Trying to figure out how to pack for a house move? It’s not as easy as it seems!
Let’s be honest: packing is usually the most dreaded part of moving house.
It is the moment when the excitement of a new home meets the reality of putting your entire life into cardboard boxes.
However, after decades of moving families across Lincolnshire and beyond, we know that packing doesn’t have to be chaotic.
With the right strategy and materials, it can be a surprisingly satisfying process (honestly!).
Whether you are tackling a 4-bedroom family home or a city apartment, this professional guide will show you how to pack for a house move efficiently, safely, and without the stress.
1. The Golden Rule: Start Early and Declutter
The biggest mistake we see is underestimating the sheer volume of “stuff” we all own. Do not wait until the week of the move.
Six weeks before moving day is the ideal time to start. Before you tape a single box, you must declutter. There is no point paying to transport broken toys, clothes that don’t fit, or that bread maker you haven’t used since 2019.
- Donate: Local charity shops in Lincoln are always in need of good-quality items.
- Recycle: Check Recycle Now for local guidance on responsibly disposing of broken electronics or old textiles.
- Discard: Be ruthless. If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably won’t use it in the new house.
2. Gather Your Packing Supplies
Professional movers don’t use supermarket banana boxes for a reason—they collapse. To pack like a pro, you need the right tools.
Packing supplies for moving are an investment in the safety of your belongings.
Your Essential Kit List:
- Double-walled boxes: These are vital for heavier items and stacking in the van.
- Packing paper: Better than newspaper (which leaves ink stains on your china).
- Bubble wrap: For delicate items, though towels and linens are a great eco-friendly alternative.
- Quality parcel tape: Don’t buy the cheap stuff; it peels off.
- Marker pens: Thick black markers for clear labelling.
(Need supplies? Barnes of Lincoln can provide high-quality, trade-standard packing materials directly to your door. Just ask when you book your survey.)
3. How to Pack Plates for Moving (The “Vertical” Secret)
One of the most common questions we get is: how to pack plates for moving without them arriving in pieces? The instinct is to stack them flat, like in a cupboard. Do not do this.
The bottom plates in a flat stack bear the weight of everything above them, making them prone to cracking when the van goes over a bump.
The Professional Method:
- Wrap each plate individually in packing paper.
- Place them into the box vertically, standing on their edges (like vinyl records).
- Pad the bottom and sides of the box with crushed paper or bubble wrap.
- Once a row is full, place a layer of padding on top and start a new tier if there is space.
- Pro Tip: Never overfill a box of crockery. It should be heavy enough to be stable, but light enough to lift safely.
4. Packing Hacks You Need to Know
Professional packers have a few tricks up their sleeves to make the job faster. Here are three you can steal:
- The “Russian Doll” Method: Don’t pack empty vessels. Fill large cooking pots with spices or small pantry jars. Pack suitcases with heavy books (the wheels make them easier to move than a heavy box).
- Cable Management: Before you unplug your TV or computer, take a photo of the back. It will save you hours of frustration when you try to reconnect everything in the new house. You can also slip cables inside empty toilet roll tubes to stop them from tangling.
- Don’t Empty Drawers: If you have a sturdy chest of drawers, you can often leave soft items (socks, t-shirts) inside. Simply remove the drawers, move the frame, and put the drawers back in the van. Note: Check with your removal crew first, as cumbersome furniture may need to be entirely emptied.
5. The “First Night” Box
After a long day of moving, the last thing you want to do is hunt through 50 identical brown boxes for your toothbrush.
Pack a clear plastic tub or a specific suitcase with your “First Night Essentials.” This should travel with you in your car, not in the removal van.
- Kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, and long-life milk.
- Phone chargers.
- Toilet roll and hand soap.
- Pyjamas and a change of clothes.
- Bedding for the first night.
- Any daily medication.
6. Managing Your Admin
Packing isn’t just about boxes; it’s about your life admin too. While you are sorting your belongings, remember to set up your Royal Mail Redirection service at least a week before you move to ensure you don’t miss important post.
You should also update your driving licence and vehicle log book (V5C) with the DVLA as soon as you move—it is a legal requirement.
You’ve Learned How to Pack for a House Move. Find out how Barnes of Lincoln can Pack For You!
Packing an entire house takes the average person weeks of evenings and weekends.
It is physically tiring and mentally draining.
Now that you know how to pack for a house move, you may be considering an alternative.
If you would rather enjoy the excitement of your move without the hassle of cardboard and tape, why not let us handle it?
At Barnes of Lincoln, we offer a comprehensive Professional Packing Service.
- Full Pack: We pack everything, from your best china to your books, usually the day before you move.
- Fragile Pack: You pack the clothes and books; we handle the breakables (glassware, ornaments, mirrors) using specialist materials.
Our team is trained to BAR (British Association of Removers) standards, meaning your possessions are insured and packed with expert care.
Ready to get moving?
Contact Barnes of Lincoln today for a free, no-obligation quote for your move and packing needs.
