Home packing checklist: Essential tips for moving house

The key to a successful and stress-free house move is to have everything as organised and under control as possible. Strategic planning in the weeks leading up to your move can help eliminate any last-minute panic or on-the-day surprises.

Checklists are a great way to make sure that all things are considered, and nothing is forgotten about. Therefore, here we have created you a packing checklist for each room of your house, which you can print out and use as a helping hand when the time comes.

Whether you are moving your items into storage or straight to another property, we hope this checklist will come in handy and make your house move a bit more straightforward.

Kitchen

1. Defrost the freezer at least 48 hours prior to moving out. Clear out all items from the freezer and use up or give to neighbours.
2. Clear out your fridge of all items, wipe it out to clean and then dry. Store any items you are keeping in cool boxes with ice.
3. Pack dishes carefully with bubble wrap or tissue paper and place in high-quality storage boxes. Be mindful not to overpack boxes so that they are too heavy to carry.
4. Use sectioned boxes for your glasses. It’s a simple, secure way to transport them.
5. Pack pots, pans & small appliances: Start by removing any blades or loose components. Tape the cord around the appliance, tape any additional parts to it, and be sure to include the instructions.
6. Pack dry goods: Tape paper or bubble wrap around glass jars, tins and unopened packets and place in the bottom of boxes so they don’t move around during transit.

Dining room

1. Roll up your rugs inside out and secure with tape or string
2. Pack chairs by removing the legs and placing them in moving boxes with the nails/casters in a labelled plastic bag.
3. Secure your kitchen table, wrapping it in a blanket or sheet, and place it in an area where it won’t slide around.
4. Pack soft furnishings and delicate items including lamps, pictures and mirrors. Use bubble wrap, tissue and picture boxes for any items containing glass.

Living room

1. Secure TVs and computer screens using a blanket and unscrew the base if you have one.
2. Tape the power cables to each electronic component along with the HDMI or audio auxiliary cables and remote control so that they don’t get lost.
3. Remove the legs off sofas and chairs to make them easier to manoeuvre and pack into your removal van or place of storage.
4. Handle artwork and mirrors carefully: Wrap them in blankets or bubble wrap.
5. Prepare your coffee table by putting furniture sliders under the legs so you don’t scratch the floors when you move it. Cover the top of the table with a blanket to prevent scratching.
6. Remove bulbs and lampshades from lamps: Store in boxes, and cushion carefully. Wrap the base of the lamp in bubble wrap if fragile.
7. Pack up books, CDs, and DVDs in separate boxes. Ensure you don’t overpack or the boxes will be too heavy to carry and may break.
8. Keep important files in a safe or locked file box. Or arrange for unwanted paperwork to be shredded securely.

Bedrooms

1. Fold clothing items and place them in storage boxes or consider buying wardrobe boxes that allow you to keep the clothing on hangers during transportation.
2. Put all your valuables (passport, jewellery, cash) in a secure container and keep it with you at all times during the move.
3. Pack mattresses into mattress covers that will keep the mattress protected from dust and dirt in transit and storage.
4. Put duvets and pillows into refuge bags and tie the tops to keep them clean.

Bathrooms

1. Pack toiletries carefully in storage boxes and make sure all lids are securely fastened to avoid spillages.
2. The bathroom will likely be the first room you unpack so keep all items together.
3. Pack towels, toilet paper, soap, and more in one box for each bathroom.

Utility room

1. Unplug the washing machine and tumble dryer. Next, disconnect all components including the dryer vent and washer hose, and tape the power cords to the rear of each appliance.
2. Use up, donate or throw away opened detergents and fabric softener. It’s too risky to transport these in boxes.

Garage/storage shed

1. Pack up outdoor cushions and covers in boxes or refuge bags to keep them clean and dry.
2. Dispose of hazardous materials including paint, fertiliser, and weed killer — these are risky to put into storage or to move in transit.
3. Pack tools in a tool chest. Wrap items like saws and hammers in in towels then pack them in boxes, ensuring no blades are on show.
4. Drain any items requiring gas or petrol, for example BBQs or lawnmowers before transporting them.
5. Keep all exercise equipment together and wrap items separately to avoid breakages and scratching.
6. Use a bike rack to transport your bike if it is expensive – same goes for other expensive equipment.

We hope that our checklists have provided you with helpful advice when it comes to packing up your home. If you need any further advice on home storage or removals, then please don’t hesitate to give our friendly team a call on 0113 262 6500.