Your Ultimate Packing Checklist for Moving House

So you have finally got the keys or at least the date is set. It is exciting but then you look at your cupboards and realize just how much stuff you actually own. Moving house is a massive job and if you don’t have a plan it gets messy fast. We have seen people still throwing things into bin bags while the van is parked outside and trust me you do not want to be that person.

At Transporter Removals we do this every day so we know what works. Here is a full packing checklist for moving house to help you get from a to b without the additional stress.

Starting early is the best thing you can do

People always ask when they should start. Honestly the answer is now. Even if you are weeks away you can start in the loft or the shed. Those places are usually full of things you forgot you even had.

• Declutter first: There is no point paying to move things you are just going to throw away at the new place. If you haven’t used it in a year you probably don’t need it. Sell it on facebook or take it to the charity shop.
• Get your supplies: You will need more boxes than you think. Get good quality cardboard ones because the cheap ones from the supermarket can collapse if they get damp or if you put too much in. You also need plenty of tape and bubble wrap.
• Room by room: Don’t try to pack the whole house at once. Finish one room then move to the next. It feels like you are actually getting somewhere that way.

The room by room breakdown

Every room has its own problems. The kitchen is usually the hardest because of all the breakables and the heavy tins.

The kitchen and dining area

This is where the bubble wrap comes in handy. Wrap your plates individually and try to pack them on their side rather than flat as they are less likely to break that way. For glasses you can use old socks if you want to save some money on packing paper and make sure you empty the fridge and freezer. Nobody wants a leaky freezer in the back of a van.

Bedrooms and wardrobes

You can actually leave clothes in your drawers if they aren’t too heavy but for the hanging stuff we usually recommend wardrobe boxes. You just move the hangers straight across and nothing gets creased. For your bedding and towels you can use them as extra padding for fragile items in other boxes.

The living room and tech

Televisions are expensive and fragile. If you still have the original box that is perfect. If not you need a lot of bubble wrap and here is a tip that saves so much time later. Take a photo of the back of your tv and router before you unplug everything. Then when you get to the new house you know exactly where all those wires go.

Packing like a pro

There is an art to filling a box. If you put all your books in one big box nobody is going to be able to lift it and the bottom might fall out. Put heavy things in small boxes and light things in big boxes.

Also it is extremely useful to label everything. Don’t just write “kitchen” on the top. Write it on the side too so you can see it when the boxes are stacked up. It also helps to write what is actually inside like “plates” or “kettle” so you can find things you need first quickly.

At Transporter Removals we offer a full packing service if you would like additional help. We can come in a day or two before and handle the lot. It takes the pressure off and you know it is done right.

The “first night” box

This is the most important part of any packing checklist for moving house. You need one box that stays with you in the car. Do not put this in the big van. inside you want:

• the kettle and some mugs
• tea bags, coffee and milk
• loo roll
• phone chargers
• bed sheets for the first night
• some basic tools like a screwdriver or a stanley knife

There is nothing worse than arriving at your new home at 6pm and having to open ten different boxes just to find a teaspoon.

Why it’s worth getting help

You can definitely move yourself if you have a van and some strong mates but it is a lot of hard work. Things get broken and it takes way longer than you think it will.

Using a professional team like us at Transporter Removals makes a world of difference. We are based in Birmingham and Solihull but we move people all over the uk. We have the right insurance and the right equipment to make sure your sofa doesn’t get marked and your mirrors don’t crack. Plus we do the heavy lifting so you don’t ruin your back before you’ve even had your first cuppa in the new place.

Some final bits to remember

Don’t forget the admin side of things. You need to tell the council and your energy company that you are moving. Take photos of your meter readings on the day you leave and the day you arrive. It stops any arguments about bills later on.

Also if you have kids or pets try to get someone to look after them on the actual moving day if possible. It’s a lot of doors being left open and heavy furniture moving around so it is safer if they are out of the way.

Moving is always going to be a bit of a trek but if you follow this packing checklist for moving house you will be in a much better spot. Just take it one box at a time and remember why you’re moving in the first place. It will all be worth it once you are sat in your new front room with your feet up.

If you need a hand with the move or just want a quote for your removals give us a call at Transporter Removals or complete our online contact form. We are always happy to chat and help you get started.

Transporter Removals