How to Pack When You Move to a New Home – Our Foolproof Checklist

Top Tips for Moving house By InStyle Direct

Our Moving Home Checklist will Help Keep Your Move as Straight Forward as Possible

Moving home can be very stressful but there are plenty of things you can do to reduce the hassle. Whether you are buying a property in London or moving to a new rental home, read our moving home checklist for tips on how to make your move as seamless as possible. 

How to Pack When You Move to a New Home – Our Fool Proof Checklist

Make a plan : First, make a detailed plan, several weeks in advance, of all the things you need to do and when, from buying packing materials to taking photos of valuables.

Declutter : Next, have a good clear out and give anything you don’t want or need to charity, sell it online or take it to the tip. 

Book a removal company : Ideally book the company several weeks ahead as they can get very booked up (especially on a Friday which is the most popular day to move house).  Check the BAR (British Association of Removers) website at www.bar.co.uk for details of qualified removal companies. 

for details of qualified removal companies. 

Make a list of everything you need to pack : Itemise contents, room by room, together with a list of the packing materials you will need such as boxes, bubble wrap and marker pens. 

Work out how many boxes you’ll need and start asking in your local supermarket or independent shops who will usually have plenty going spare.(Many removal companies will supply these too).  They’ll need to be strong (corrugated cardboard boxes usually offer the best protection) and you’ll probably want them in a variety of sizes. 

You’ll also need packing tape, bubble wrap (lots of it) and newspapers to protect your things. 

Insurance : If you are carrying out the move yourself, check your insurance policy to make sure your house contents are covered during the move.

Getting Organised – Packing Up Each Room

Make a list of contents : Make a list of your possessions – room by room.  Label each box carefully – by room and by contents – egdining room or living room, books or clothes.

Start with rooms that aren’t used as much – such as a spare bedroom – and you won’t miss having those non-essential items at your disposal.  Try and keep one room aside for storing packed boxes so the chaos doesn’t spread to the rest of the house. 

Take photos : Take photos of important or particularly valuable items as well as the wiring connections on the back of TVs and computers to make it easier to set them up when you arrive at your new home.

Packing Different Types of Contents

Valuables : Clearly mark boxes that contain valuables or breakables and try and keep them separate. 

Electronic items : These are very delicate and fragile so it’s usually best to pack them in their original boxes if possible.  Use of plenty of bubble wrap.

Clothes : Keep clothes for the current season (summer/winter) separate so you can access them easily.  There’s no rush to unpack the rest at the other end.  Rolling up clothes piece by piece helps to reduce creases.

Kitchen contents : Use up as much food as possible so there is less to transport – throw out packets that are nearly empty.  And use plenty of bubble wrap for packing breakable plates and glasses.

Bathroom contents : minimum.  Discard out of date medicines and keep important medication with you.

Important paperwork : Keep all your important documentation and paperwork in a separate folder or box and carry it with you separately.

Cleaning products and other hazardous items : Pack these into a separate box, ideally inside a plastic bag within the box – clearly marked and kept well away from items that could be damaged by them if they are spilled.  Better still, throw out half used bottles and buy new when you arrive.

How to Pack Each Box – General Tips

Line each box with plenty of bubble wrap or newspaper and use as much filling material as possible – obviously fragile items will need even more packaging.  Old clothing, blankets or towels make a very good filler to protect items.

Keep weight evenly spread across the boxes you pack – they’ll be easier to move and won’t cause anyone an injury. 

Pack heavy items in smaller boxes so you’re not tempted to overload each one too much.  And don’t fill boxes to the top.  Remember that books are very heavy so don’t overload too many in a single box.

Make sure boxes are clearly marked so they are easier to unload at the other end.

Your ‘essentials’ Box

You’ll need a separate, ‘essentials’ box containing everything you’ll need for the first day or so in your new home.  This could be tea, coffee, drinks and snacks.  Basic crockery and cutlery, a kettle, maybe a toaster.

Toiletries are essential, as is loo paper!

Also include some cloths for cleaning cupboards before you unpack, perhaps a tool kit for assembling furniture if necessary and some basic medical supplies – definitely painkillers and plasters!

Make sure the box is easy to get to.

So, in a nutshell, remember to plan ahead, buy plenty of bubble wrap and have coffee and mugs on hand when you arrive at your new home!

And if you’re looking for tips on how to furnish your new home, sign up to our regular interiors and home design blogs where you will find plenty of ideas and inspiration.

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Associate Director

Author: Mark Parry

After spending several years garnering experience in the retail and real estate business, I joined InStyle Direct in 2013 and have thoroughly enjoyed my work here. As an Associate Director, I assist a diverse group of clients. Whether it is a private homeowner looking for a completely bespoke furnishing solution or a leading developer or estate agent looking to dress properties to meet business objectives, I have worked with all of them. Customer care is an essential part of my role. The ability to gauge client requirements and suggest a tailored solution is a skill I've honed after working on over 500 projects across more than a decade at this company. Another aspect of my work that keeps me motivated is the opportunity to collaborate with talented designers and cutting-edge suppliers worldwide. I guess bringing ideas to life is as stimulating for a property furnishing professional as it is rewarding for our clients. The sheer excitement in a client's voice and expression upon seeing a completely transformed property is priceless and something I strive for on every project I undertake. However, I do have interests outside of design and furnishing as well. When not drafting a client proposal or meeting with designers, I try honing my horse-riding skills or taking a spin class to keep fit. Football and travelling with my family are other passions that keep me going. In my experience as a property furnishing expert with InStyle Direct, I've had the privilege of contributing to several client successes that I'd like to share with you. From exciting results delivered to clients to the furnishing, interior design and refurbishment stories behind them, stay tuned for more.

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