Packing checklist for moving home

Packing – one of the most dreaded aspects of moving home. Luckily, there are things to consider when packing for a move so that you can take a smart approach and streamline your efforts.

We’ve put together a packing checklist for moving home to take all the guesswork out of it. Start by gathering the moving supplies you’ll need, and then work systematically until the job is done. Read on to find out more.

General packing and moving tips

The way you pack can make or break your moving home experience. By organising items based on common functions, room use or other intuitive factors, it will be easier to keep track of your belongings during transport and unpack at your new place.

Here are some easy packing guidelines:

• Pack like items together. Start packing each box with a layer of padding – it can be newspapers, bubble wrap or household goods like blankets or towels. Then, put the heaviest items into the box first.
• Label each box by room and by its contents.
• Pack a box of essentials. Must-have items like toothbrushes,
  screwdrivers, hammers, snacks, drinks, a change of clothes, plates, utensils, cups, a first-aid kit and medications should be included.
• Refrain from filling boxes to the brim. This prevents boxes from becoming too heavy and reduces the likelihood that they break or are dropped during transit.

Start by gathering your moving supplies

To ensure a successful move, you’ll need the following moving supplies:

1. Boxes: There are lots of options for finding cheap or free moving boxes. Use websites like Gumtree and Freecycle to search for used boxes or ask your friends and family. Gather a variety of sizes and make sure the packing boxes are in good condition.
2. Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap keeps your items protected during the move. And best of all, you can buy it at office supply or department stores inexpensively or find it free on Facebook Marketplace.
3. Pushcart: Carrying boxes between places becomes taxing and could lead to drops. To prevent that from happening, rent a pushcart or trolley from a DIY store or moving company as it makes moving much easier.

That settled, let’s begin our packing checklist by moving from area to area in the home.

How to pack for moving, room-by-room

Start by making an inventory of the items you plan to take. Do this based on each room — this will help you organise faster and keep track of your valuable possessions. From there, gather moving supplies such as packing and moving boxes, padding, tape and blankets — everything you’d need to protect your things during transit.

When you go to pack your items, try to combine them based on function — for example, pack kitchen supplies together.

Lastly, don’t forget to mark your moving boxes so you know exactly where they go in your new home. On the top and sides of your box, note the room name, contents of the box and whether items inside the box are fragile. For example, a box you packed from the kitchen could say: “Kitchen/everyday dishes/fragile.”

Kitchen checklist

1. Defrost the refrigerator: Do this at least 48 hours prior to moving out.
2. Organise dishes: Packing dishes for moving isn’t as hard as you might think. Just make sure to pack them carefully by wrapping them in bubble wrap, and refrain from overpacking boxes. Overpacking will make it more difficult to move the boxes, and if a box incurs damage, you could lose a whole grouping of plates.
3. Use sectioned boxes for your glasses: This is a simple, secure way to transport them.
4. Pack 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.
5. Pack dry goods: Tape paper or bubble wrap around seasonings and pack jars containing spices or food on the bottom so they don’t move around during transit.
6. For refrigerated goods: Store them in coolers with ice blocks.

Dining room checklist

1. Roll up the rug: Secure it in plastic or use a rope.
2. Pack chairs: Remove the legs and place them in moving boxes with the nails/casters in a labelled plastic bag.
3. Secure kitchen table: Wrap it in a blanket and place it in an area where it doesn’t slide around.
4. Pack decorations (this includes lamps, pictures, artwork, etc.): Wrap any items containing glass or ceramics in paper or bubble wrap.

Living room checklist

1. Secure electronics: For TVs and computers, secure the screens using a blanket and unscrew the bases (if the devices have one). Tape the screws and base to the back of the TV.
2. Pack furniture: Place furniture into the moving truck before packing moving boxes. Remove the legs off the couch and chairs to make them easier to manoeuvre into your new home.
3. Keep electronic components organised: Tape the power cables to each electronic component along with the HDMI or audio auxiliary cables and remote control.
4. Handle artwork and mirrors carefully: Wrap them in blankets or bubble wrap.
5. Prepare your coffee table for transport: Put 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 it’s fragile.
7. Pack your books and decorative items in separate boxes: Don’t make boxes too heavy or they’ll break.

Bedroom checklist

1. Pack casual clothing: Fold clothing and place it in moving boxes. For formal wear, consider buying wardrobe boxes that allow you to keep the clothing on hangers during transport.
2. Organise jewellery: Put all valuables in a container that you keep on you at all times during the move.
3. Pack mattresses: Put them in bed bags that will keep the mattress protected from the elements during the move.
4. Keep all bedding and pillows clean: Put them in rubbish bags to keep out dust and place them in labelled moving boxes.
5. Pack your home office: For crucial files, keep them in a safe or locked file box.

Bathroom checklist

1. Pack toiletries together: Make sure you have easy access to them for your new home. The bathroom will likely be the first room you unpack.
2. Organise towels: Pack towels, toilet paper, soap and more in one box.

Laundry room checklist

1. Move appliances: Unplug the washer (be sure to drain the water out) and disconnect all components. Tape the power cords to each appliance.
2. Use laundry hampers/baskets as moving boxes: Pack hampers with socks, T-shirts and more for an easy move.

Other bits

1. Pack tools: Put them in a tool chest. For items like a saw or hammer, wrap them in towels, then pack them in boxes. Keep scissors handy for when you start unpacking.
2. Take your bike with you: Ideally, ride your bike to your new home. If you can’t, then ask a friend to ride it or book a friendly taxi driver to take you and your bike to your new home!

We hope this has been a helpful guide for how to move house with minimal stress. Having housed nearly 1000 people in Pocket homes, we like to think we know a thing or two about moving home!

When you do move, make sure to tag us on Instagram using #LivingWithPocket so we can see how you get on.