Expert Tips from Going Places Removals
Moving house can feel like a huge task, especially when you’re looking around at all the things you’ve gathered over the years. But don’t worry—Going Places Removals is here to help. With the right approach, smart strategies, and expert packing tips, you can tackle the move with confidence and calm. Whether you’re doing it all yourself or calling in the pros, this guide will show you exactly how to pack up a house to move.
Why Proper Packing Matters
Packing isn’t just about throwing items into boxes—it’s about doing it in a way that protects your belongings, saves time, and makes life easier at your new home. If you skip proper packing steps, you risk:
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Damaging fragile items
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Losing important possessions
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Feeling overwhelmed during unpacking
At Going Places Removals, we’ve helped hundreds of families move, and we know that a well-packed home leads to a smoother, happier move.
Step-by-Step Guide to Packing Your House
Create a Moving Checklist
Start with a written or digital checklist. It keeps you focused and helps you track progress. Your moving checklist should include:
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Sorting and decluttering
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Buying packing supplies
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Booking a moving company
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Notifying utility providers
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Updating your address
Pro Tip: Download our free checklist on the Going Places Removals website for a head start!
Declutter Before You Pack
Packing is easier when there’s less to pack. Go through each room and decide:
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What to keep
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What to donate
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What to throw away
Decluttering saves money (fewer boxes = lower transport costs) and gives you a fresh start in your new home.
Room-by-room works best. Don’t try to do the entire house in one go. Start small—like a bathroom or closet—and build from there.
Get Your Packing Supplies Ready
Gather everything before you start packing. You’ll need:
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Strong cardboard boxes (small, medium, and large)
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Bubble wrap and packing paper
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Packing tape and scissors
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Permanent markers for labelling
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Stretch wrap for furniture
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Speciality boxes (wardrobe, mirror, and dish boxes)
Need help? Going Places Removals offers all the supplies you need—and we’ll even deliver them to your door.
Pack One Room at a Time
To stay organised, always pack one room at a time. Label each box with:
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Room name (e.g., Kitchen, Bedroom 1)
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A short list of contents
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Notes like “FRAGILE” or “THIS SIDE UP” if needed
Start with things you don’t need every day, like books, holiday decorations, or out-of-season clothes. Leave your daily essentials for last.
Wrap and Protect Fragile Items
Handle fragile items with extra care. Here’s how to keep them safe:
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Plates and bowls: Wrap each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Stack vertically in boxes.
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Glasses and mugs: Use dividers or wrap and cushion them with soft cloths or paper.
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Artwork and mirrors: Cover with a soft blanket and tape cardboard around the edges.
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Electronics: Repack in original boxes if possible. If not, wrap screens in soft fabric and secure cables separately.
Don’t Overpack Boxes
Big boxes are tempting—but don’t fill them with heavy things. Use small boxes for books, tools, and kitchenware. Use large boxes for soft or light items like bedding or clothes.
Each box should weigh no more than 50 pounds (22 kg) to prevent breakage or injury when lifting.
Organise Your Documents
Keep your paperwork in one secure place. Include:
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Passports and ID cards
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Insurance documents
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Lease or mortgage paperwork
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School or medical records
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Utility contracts
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Moving quotes and receipts
Use a folder or binder, and back everything up digitally on a cloud platform like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Pack a First-Night Box
This is your “survival kit” for the first night in your new home. Include:
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Toiletries
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Fresh clothes
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Towels and bedsheets
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Phone chargers
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Snacks and water
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Essential kitchen items (kettle, tea bags, mugs, etc.)
You don’t want to be digging through 15 boxes just to find a toothbrush!
Take Photos Before You Unplug
Unplugging electronics? Take a photo of the back of your TV or Wi-Fi setup. This makes it easier to plug everything back together at your new home.
Also, photograph any items you’re disassembling—like bed frames or shelving—so reassembly is simple.
Seal and Label Each Box
Once a box is full, seal it tightly with packing tape and clearly label:
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The room it belongs to
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A short list of contents
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Any handling instructions
Put labels on the top and at least one side, so you can see them when stacked.
Expert Packing Tips for a Smooth Move
Keep Cables and Screws Together
Use sandwich bags to store screws, bolts, or cables from disassembled furniture. Label each bag and tape it to the corresponding item or box.
Use What You Already Have
Save money on supplies by using things you own. Wrap fragile items in towels or clothes. Use suitcases, baskets, and bins instead of buying more boxes.
Don’t Leave Drawers Full
Empty drawers from dressers and desks. Items can shift and cause damage, or make furniture too heavy to move safely.
Use Plastic Wrap on Toiletries
To avoid leaks, unscrew shampoo or lotion bottles, add plastic wrap under the lid, then screw it shut again. This helps stop spills in transit.
Colour-Code by Room
Use coloured tape or stickers to sort boxes by room. For example, red = kitchen, green = lounge, blue = bedroom. This makes unloading at the new house super easy.
Consider Professional Packing Services: How do I pack up a house to move?
If packing is stressing you out or you’re short on time, Going Places Removals offers reliable, friendly packing services.
Why Use Our Professional Packing?
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Speed: We can pack a three-bedroom house in a day.
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Experience: We know how to wrap fragile, odd-shaped, or bulky items.
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Supplies: We bring top-grade materials, including speciality boxes.
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Insurance: Items packed by us are covered during the move.
Choose from full packing, partial packing, or fragile-only services depending on your needs.
Why Choose Going Places Removals?
We’re more than a moving company—we’re a partner in your relocation journey. Our team offers:
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Professional packing and unpacking
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Local and long-distance moving
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High-quality, eco-friendly materials
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Transparent, affordable pricing
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Friendly, efficient staff
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Fully insured service
We’re proud of our reputation for reliability and care. Whether you need a full pack-and-move or just a few helping hands, we’re here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions: How do I pack up a house to move?
Q: How early should I start packing?
Begin packing non-essentials 4–6 weeks before your move. Start with items you rarely use and work your way toward daily essentials. This gives you time to stay organised without rushing.
Q: Should I hire professional packers?
If time is tight or you have fragile valuables, hiring packers saves stress and reduces risk. Our team at Going Places Removals handles everything quickly and carefully, using the right materials and methods.
Q: Can I leave clothes in drawers?
We recommend emptying drawers. Loose items can shift during transit and cause damage or make furniture too heavy to lift. Pack clothes separately in boxes or wardrobe cartons.
Q: What if I need help unpacking?
We offer unpacking services too! Our team can help you settle in by unpacking boxes, arranging furniture, and removing packing materials. Just let us know what level of help you need.
Q: How do I protect fragile items?
Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Use dividers for glasses, and add padding between items to prevent shifting. Always label the box as “FRAGILE.”
Conclusion: Pack Smart, Move Happy
Packing your house doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right supplies, a bit of planning, and help from Going Places Removals, you can stay organised and protect everything you care about.
We’re here to support you with expert advice, helpful supplies, and professional packing services. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, we’ve got you covered.
Call Going Places Removals today for a free, no-obligation quote—or visit our website to get started!
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