Packing for a large house move can seem daunting, especially when you’re looking around at everything you own and wondering where to start. Whether you’ve hired moving house services or plan to tackle it on your own, having a simple, practical strategy can make the difference between a smooth move and a chaotic one.

If you're planning a large house move, the thought of packing everything can feel overwhelming. The good news is, you don’t need special skills or experience to handle it well. With a few simple strategies and the right mindset, you can stay on top of the process without getting caught up in complicated steps or unnecessary stress.

Let’s break it down into easy steps that anyone can follow.

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Start with a Good Declutter

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Before any boxes are taped up, take the time to declutter. A large house likely holds years of accumulated belongings, and not everything needs to make the move.

Begin with clothes you haven’t worn, unused kitchen gadgets, extra linens, or duplicate items. Donate what’s in good shape, sell valuable things online, and bin what’s no longer usable. Less stuff means less to pack, less to carry, and potentially lower costs if you’re hiring professional removalists.

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Gather the Right Supplies Early

Once you've trimmed down your belongings, make sure you’ve got the right packing gear. You don’t need anything fancy—just the basics:

• A variety of sturdy boxes

• Packing tape

• Markers for labelling

• Bubble wrap or soft materials like towels for cushioning

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Uniform box sizes can be helpful, as it makes stacking and transporting easier and safer.

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Tackle One Room at a Time

Trying to pack your whole house in one go will leave you frazzled. Stick to one room at a time to stay organised and avoid mixing items from different parts of the home.

Label each box with the room name and a general description of what’s inside. If you're feeling extra organised, you can number boxes and jot down what each one contains in a notebook or phone list. This will come in handy during unpacking or if you’ve handed your goods over to a moving house service.

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Use What You Already Have

You don’t need to buy packing supplies for everything. Use rolling suitcases for heavier items like books, duffel bags for clothing and soft furnishings, and plastic tubs for things you want quick access to after moving.

This saves money, reduces waste, and helps lighten the load—something your house transporters will appreciate.

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Protect Fragile Items Gently

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Fragile items like glassware, picture frames, and electronics need extra attention. Wrap them in bubble wrap, towels, or clothing and place them in boxes where they won’t shift around.

Avoid overloading these boxes. Clearly write "FRAGILE" on the outside, especially if they’re going to be handled by furniture removalists.

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Prepare an Essentials Box

The last thing you want after moving all day is to dig through 20 boxes just to find a toothbrush or clean shirt.

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Pack an essentials box with your go-to items like:

• Toiletries

• Chargers

• Medications

• Basic snacks

• Pet supplies

• Spare clothes

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This box should travel with you in your car or be one of the first boxes off the truck when you arrive.

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Disassemble Furniture Without Stress

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Large furniture can be difficult to move in one piece. If you can, disassemble beds, tables, and desks in advance. Keep all screws and bolts in small zip-lock bags and tape them securely to the matching furniture piece.

You don’t have to know how to take apart every item—just stick to basic, intuitive disassembly. If in doubt, leave tricky items to the removalists.

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Don’t Overpack Boxes

It’s tempting to fill every box to the brim, but that can make them hard to lift or even cause them to break. Use small boxes for heavy items like books and large boxes for light things like bedding or pillows.

Balanced, well-packed boxes are easier to carry and stack—especially important when moving on your own.

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Leave the Kitchen Until Last

The kitchen is usually the most complicated room, filled with sharp, breakable, and awkwardly shaped items. Start by packing non-essentials like cake tins, spare cutlery, and gadgets you rarely use.

Keep a few plates, cups, and basic cookware out until the last minute, then box those up the night before your move. Label clearly—Moving Company often prioritise fragile kitchen boxes when loading.

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Talk to Your Movers

If you’ve hired furniture removalists, don’t assume they know everything about your place. Give them a heads-up about:

• Parking access

• Stairs or lifts

• Fragile items

• Large or awkward pieces

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The more they know, the smoother the day will go. And if you're managing a large house removal, the extra communication will help avoid delays or confusion.

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Check Outdoor Areas Too

It’s easy to forget about the garage, garden, or balcony. Don’t leave these to the last minute—they often have bulky or heavy items like bikes, BBQs, tools, or outdoor furniture that might need extra planning.

Group these items together ahead of time and ask your house transporters if they require special handling or extra space in the truck.

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Give Yourself Time to Unpack

Just because you've moved doesn’t mean the work is done. Don't try to unpack everything in a day. Set up your new home with a plan. Prioritise rooms like the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms first.

The rest can follow in the coming days. Good labelling will make this part far less stressful—and you’ll settle into your new space more comfortably.

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Conclusion

Packing for a large house move doesn't have to be stressful or complicated. By keeping things simple, planning ahead, and using the right techniques, you can make the process smoother and more manageable. Whether you’re working with trusted removalists or handling most of it yourself, the key is to stay organised, start early, and take it step by step. With the right approach, you’ll be settling into your new home with ease and confidence.

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FAQs

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Q: How far in advance should I start packing?

Ideally, give yourself four to six weeks before moving day. Start with rarely used items and work toward the essentials.

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Q: Do removalists help with packing too?

Some removalists offer full-service options, including packing. If that’s something you’re interested in, ask ahead to check what’s included.

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Q: What’s the best way to label boxes?

Keep it simple: write the room name and a short note on what’s inside. If it’s fragile or needs to be opened first, add that as well.

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Q: Are there things movers won’t take?

Yes. Hazardous items like paint, petrol, and cleaning chemicals are often restricted. Check with your move house service beforehand.

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Q: How can I make the unpacking easier?

Pack with unpacking in mind. Group similar items, label thoroughly, and pack an essentials box to cover your first few nights.

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Q: What do I do if it rains on moving day?

Cover items with tarps or plastic sheeting. Many furniture removalists come prepared for weather, but it’s worth asking in advance.

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