Published: 13/06/2024
Sealing the deal for your new property in Raynes Park is about as exciting as it gets. It's the chance for a fresh start and the opportunity to put your stamp on a completely new home.However, before you can pop open the champagne and raise a toast to your new home, you first need to get your head around how to pack for moving house.
Very few people, if any, enjoy the process of packing, especially the lengthy ordeal of having to pack up everything you and your family own in the whole world into small boxes and plastic bags when moving home.
Unfortunately, though, it has to be done. However, there are ways in which you can make this undertaking a little bit easier, quicker and less stress-inducing.
From using a moving home checklist, to a colour-coded labelling system, to picking the right large boxes. Systematically making your way through your home works! As your local estate agent in Raynes Park, we can help you. Keep reading to discover our top packing tips for how to effectively pack for moving house and avoid any potential packing disasters.
1. Start by Decluttering
Everybody has items in their house that they no longer want or need. They may have been hidden in a drawer or under a bed for some time and you may be surprised at just how much unwanted clutter you have squirreled away. These items should be thrown away or donated immediately as you do not want to have to pay a removal company to deliver things to your new property in Raynes Park that you don’t even want.Make sure you are thorough with this process and clear out your entire home, including your loft, basement, garden, garage, shed, and any other exterior spaces! Have a very clearly labelled essentials box to ensure that anything you want to keep doesn't accidentally make its way to the charity shop!
2. Scrutinise Your New Floorplan
If you are buying a property through Ellisons, you will already have a professionally drafted floor plan, superior quality photographs, and concise descriptions of your new property in Raynes Park to refer to. This is a handy document to keep as you can then inspect this floorplan and use it to help you decide which furniture you can comfortably take to your new home, plus you can check measurements for elements such as curtains, carpets, blinds and rugs.The earlier you undertake this task, the sooner you can sell any items that will not fit or are not needed in your new home.
3. Make an Inventory List
Our next packing tip is to make a detailed inventory list. You should make a comprehensive list of any of your valuable and smaller belongings that you will be taking to your new home.This is important for ensuring that nothing gets lost while being transported, as well as helping to work out how many and which type of packing boxes you will need. It can also help you identify how much paper or bubble wrap you need for packing fragile items.
4. Pick a Reputable Removals Company
When considering how to pack for moving house, you may choose to rent a van and carry out your move yourself. However, be warned, this is a tough job, especially if you have a lot of heavy or delicate items to move. Therefore, most people will decide to save themselves from the stress and outsource this job to a local removal company. If in doubt, ask one of the team at Ellisons or family and friends for recommendations of reliable removal firms. As you are entrusting all your worldly possessions to this company, you will want to ensure that you pick a reputable one that has received a lot of positive reviews.You may also be interested to read Understanding House Moving Costs: What You Need To Know
5. Start Packing
Now, you can actually start packing up your belongings. It is a good idea to purchase high-quality packing materials, including sturdy boxes, bubble wrap and tissue paper, to avoid any breakages. You can also utilise scrunched-up paper to prevent items such as TV and computer screens, mirrors and picture frames from becoming scratched.You should work your way systematically through your house, starting at the top of the property and completing each room before you move on to the next, as this will help prevent you from forgetting any items.
The most effective labelling system is using colour-coded labels to identify different rooms in your home, such as blue for bathroom items, yellow for kitchen accessories and so on. This will make the unpacking process in your new home a lot simpler.
Other packing tips include:
- Pack heavy items in smaller boxes
- Clearly label boxes that contain breakables or valuable items
- Utilise blankets and pillows for packing delicate items
- Pack important documents such as passports, marriage and birth certificates in one box together and keep it with you
6. Prepare an Overnight Bag
When considering how to pack for moving house, it's likely that you won't want to start unpacking straight away when you arrive at your new home in Raynes Park, especially if you have had a long journey. Therefore, you should pack an overnight essentials bag so that you have clean clothes and toiletries on hand without having to start opening securely taped boxes.In your overnight bag, you may want to include the following:
- Clean clothes
- Fresh bedding
- Nightwear
- Essential toiletries and medications
- A kettle with coffee/teabags
- Snacks
- Plates, cutlery, mugs and a cloth
- A first-aid kit
- A torch
- A small tool kit
What Next?
Not on the market yet, but ready to sell? Request a free Property Valuation in Raynes Park.Ellisons are your local property experts for the Raynes Park area.
Want Expert Moving Advice From a Local Estate Agent in Raynes Park?
For expert home moving advice, contact our team of professionals at Ellisons on 020 8544 9595 or email raynespark@ellisonsuk.com.We look forward to welcoming you.