A moving expert has given eight top tips to ensure Brits master packing effortlessly.
According to research, homeowners pack and unpack 95 boxes, lose ten valuables, experience fifteen crying fits, get into ten fights with their family and have to sleep on an inflatable mattress for ten nights during an average move.
While a third admitted they found a move so stressful that it had a negative impact on their mental health, 68 percent said they would like someone to pack and organize everything for them.
But Jo Winston, from property company St Modwen Homes, has revealed eight handy tips to ensure your packing is stress-free.
A study by St. Modwen Homes has found that the average Brit will buy five houses, pack 95 boxes, lose ten valuables and experience fifteen fits of crying in their lifetime (stock image)
1. Tidy up your house
Before you even think about reaching for the packing tape, take the time to declutter your home.
Rid yourself of unnecessary possessions by donating, selling, or throwing away items that no longer serve a purpose.
This not only streamlines the packing process but also lightens the burden for your upcoming trip.
Jo adds: ‘Plus, you can even make a pretty penny on sales sites like Vinted and eBay.’
2. Label, label, label
When it comes to packing, organization is key. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.
This simple step will save you countless headaches when it’s time to unpack, allowing you to find essential items with ease.
When it comes to packing, organization is key. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to (stock image)
3. Don’t wait until the last minute
We’ve all been guilty of getting stuck in that “I’ll do it tomorrow” loop – and then tomorrow comes all too quickly, and there’s an overwhelming number of things that need to be done with no time left to to get them off.
Jo says: ‘Make a checklist in advance and check things off as you go: from cleaning to calling the movers. Make the plan realistic so you can stick to it.”
4. Get help
Moving is a team effort, so don’t be afraid to enlist the help of friends and family.
Whether it’s packing, lifting heavy furniture, or providing moral support, having a support network by your side makes the process infinitely more manageable.
5. Create a folder for your important documents
One thing that definitely comes with moving is paperwork, and lots of paperwork.
Jo recommends purchasing a folder to keep all your important documents in one place so they don’t get lost during your move.
Moving is a team effort, so don’t be afraid to enlist the help of friends and family (stock image)
6. Make a budget
Moving can be an expensive undertaking, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Before you dive into packing, create a budget that includes all moving costs, from packing supplies to professional movers.
Sticking to a budget can help you stay financially literate throughout the process.
Jo adds: ‘Do your research to make sure you’re getting the best deals for your money.’
7. Pack room to room
Resist the temptation to throw everything into boxes haphazardly. Instead, take a room-by-room approach and gather similar items together.
This not only keeps you organized, but also makes unpacking a breeze, as each box contains items destined for the same space in your new home.
Resist the temptation to throw everything into boxes haphazardly. Instead, tackle one room at a time and pack similar items together (Stock Image)
8. Create a timeline for packing and unpacking
When we move to a new home, we can sometimes find ourselves living among mountains of boxes for days or even weeks.
By creating a realistic timeline that you can follow, you can avoid living in cardboard chaos in your new home.
Jo recommends starting with the bedroom first, adding: ‘You’ll appreciate a bed to sleep in after all that heavy lifting.’