1. Decluttering – There is no better time! Be strict. Hire a skip, bin bags out, charities on speed dial, repurpose bits and bobs. It’s amazing what you can do with an old t-shirt!
2. Create a system – Create a rough map of your new home, and then number, colour code or letter each box according to rooms, importance, or category of furniture. This way, you can enjoy that momentous entrance into your new house with an organised plan for unpacking Clothing-wise, bundle by season.
3. Packing materials – The smaller the box, the better (excluding larger items). They’re much more mobile, safer, and mentally lessen the load. Packing cubes are stackable, lightweight and thin, and vacuum pack bags are great for puffier clothing. Make sure to obtain the correct packing box if you have a plasma TVs. Moving blankets exist, but more on that later…
4. Everyday essentials – Mark a box in red, or any pretty bright colour of your choosing. This box is your ‘essentials box’, filled with the things you’ll need on the first nights at your new place, like a change of clothes, toothpaste and toys for the little ones. Head over to our sister brand, Cala, to read some tips on moving with young children.
5. Use suitcases – But not in the way you would usually… Your heavy books, monitors, chunky coats and more will certainly move better on wheels.
6. Use pillows and blankets – No, you’re not napping yet. If you don’t have time to secure moving blankets, nor have the budget, consider multiple layers of bedding for the heftier furniture on the journey to your new house. Use bedding or even your curtains to protect microwaves, dining tables and more, and prevent sharp edges scratching your brand-new walls and floor too.
7. Little friends – Prepare your little friends for the move too, whether it’s a dog, cat, or your plants. Read Cala’s top tips for moving home with a pet.
8. Self-security – Especially important on moving day: keep your important items and documents close and accessible, such as passports, moving paperwork and medication. That way, you won’t have to rip apart your pristine packing and start from square one.
9. Don’t forget to eat – In the chaos, make sure to simply eat well to keep your energy up with pre-packaged snacks and drinks in a box or carrier bag. It’s important to keep that energy up!
Best of luck from L&G Homes, and happy packing!
