Master Your Move: The Ultimate Guide to Organising Your Packing Process

Moving home is exciting—but packing can be overwhelming without a plan. This guide gives you a practical timeline, an essential materials list, room-by-room tips, clear labelling methods, and moving-day advice so everything arrives safely and you can unpack with ease.

Overview

Start early, declutter, and pack in stages. Protect fragile items, label clearly, and prepare an essentials box. On moving day, follow a checklist and keep communication open with your removals team for a smooth handover.

The Perfect Packing Timeline

• 8 weeks out: Declutter each room. Sell, donate, or recycle to reduce volume and cost.
• 6 weeks out: Pack non-essentials (seasonal clothes, décor, books). Create a room inventory.
• 4 weeks out: Order packing materials. Begin methodical room packing. Arrange parking/access.
• 2 weeks out: Pack “next-phase” items. Disassemble rarely used furniture. Confirm utilities.
• 1 week out: Finish fragile items. Prepare an open-first box. Confirm timings with your removals company.
• 48–24 hours: Chill appliances, defrost/freezer if needed, photograph meter readings, stage boxes by door.

Gather Necessary Packing Materials

• Double-walled cardboard boxes (small/medium/large)
• Bubble wrap, packing paper, and corner protectors
• Strong tape (plus a dispenser) and fragile tape
• Zip bags for screws/cables; marker pens for labels
• Wardrobe cartons, mattress and sofa covers
• Floor runners and stretch wrap for protection

Room-by-Room Packing Guide

1) Kitchen

• Pack early—it takes longest. Cushion glasses/plates vertically with paper dividers.
• Use original boxes for appliances where possible; bag and label accessories.
• Create a small “day-one” kitchen box (kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, cutlery, washing-up liquid).

2) Living Room

• Disassemble large furniture. Wrap corners and glass surfaces.
• Photograph cable setups; bag remotes/cables and label clearly.
• Use picture cartons for artwork; never stack heavy items on frames.

3) Bedroom

• Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes; vacuum-bag bulky bedding.
• Protect mattresses and headboards; keep fixings in a labelled zip bag taped to the frame.
• Pack jewellery/valuables separately and carry them yourself.

4) Bathroom

• Seal liquids in zip bags to prevent leaks; pack towels last for easy access.
• Make a small toiletries/meds pouch for the first night.