Whether it’s your first time moving or your tenth, moving house is always more work than you expect. Moving can be exciting, but it needs a lot of organisation if you’re going to make it to the other end in one piece!
One of the key elements of a smooth move is knowing when to start packing. Leaving everything until the last minute can add unnecessary stress, while starting too early could disrupt your daily routine. So, when is the best time to begin packing and how can you make sure you’re prepared?
Read our guide to the best time to start packing for your move.
Is there a good time to start packing for your move?
The simple answer is yes! Being prepared can save you a lot of stress and help make your move far more manageable. It’s always best to give yourself more time than you think you need, as packing can often take longer than expected. Some of the benefits of starting early include:
Ease stress
One of the biggest advantages of starting to pack early is that it reduces the stress that comes with moving. You can work at a comfortable pace, packing up non-essential items well in advance. This way, when moving day approaches, you won’t be frantically boxing everything up. There are no set rules on how to pack for moving house, but most people can agree that being organised will save some stress.
Get the chance to declutter and organise
Starting early also gives you the opportunity to sort through your belongings and avoid packing things you no longer need. Moving house is the perfect time to think about what you really need. By getting rid of unused or unwanted items, you’ll have less to pack, move, and unpack in your new home. Plus, an organised packing process makes unpacking easier on the other end.
Gather the right packing materials
Rushing to pack at the last minute might mean using whatever materials are at hand, but giving yourself time ensures you gather the right materials. Make sure to label boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong to for easier unpacking. You’ll need sturdy packing boxes for moving house, bubble wrap, tape and labels to make sure everything is packed securely and clearly marked. This will help prevent damage to your belongings during the move.
Avoid booking your movers and other services too late
If you leave things too late, you might find it difficult to book movers or rent a van. Starting early helps you lock in any necessary services and avoid scrambling for last minute help. The earlier you can confirm dates and services, the smoother your move will go.
If you’re relying on friends or family for help, then you need to give them plenty of notice. People have busy schedules and leaving it until the last minute might mean they can’t help when you need them most. Let them know your moving plans early on so they can set aside time to help.
Before You Start Packing
Clean and Organise Your House
Before you start packing, it’s essential to clean and organise your house. This will help you declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or want. Start by going through each room and sorting items into categories: keep, donate, sell and throw away. Be ruthless – if you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s probably safe to get rid of it.
Once you’ve decluttered, give your house a thorough clean. This will make it easier to pack and ensure that your belongings are clean and dust free when you unpack them in your new home.
Create a Packing Plan
Creating a packing plan will help you stay organised and ensure that everything gets packed and moved safely. Start by making a list of all the rooms in your house and the items that need to be packed in each one. Then, create a timeline for packing, including deadlines for each room and a list of the packing materials you’ll need.
It’s also a good idea to create a “packing station” in your home, where you can keep all your packing materials and supplies in one place. This will make it easier to pack and keep track of your progress.
When to start packing for your move?
The timeframe for packing can vary depending on your circumstances. So, when to start packing for a move? Whether you’re renting or buying, it’s important to know how much time you have and put a plan in place.
Consider packing less frequently used spaces like the dining room early in the process to streamline your move.
For renters: out of season clothes
Renters typically have a set moving date once they give notice, usually 1-2 months in advance. This gives you a clear timeframe to work with. Start with storage spaces like the attic or garage to get a head start on packing. It’s a good idea to start packing non-essential items—such as books, seasonal clothes, and decorations—around 4 weeks before your move. This way, as the moving date gets closer, you’ll only have the essential items left to pack.
For buyers
For buyers, the process can be a little more unpredictable, as completion dates can come with all sorts of delays. Once your completion date is confirmed, it’s best to start packing as soon as possible, particularly the items you don’t use daily. Use fragile boxes for delicate items to ensure they are handled with care during the move. As the moving date approaches, you can pack essential items last, ensuring everything is ready when the big day arrives. In this case, flexibility is key, so try to prepare in advance even if you don’t yet have an exact moving date.
Packing Strategies
Pack Room by Room
Packing room by room is a great way to stay organised and ensure that everything gets packed and moved safely. Start by packing the items you don’t use frequently, such as out of season clothes and holiday decorations. Then, move on to the items you use more frequently, such as toiletries and kitchen utensils.
When packing each room, make sure to label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make it easier to unpack and ensure that everything ends up in the right place.
Use large boxes for bulky items like pillows and blankets and smaller boxes for smaller items like books and kitchen utensils. Make sure to pack fragile items, such as dishes and glassware, carefully and wrap them in bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
Remember to also pack a “first night” box with essentials like toilet paper, towels and bedding, so you can easily access them on moving day.
Tips for making packing simpler (especially if you're in a hurry): label boxes
If you’re short on time, packing can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help simplify the process:
- Use wardrobe boxes
Wardrobe boxes make it easy to transfer clothes directly from the wardrobe without folding, saving time and effort.
- Label everything clearly
Labelling boxes with their contents and the room they belong to will make unpacking far simpler.
- Consider a packing service
If you’re really pressed for time, professional packing services can be a lifesaver, as they’ll handle the packing for you.
- Rent moving boxes in a hurry
Even if you find yourself short on time, you may be able to get hold of packing boxes for moving house in a hurry. Renting moving boxes can be an easy way of making sure you have all the items you need to help you move.
- Use plastic bags to pack food items from the kitchen to prevent leaks and spills
- Roll clothes to save space and use towels and bed sheets to protect fragile items
Ready to start packing? phs Teacrate can help
The question of when to start packing will be different for everyone, but the sooner you start, the easier your move could be. We can’t tell you exactly how to pack for moving house, but we can help make sure you’ve got everything you need! Explore our moving box rental bundles and make sure you’re kitted out ready for your move.
By starting early and staying organised, you can take much of the stress out of moving house. Whether renting or buying, giving yourself ample time to pack is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Choose phs Teacrate for all your moving box needs – let’s get you moving!