Moving house can feel overwhelming, but with the right packing strategy you can protect your belongings, save time on moving day and arrive at your new home feeling calm and organised.
1. Start Packing Early — Earlier Than You Think
Most people underestimate how long packing takes. A rule of thumb in the removal industry is to start at least 4–6 weeks before your move date. Begin with rooms you use least — spare bedrooms, loft storage, garage items — and work your way towards the rooms you use every day. Leave the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom essentials to the very last day.
2. Declutter Before You Pack — Not After
There is no point packing and moving items you no longer need. Before you reach for a single box, go through every room and make three piles: keep, donate and dispose. Moving is the perfect opportunity to lighten the load. Fewer items means fewer boxes, less van space and a lower removal cost.
3. Use the Right Boxes for the Right Items
Small boxes are for heavy items like books, crockery and files. Large boxes are for light, bulky items like bedding, cushions and clothing. Never overfill a box to the point where the base bows — this causes damage and injuries. If you can't lift a box comfortably with both hands, it's too heavy.
4. Wrap Every Fragile Item Individually
Use bubble wrap, packing paper or even clothing and towels to wrap every fragile item individually. Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter, more fragile items on top. Always fill gaps in boxes with packing paper or soft materials to prevent items shifting in transit.
5. Label Every Box — On the Side, Not the Top
Write the contents AND the destination room on every box. Label on the side of the box, not the lid — when boxes are stacked you cannot see the top. Use red marker or stickers for FRAGILE boxes so your removal team knows to handle them with extra care.
6. Pack a "First Night" Box
Pack a separate, clearly labelled box or bag with everything you will need for the first night in your new home — phone charger, kettle, tea and coffee, a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, bedding and your children's essentials. This box should travel in your car, not the van, and be the first thing you unpack.
7. Take Photos of Electronics Before Disconnecting
Before you unplug your TV, router, gaming systems or home office setup, take a clear photo of all the cables from behind. This makes reconnecting everything in your new home much faster and far less frustrating.
8. Keep Important Documents With You at All Times
Passports, birth certificates, mortgage documents, insurance policies and financial records should never go in the removal van. Keep them with you in a dedicated folder throughout the move. The same applies to jewellery, medications and items of irreplaceable sentimental value.
9. Disassemble Furniture in Advance
Flat-pack furniture, bed frames and large shelving units should be disassembled before moving day wherever possible. Keep all screws, bolts and fixings in clearly labelled zip-lock bags and tape them to the furniture they belong to. This saves significant time on both packing and reassembly.
10. Communicate Clearly With Your Removal Team
On moving day, walk your removal team through the property and point out anything that needs special attention — fragile items, items that cannot be tilted, things that must go last. At your new home, put printed signs on each door so the team knows exactly which room is which. The more information you give them, the smoother your move will be.
Need a professional packing service? ATA Transport and Removals can handle the entire packing process for you — protecting your belongings as if they were our own.
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