Pack in the order you use things, beginning with seasonal and decorative items and finishing with daily essentials. Before buying supplies, reduce the load and create a rough room inventory. Ask your removal company about any packing requirements and items it cannot carry.
Set up a packing station
Gather suitable boxes, tape, protective material, labels and a marker. Keep scissors and blades safely stored. Use a clear table or working area and avoid blocking stairs or exits with finished boxes. Make each box manageable to carry; a large box filled with books quickly becomes impractical.
Pack one box well
- Check the box is clean, dry and structurally sound.
- Secure the base and cushion delicate contents appropriately.
- Put heavier items below lighter ones, without crushing or overloading them.
- Fill gaps so contents cannot shift, then close the box without forcing it.
- Label the destination room, a brief contents description and any handling instruction.
Keep track of the load
Number boxes and note valuable or easily missed items in the inventory. Photograph complicated cable arrangements before disconnecting them. Bag and label furniture fittings with the corresponding item, keeping the instructions accessible.
Leave the right things until last
Keep an essentials box, overnight bags, documents, medication and chargers out of the main load. Retain cleaning supplies and a small toolkit for the final checks. Do not seal away keys or paperwork needed for handover.
Before collection, tell the mover about anything added or removed since the survey. Once packed, keep the access route clear and stack boxes securely without hiding the items that need to travel with you.
Put it into practice
Use the personalised moving checklist and timeline to organise your own figures or next steps. Keep its assumptions alongside your plan.