How to pack up your home
They say that moving house is one of the most stressful thing you can do in your life – second only to a loved-one passing away.
But does packing up your home to move to a new one really have to be so headache-inducing?
With a little forward planning and careful packing, moving could be a much smoother and – dare we say it – more enjoyable process that you realise. Here are some of our top tips on packing up your home.
Start with a list
Lists make every organisational task so much better. Use a page each for every room in your house and make a basic list of all the contents you’ll need to pack up. You might want to distinguish between large objects – like furniture or white goods – and smaller items, like books, clothes and DVDs. Then, as you pack up each room, tick the items off your list; you’ll feel much more satisfaction as you get closer to the finish line.
Be ruthless
You’ll make your packing task much easier if you get rid of everything you know you definitely don’t want first. If you want to get rid of your old CDs, books and DVDs, your local charity shop will welcome them, provided they’re in good, sell-able condition. But you can also sell your items for cash at websites like WeBuyBooks.co.uk, and bank some moving funds in the process.
Keep compartments intact
If your belongings are already tidied away into compartments – for instance, if your clothes are separated by drawer dividers – don’t un-organise them just to pack them up. Instead, lift the compartments straight into boxes or luggage. That way, you won’t need to re-organise them at the other end.
Don’t over-load
One of the biggest mistakes people make when packing is stuffing boxes to the brim. Don’t fall prey to the same mistake: keep checking the weight of the box you’re packing and as soon as it’s almost-but-not-quite too heavy to lift, stop immediately. Your back will thank you for it.
Pack priority items separately
Once you’re in your new house, it’ll take you at least a few days to start unpacking properly. So make sure you have a few essentials tucked away in separate luggage: include items like underwear, pyjamas and a few t-shirts, as well as everyday toiletries. But make sure that at the top of the pile you’ve got some tea or coffee, and a couple of mugs: you’ll need it after all the exertion.
If you can afford it – book professional movers
OK, it’s not the most cost effective option. But if you can budget for it, professional packers are worth the extra money. Not only will they bring their own boxes, packing materials and parcel tape, they’ll pack up your belongings in an efficient, safe way and move them for you.
Have you moved house recently? What are your tips to make packing up easier?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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