There’s one thing that no one tells you about moving home, and it’s the one thing that you’re vaguely aware of, but that you push to the back of your mind because you have so many other things to think about. That thing is, the packing will always take you longer than you think. 

You might plan to pack for an hour or so each evening for a week ahead of your move only to find that the day before you’ve still for half a house to cram into boxes. You might take some days off work to really plow into the job, and still you’ll find there’s stuff everywhere and the movers are at the end of the street. 

So what can you do? How can you be more prepared, more aware, and generally more ready to move when the time comes, no matter whether you live in a one-bedroom apartment or a six-bedroom mansion? Read on to find out. 

Ask For Help

No one truly enjoys packing up a home before a move, but don’t let that put you off asking for help if you need it (and the reality is, you will need it). It’s true, your parents, siblings, friends and family might detest packing up, but they will also want to help you, and you’re sure to find at least one pair of willing and able hands to help you when you need it. 

It’s best to ask for this help at the start of the process rather than closer to the end; that way, by the time moving day comes there won’t be a big rush to find someone to assist you, and no one will feel too stressed. You can even make an event of it and provide food and drink just as long as boxes are getting filled and stacked. 

Use Professionals 

Some removal firms offer an additional service; packing. Even though this is going to cost you more, it also means you’ll have people who know how to pack for a move and will do so in an efficient, professional manner. 

Your moving team won’t be stopping every few moments because they’ve found something interesting that you’d forgotten about, and they won’t have to agonize over whether to pack something or throw it out. You give them the instructions they need, and they get on with the job so you don’t have to worry. 

Create An Inventory 

At the very least, you’re going to need to write on each packed box which room the items need to go in when you get to the other end. However, if you can make a proper inventory, that’s even better. 

The quick scrawl on the side of the box is more for the removals company than anyone else and it means that, once you’re alone in your new place, you don’t have to lug boxes from room to room; everything is where you want it to be. 

The inventory will come into its own at this point. If you’ve made a thorough list of what is in every box (and numbered the boxes to help you even more), you’ll know just which ones to start unpacking first, and which can be left until you are settled in.