⏱️ Estimated reading time: 4–5 minutes
📑 Table of Contents
Don’t let packing stress you out! At HelloVans.com, we know a smooth move starts with smart packing. These original tips will help you pack efficiently, protect your valuables, and save time — so you can enjoy your new home sooner.
✅ Smart Steps Before You Pack
- Plan Early: Walk through each room and make a list. Tackle storage spaces like lofts first — they take longer than you think.
- Declutter: Moving is the perfect excuse to donate, sell or recycle unwanted stuff.
- Gather Supplies: Get strong boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and labels well ahead of time. You’ll likely need more boxes than expected!
- Label & Organise: Mark every box with its room and a short content list. This makes unloading with your man and van team faster.
📦 Top Packing Hacks to Save Time & Money
- Essentials Box: Pack a clear plastic box with toothbrushes, chargers, keys, and snacks — things you’ll want on day one.
- Label Cables: Wrap cables with rubber bands or old toilet roll tubes and write what each one’s for.
- Books & Heavy Items: Use small boxes for books and place heavy boxes at the bottom of stacks. Label them as “Heavy”.
- Toiletries: Prevent leaks by putting cling film under lids and an extra cotton pad inside powders.
- Clothes: Keep clothes on hangers and bundle them inside bin bags — tie hangers together for easy lifting.
- Rugs & Carpets: Roll them up tight, tie with rope, and cover the ends to keep them clean.
🔑 Packing Fragile or Valuable Items
Pots, Pans & Dishes
Stack pots carefully with newspaper. For dishes, wrap each plate and pack them standing up (like records). Place small items like spices inside bigger pots for extra space-saving.
Artwork & Mirrors
Wrap frames in paper, then in bubble wrap. Use cardboard corner protectors. For big mirrors, use painter’s tape in an X shape to reduce shatter risk.
Electronics & Computers
Back up data first. Disconnect carefully, label each cable, and cushion devices with thick bubble wrap. If possible, pack in the original box.
🛠️ Large Items, Furniture & Appliances
| Item | How to Pack or Prepare |
|---|---|
| Furniture | Remove legs if possible. Keep screws in labelled bags taped to the item. Wrap arms and corners with bubble wrap. |
| Fridge/Freezer | Defrost and dry thoroughly at least 24 hours before moving. |
| Washing Machine | Drain water. Secure hoses inside the drum if possible. |
| Gas Appliances | Use a qualified engineer to disconnect gas cookers safely ahead of moving day. |
💰 Money-Saving Tip
Doing it all yourself can seem cheaper but costs time, energy, and sometimes breakages. HelloVans.com offers affordable house removals and flexible man with a van services to do the heavy lifting — prices often start lower than you think!
🚚 Ready to Move?
Book your trusted movers at HelloVans.com and tick “packing stress” off your moving checklist today!
