9 MOVING HOME PACKING TIPS FOR A SMOOTH MOVE

Moving to a new home in Oxford is an exciting milestone, but packing up your entire life can be a source of stress and anxiety. However, fear not because we have some moving home packing tips for you! With proper planning and organisation, the moving home packing process will be much more manageable.

In this blog, the team at Cardea Lettings and Management Ltd will share our moving home packing tips to help you achieve a pain-free move with minimum stress.

So, let's get into it!

9 Tips to Make the Moving Process Better

1. Create a Packing Timeline

Start your moving home preparations by creating a well-structured packing timeline.

Begin early, ideally at least six weeks before your moving day.

Break down your packing tasks into manageable chunks, focusing on one room at a time.

Make a checklist of items to pack in each room, along with deadlines for completing each task.

By spacing out the packing process, you'll avoid feeling overwhelmed and reduce the last-minute rush as moving day approaches.

2. Get Rid of Unwanted Items

Before you start packing, take the opportunity to declutter items you no longer need. Go through each room methodically and sort your belongings into three categories:

Keep

Donate

Discard

This will make your move more efficient and will help you save on moving costs by reducing the number of items to be transported. Plus, donating usable items will give you the satisfaction of helping those in need.

3. Gather Packing Supplies in Advance

There's nothing more frustrating than realising you're running out of supplies in the middle of the packing process. Avoid this by gathering all the necessary packing materials well in advance. Go online and stock up on sturdy moving boxes of various sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing tape, labels and markers. Having these supplies to hand will prevent last-minute scrambling, and ensure that your belongings are adequately protected during the move to your new home.

4. Pack Room by Room

To stay organised during your move, pack one room at a time. This method ensures that items belonging together stay together, making unpacking at your new home a breeze. As you pack, label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. To take it a step further, consider colour-coding the boxes for each room. This visual cue will help you and your movers identify where each box should go ready for unpacking.

5. Use the Right Packing Techniques

Proper packing techniques can make a huge difference in protecting your belongings during the move. For fragile items like glassware and dishes, use generous layers of bubble wrap or packing paper to ensure they are well-padded. Utilise dividers or crumpled paper to prevent items from knocking against each other during transport. For clothes, keep them on hangers and cover them with bin bags, creating makeshift garment bags that will protect them and make unpacking much quicker.

6. Pack a First-Day Essentials Box

In the hustle and bustle of moving, it's easy to lose track of the items you'll need upon arrival at your new home. Prepare a "first-day essentials" box containing the items you'll require before you've had a chance to unpack. This box should include:

Toiletries, loo roll and medications

Change of clothes and fresh linen for bedding

Important documents (such as identification and medical records)

Phone chargers

Essential kitchen items (tea and coffee, milk, mugs, kettle)

Any other necessities that will help you get through the first day comfortably

7. Seek Professional Help

If the idea of packing overwhelms you or you don't have the time to do it yourself, consider hiring professional packers. They have the expertise and experience to pack your belongings efficiently and securely, saving you time and ensuring that your possessions are well taken care of during the move. While this may be an additional expense, the peace of mind and time saved can be well worth it, especially if you have valuable or delicate items that require special attention.

8. Label Electronics and Cables

Disassembling electronics can be a daunting task! It becomes much easier if you label each cable and component as you go. Take pictures of the setup before disassembling to help you reassemble them correctly in your new home. Place all the cables and accessories in labelled bags and keep them together with the corresponding electronic device. Additionally, consider using cable organisers or ties to prevent tangles and confusion during unpacking.

9. Secure Hazardous Materials Separately

Certain items, such as cleaning materials, aerosol cans, and flammable liquids, are considered hazardous and require special handling. Keep these items separate from your regular packing and transport them safely or dispose of them responsibly before the move. Check with your local waste management facility or follow your area's guidelines for the disposal of hazardous materials.

Moving Home Doesn't Have to be Stressful!

Planning ahead, decluttering, using proper packing techniques, and seeking professional assistance are key factors in ensuring a successful and stress-free move.

If you are planning on moving to the Oxford area soon, embrace the excitement of starting a new chapter in your life and take our moving home packing tips on board.

As your local estate agent in Oxford, come and speak to a member of our team at Cardea Lettings and Management Ltd. Contact us on 01865 570065 or email us at [email protected] and let us be your guide to a seamless and enjoyable moving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing Tips to Make Moving House Easier

How many cardboard boxes should I get for packing?
It depends on the size of your home and belongings. It's better to overestimate - you can always return unused pack boxes.

Should I pack my clothes on hangers?
Yes! Use wardrobe boxes or bin bags to keep clothes on hangers, saving time unpacking and ironing.

What can I use to fill empty spaces in boxes?
Scrunched-up paper towels, packing peanuts or even clothes can fill gaps in boxes and prevent items from moving around.

Can I pack everything myself, or should I hire professional movers?
Professional movers can be a great option if you're short on time or have fragile boxes. However, they do add to the cost of moving.