Packing to move house: Where to start?

Packing up your life to move house can be overwhelming. It’s such a big task that it can be hard to know when, where, and how to start. Luckily, all it takes is a bit of forethought and planning to simplify the process.

When should I start packing?

The simple answer is: as soon as possible.

The more time you give yourself to get your life into boxes, the less stressful the whole experience will be. 

Obviously, there are some things that can’t be packed up weeks before the move without being inconvenient. The easiest way to work through this issue is to prioritise your packing and work through your belongings methodically. Read our guide about things to do before the moving day and start organising your move.

Where should I start packing?

As a general rule, the first things to go into boxes should be the things you know you won’t be needing any time soon. A good place to start is with anything that you already have in storage. If it’s been sitting in your junk room for the past year, the chances are you won’t be needing it before you move. Once you’ve tackled the things in storage, you’re safe to move onto packing things like your seasonal wardrobe, extra blankets, and any big pieces of art or home decor.

Around a week out from your move, you can start looking at packing up your living spaces and clearing out the kitchen drawers. Leave only the essentials to get you through a week of cooking, dining, and light entertainment. It’s also wise to start packing a suitcase with some clothes, toiletries, your important medications, and other necessary bits and bobs. Once you’ve put aside the necessities to get you through a few days (think of it like packing a weekend bag), you’re free to start moving on to packing up your belongings in the bedrooms and bathrooms. 

For more packing tips, this article provides you with 10 packing hacks that will make moving house so much easier.

How should I start packing?

The packing process begins well before you start putting things into boxes. 

Packing starts with planning. Putting a well thought out packing plan into place before you start not only ensures your belongings are well packed and protected for the move, but it helps to streamline things when you get to the other end. Start planning your move by writing a list of all the packing materials you might need – things like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing beans. Then, work on a room by room plan of attack (which rooms are to be packed first and what is being packed into where).

As you start taking action on your packing plan, take the time to take stock of your belongings too. Packing to move house is also the perfect time to spring clean. Work out what you do and don’t want to keep, and what you can donate to charity. There’s no point in lugging things you don’t want or need all the way to your new home.

To make it easier to locate your items at the other end, clearly label each box with its contents and the room that it belongs to. This will also help your removalists put the boxes in the right part of the house as they unload the truck.

The Moving Man has many years of experience relocating families in and around Perth CBD. Find out about our home removal services.