing yet????

    1. Author Stephanie C on February 26, 2018 at 12:00 pm

      Hi Nadia, Thank a lot for your kind comment. We're really glad to have been able to help. Have a nice trip :)

    Reply
  18. Author John William on July 3, 2019 at 12:37 pm

    This is a perfect packing list! It includes everything I need to know how appropriately to pack for my moving. I am so happy to read it! Greetings.

    1. Author Joanne A on July 3, 2019 at 4:03 pm

      Thanks for the kind words, John! We're glad to help.

    Reply
  19. Author Anita on March 18, 2020 at 8:32 am

    I'm moving abroad soon which is even more stressful than moving is already. I knew about some of these tips like numbering boxes and write down what's inside them but I've been wondering how to move the clothes that are on hangers. They sell special boxes for that but they're expensive so the tip about the black bin bags was very welcome! Thank you!

    1. Author Joanne A on March 24, 2020 at 4:18 pm

      You're welcome, Anita! Good luck with the move.

    Reply

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