Moving house can feel very overwhelming- something I am all too familiar with! My experience of moving mainly comes from my days as an undergraduate University student. I did three years at University- I moved house twice and went on 10 one month placements up and down the UK. Packing and unpacking my bags became second nature. I was truly tested when my (now) husband and I decided to buy our first house. Packing up more than one room was a whole other challenge. And we’re about to do it again- as we’re about to move house! I’ve turned to my trusty friend -Google- for all the best packing tips and tricks. I know you’re super busy and there’s way more than just packing to organise. So here’s some top tips on how to pack your entire house in one weekend.
1. Create a Packing Plan
Just throwing everything into a box will lead to chaos and wasted time. Before you start each room, decide on a rough packing plan. In other words you need to channel your inner Monica- from Friends. Create a list of essentials for each room and group items which are similar together.
For those who plan on living out of boxes whilst decorating or renovating, it may be worth to create an inventory and label boxes thoroughly. This will help you find items quickly and easily.
2. Gather Packing Materials
Having the right supplies will make the process much faster and easier. The key packing materials you’ll need include:
- Boxes: make sure to have boxes of varying sizes. Consider investing in wardrobe boxes to avoid re-ironing all your clothes when you finally un-pack.
- Packing tape: you’re going to need a lot of it!
- Bubble wrap/ packing paper: alternatively use clothes to wrap fragile items.
Packing materials can actually be quite expensive; check with friends/ family if they’re willing to lend you things. Consider using Facebook market place or eBay for bargain finds.
3. Declutter Before You Pack
It’s essential to declutter before you start packing. It’s the perfect opportunity to get rid of things before your fresh start in a new house. The one-year-rule is a fantastic way to start. If you haven’t used the item in a year then maybe it’s time to get rid! Be ruthless- you can do it!
4. Pack The Least-Used Rooms First
Packing rooms that you use the least, such as the guest bedroom or the loft, is a great way to get started. The boxes will be easy to load up and you’ll feel like you’ve been really productive. The sooner you get these rooms done, the quicker you’ll be able to move onto bigger rooms that will take more time!
5. Pack A ‘First-Night’ Box
After a busy moving day it’s unlikely you’ll feel in the mood to un-pack everything. Creating a ‘first-night’ box will ensure you have all your daily essentials to hand. Trust me- you don’t want the stress of looking through loads of boxes to find your face-cream or a fork to eat dinner! Some of the essentials you might want to pack includes:
- Toiletries
- Change of clothes/ shoes
- Essential kitchen supplies
- Important documents
- Phone chargers
- Medication
6. Don’t Overload Boxes
It can be tempting to fill boxes to the brim but remember you will have to lift/move them. Don’t make them so heavy that you can’t pick them up or that they will break under the strain. It’s important you consider the contents of each box and make sure you don’t pack fragile items near the bottom.
The best way to avoid doing this is to put heavy items in small boxes to avoid the temptation to overfill.
7. Consider Insurance
Despite your best efforts it’s likely at least one thing will get damaged whilst moving. It’s worth checking that your home contents insurance will cover damages or breakages that occur during the move.
FINAL THOUGHTS..
Although this covers how to pack your house in one weekend, in reality starting early is always advisable. It’s amazing how distracted you become the second you discover your old photo albums or clothes hidden at the back of your wardrobe. But if time really is of the essence then I hope these tips help you pack your house in one weekend! It can be done. It just takes some determination and perseverance! I keep telling myself this as I look at the three-bed my husband and I have completely filled to the brim! Good luck and happy packing!
