10 Packing Hacks That Actually Save Time (and Your Sanity)
Moving house is stressful enough without the endless hours of packing. The tape runs out at the worst moment, boxes collapse under the weight of books, and somehow the kettle always gets packed far too early.
The good news? With a few clever hacks, you can cut the stress (and the number of broken glasses). These are the packing tricks real movers swear by.
1. Start with a “donate” box
Before you even pick up the tape, grab one big box or bag and label it “donate.” Every time you hesitate over an item, throw it in. You’ll carry fewer boxes into your new home — and someone else benefits too.
2. Colour-code your rooms
Don’t waste time scribbling tiny notes on every box. Use coloured tape or stickers instead: one colour for the kitchen, another for the bedroom, and so on. On moving day, your boxes will be instantly recognisable.
3. Wardrobe boxes are game-changers
Forget folding every shirt and packing it flat. With wardrobe boxes, you just transfer clothes straight from the rail — hangers and all. When you arrive, you simply hang them back up.
4. Use your suitcases first
Suitcases are sturdy, have wheels, and zip up securely — so why leave them empty? They’re perfect for heavy items like books, pans, or paperwork.
5. Wrap glasses in socks
Bubble wrap runs out fast. Instead, slip each glass into a clean sock. It cushions them nicely and keeps your socks in pairs.
6. Photograph electronics before unplugging
Got a complicated TV or Wi-Fi setup? Take a quick photo of the cables before you unplug anything. When you reconnect at the other end, you’ll know exactly where each lead goes.
7. Don’t overpack large boxes
It’s tempting to fill big boxes to the brim, but they quickly become unliftable. Use large boxes for light things (duvets, cushions, lampshades) and small boxes for heavy stuff like books or plates.
8. Label “open first” boxes
Think kettle, mugs, tea, loo roll, and phone chargers. Stick a giant “FIRST NIGHT” label on the outside so it doesn’t get buried under less urgent things.
9. Tape screws and bolts to furniture
Taking a bed apart? Tape the screws in a small bag to the headboard or frame. No more hunting for a lost packet of bolts at midnight.
10. Keep a packing kit handy
Have scissors, tape, Sharpies, and labels in one small box that never gets packed away until the very end. It should travel with you, not in the removals van.
Final tip: Don’t go it alone
Even with these hacks, packing is still a marathon. Do yourself a favour: stock up on strong supplies early so you’re not left with flimsy supermarket boxes that collapse under pressure.
👉 Order strong moving boxes and supplies here
Or build your interactive personalised checklist to keep every step organised from day one.