9 Professional Packing Tips to Pack like a Pro

Even if no one else believes you’re ever going to use that treadmill, we know you will – and we’ll find a place to keep it safe until you do. Of course, unless you’re an ultra-minimalist, you still need belongings in your new home - you won’t be storing everything with us, after all. If you’re preparing for a move, these moving house packing tips will help you pack like a pro.

Best way to pack for moving

It goes without saying you should start early. Packing always takes longer than you expect when you realise how much stuff you have to wade through. Which brings us to…

1) Store your extra stuff

Okay, deep breath. Let’s face it, you have way too much stuff. You’re going to have to start with a clear out. How did you ever end up storing a fax machine in your loft anyway? It’s time to divide your stuff into three piles: keep, charity/sell, or trash.

If your ‘keep’ pile is overflowing, don’t panic! Stashbee has a variety of storage spaces across the country. Whatever you need to store, we can hook you up with the perfect storage space at pre-set prices that include insurance. Our Hosts are verified and rent out garage space, as well as shipping containers, lofts, basements, sheds, and spare rooms. The choices are endless!

2) Make a room-by-room inventory

If you want your packing to be even easier, hold a car boot sale or sell unwanted items online. Alternatively, don your halo and donate any extra items to a charity shop. Now you can create a packing list for each room – it will help you keep track of items and pack faster.

3) Gather packing materials

Large boxes, small boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and packing paper… grab it all. You can buy these items in home improvement stores and online. Ask friends, neighbours, and local shops for spare cardboard boxes. Check out Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle a few weeks before your move for free packing supplies. It’s also a good idea to book removal companies, cleaners, and other services as far in advance as possible.

4) Pack your items one room at a time

Combine items based on their function and the room they live in. Who wants to dig through kitchen utensils to find the TV remote control? Clearly label the boxes with the room and type of contents. And don’t forget the loft – it often helps to start at the top of your house and work your way down.

5) Pack a box of essentials

Packing pros keep an essentials box with them on moving day. Make sure it’s accessible for your first night in your new home in case you don’t manage to properly unpack. Include pyjamas/sleepwear and a change of clothes, medication, toiletries, toilet paper, snacks, and water. Don’t forget to pack your phone charger!

You might even want to add the kettle and a couple of mugs to this box for a quick and ever-so-welcome first cuppa in your new place. It’s equally important to pack a small tool kit (in this box or separately) to put together your furniture when you arrive.

6) Don’t overpack

Heavy boxes can result in broken items – and worse – a broken you. That’s why it also helps to hire a removals company to do the hard work for you. If you must do it yourself, pack heavy items in small boxes and use a safe lifting technique.

7) Wrap up fragile items individually

Wrap any breakables with bubble wrap and label the box as FRAGILE – make it all caps for emphasis! Heaven forbid that porcelain clown with the creepy smile Aunt Sylvia gave you for Christmas meets its demise. Line the box with several layers of newspaper and a sheet of bubble wrap. You can also use pillows and blankets as a buffer or to protect irregular-shaped items and furniture from scratches.

8) Keep items snug and secure in boxes

Pack the heaviest items first and make sure they can’t slide around in large boxes. Stuff any gaps with bubble wrap (seriously, you can never have enough bubble wrap), packing paper, linens, or clothing if necessary. Once everything is nice and cosy in the box, secure the seams with packing tape.

9) Keep electronic items in their original packaging

You need to pay extra attention to your electronics when packing. Pack them in their original boxes. This is especially true of flat-screen TVs, which should never lay flat during transportation. Accidents can happen no matter how much you prepare, so check your insurance covers damage and breakages.

Now you’re well equipped and you’ll be able to share these packing tips for moving with others. 

Safe Storage at Your Fingertips

Even in the age of COVID, moving and storing your items is totally safe, thanks to our health and safety guidelines. If you have too many things to pack for your move, why not store the extra stuff with Stashbee? Take a look at our storage options in your area.