Packing is the most daunting part of any move. Where do you even start? This ultimate room-by-room packing checklist, crafted by MovePack's moving experts, will take the stress out of the process. We'll guide you through each step to ensure your belongings are organized, protected, and easy to unpack in your new home. Here is how to pack for a move:
1. The Kitchen: Tackling Fragile Items First
The first place to start in our How to Pack for a Move checklist in the kitchen. This is often the most time-consuming room to pack. Start early with items you use least.
Pro Tip: For your most fragile china and glassware, consider our [professional packing services] to guarantee their safety.
Start Early: Pack infrequently used appliances, special occasion dishes, and cookware first.
Protect Fragile Items: Wrap plates vertically in packing paper or bubble wrap. Use cell dividers for glasses and mugs to prevent them from knocking together.
Secure Everything: Use strong boxes and seal them securely with packing tape. Clearly label each box with its contents and mark it "FRAGILE."
2. The Living Room: Securing Electronics & Decor
This room contains your high-value electronics and awkward decor. Care is key.
Disassemble: Break down large items like bookshelves and tables. Keep all screws and small parts in a labelled bag taped to the furniture.
Electronics First: Use original boxes for TVs and stereos if possible. If not, wrap them carefully in moving blankets or anti-static bubble wrap. Secure cables in labelled zip-lock bags.
3. The Bedrooms: Organising Clothing & Linens
Save space and keep your clothes organized with a smart strategy.
Space Savers: Vacuum-seal bags are perfect for compressing bulky bedding, duvets, and winter clothing—especially useful in compact South African homes.
Art & Mirrors: Never lay framed art or mirrors flat. Wrap them in cardboard or special mirror boxes and mark them clearly.
Seasonal Rotation: Pack out-of-season clothes first to reduce clutter.
Wardrobe Boxes are Key: Use wardrobe boxes to transport hanging clothes directly from your cupboard, wrinkle-free.
4. The Bathroom: Preventing Leaks & Keeping Essentials Handy
Avoid messy leaks and ensure you have what you need on day one.
Essentials Box: Pack a separate box with a first-day kit: toilet paper, shower curtain, towels, soap, and toothbrushes. Mark it "OPEN FIRST."
Declutter Ruthlessly: Throw out expired medicines, old makeup, and half-used toiletries. It’s not worth moving them.
Prevent Spills: Place lids on bottles tightly, then seal them in individual plastic bags. Pack them upright in small, sturdy boxes.
5. The Home Office: Protecting Vital Electronics & Documents
Safeguard your important work and personal data.
Important Documents: Keep passports, IDs, lease agreements, and financial documents in a separate folder or box that you transport personally. Do not put it on the moving truck.
Back It Up: Always back up digital files to the cloud or an external hard drive before you pack any equipment.
Pack Tech Carefully: Use anti-static bubble wrap for computers, monitors, and printers. Pack cables separately in labelled bags.
6. The Garage & Storage: Sorting, Decluttering & Safety
Tackle the toughest zone with a practical approach. This is our sixth point on How to Pack for a Move.
Pro Tip: Ended up with a pile of junk? Ask us about our [rubbish removal and donation services] to clear it out responsibly.
The Great Sort: This is your best chance to declutter. Be ruthless. Sort tools, sports gear, and seasonal items into keep, donate, and discard piles.
Safety First: Drain fuel and oil from lawnmowers and other power equipment.
Pack Heavy Items Smartly: Use small, sturdy boxes for heavy tools to make them safe and easy to carry. Don't overfill them.
General Packing Tips for Every Room: How to Pack for a Move
Label Thoroughly: Label each box with its room and a brief contents list (e.g., "KITCHEN - Pots & Pans"). Use colour-coded stickers for each room for lightning-fast unpacking.
Box Smartly: Place heavy items (books, tools) at the bottom of boxes and lighter items (linens, pillows) on top.
Use Quality Supplies: Flimsy boxes break. Invest in strong, high-quality boxes, heavy-duty tape, bubble wrap, and a permanent marker.
Weight Limit: Keep boxes under 20kg to make them easier and safer to lift.
Your Moving Day Essentials Box
Prepare one box or suitcase that you keep with you. This is your survival kit for the first 24 hours. Include:
South African Essentials: A torch or headlamp and your load-shedding schedule app downloaded, just in case!
Basic Tools: A screwdriver, hammer, and box cutter.
Cleaning Supplies: All-purpose cleaner, paper towels, and garbage bags.
Comfort Items: Chargers, power bank, snacks, bottled water, and a kettle with coffee/tea.
Still Feeling Overwhelmed? Let MovePack Do It For You.
Packing is a huge job that takes weeks of weekends. If you'd rather spend your time saying goodbye to friends or simply want the absolute assurance that your belongings are packed by professionals, we're here to help.
Our professional packing service takes the stress completely away. We provide all the materials, expertise, and manpower to pack your entire home efficiently and safely.
GET A QUOTE FOR OUR PACKING SERVICES
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