Having to pack up an entire house to move can feel overwhelming, particularly if you have a lot of stuff. However, the more organised you are, the more time and energy you’ll save.
In order to pack, you will need the following:
- Boxes – big and small (proper furniture removal boxes preferred)
- Packing paper – also known as Butchers paper. (don’t use newspaper as the ink comes off)
- Packing tape – (don’t use any other type of tape as it will not stick properly)
- Texta – For labelling boxes.
1. Book your removalist
Remember book removalists weeks in advance, as many removalists book up quite quickly and you may miss out on the date you want.
2. Change Address
Don’t forget to change your address at least one week prior to moving.
3. Throw out items you no longer use
Take the opportunity while packing to throw out items you no longer use. Sell, donate or throw these items away, don’t take items you no longer use to clutter up the new house.
4. Label Boxes
As you’re packing, label boxes with your name, the room it belongs in, and what’s inside. Write on the sides of your boxes, not the top, this way you can read them when they are stacked.
5. Rate each box
Give each box a star or number based on the priority it needs to be unpacked. eg 3 stars for high, 1 star for low (can take a few weeks if it needs to).
6. Place boxes in correct room
Get the removalists to put the boxes directly into the room labelled on the box, this will help make the unpacking process more manageable.
7. Keep it light
Don’t make boxes too heavy, it’s easy to fill them up but consider how much they will weigh, you don’t want the bottom to break away.
8. Heavy items on bottom
Pack heavy items on the bottom and lighter items on top. Place heavy items in a suitcase–they are easier to roll than lift. If you have to use a box for heavy items, reinforce the bottom of the box with packing tape.
9. Wrap breakables
Use linen & clothes instead of bubble wrap – clothes, table clothes, tea towels, pillows, blankets, cushions, sheets and stuffed animals to pad things and keep them safe from breaking.
10. Wrap glasses
Use socks to wrap around glasses.
11. Pack plates on side
Plates are less likely to break when they’re packed side to side, like in a dishwasher, instead of stacking them on top of each other.
12. Leave clothes in draws
Clothing can be moved in the dresser drawers. Keep clothing in place with Press’n Seal or plastic wrap.
13. Don't take clothes off their hangers
Use a large bin liner to wrap around clothes to easily transport. Wrapping them from the bottom will help prevent losing any clothes that might slip off the hangers.
14. Remember where cables go
Take photos of how the electronic cables are connected to easily know how to reconnect them at the new house.
15. Pack an overnight bag
Get each family member to pack an overnight bag, with their toiletries, toothbrush, PJ’s, a change of clothes to easily have on hand on the night of the move. Save searching through boxes and everybody can have a comfortable night’s sleep.