Planning & Preparation

Why Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference

Packing up your entire home can feel overwhelming — but with a clear plan and a realistic timeline, it becomes a manageable process rather than a last-minute scramble. The biggest mistake we see is people underestimating how long packing actually takes, then trying to do everything in the final few days before the move. That’s when things get damaged, items get lost, and stress levels go through the roof.

This guide covers the approach we recommend to every customer: how far in advance to start, where to begin, and how to keep your home liveable while boxes pile up around you.

When to Start Packing

We recommend starting your packing four to eight weeks before moving day. That might sound early, but it accounts for the reality of busy lives — work commitments, school runs, weekends that disappear faster than you’d expect.

The right timeframe depends entirely on your situation. A couple in a one-bedroom flat could manage in two to three weeks. A family of four in a three-bedroom house with a packed loft and garage? You’ll want the full eight weeks.

Sit down and honestly assess how many hours per week you can set aside for packing. Even two or three hours each evening or a full Saturday can make a real difference if you start early enough. The key is consistency — little and often beats a single marathon session the night before.

And remember this: it will always take longer than you think. Every room has hidden pockets of belongings you’ve forgotten about. The loft alone can add days to your timeline. Build in a buffer, and you’ll thank yourself later.

A Suggested Packing Timeline

Here’s a week-by-week breakdown that works well for most households:

6–8 weeks before: Start with a declutter. Go through every room and sort items into keep, donate, sell, and bin. The less you move, the less you pack — and the lower your removal costs. This is also the time to start collecting packing materials.

4–5 weeks before: Begin packing rooms you rarely use. Spare bedrooms, the loft, the garage, seasonal clothing, books you’ve already read, and anything decorative that isn’t essential to daily life.

2–3 weeks before: Move on to living areas, studies, and storage cupboards. Start packing anything you can live without for a couple of weeks.

1 week before: Focus on the remaining everyday items. Leave out only what you genuinely need for the final few days — a week’s worth of clothes, basic toiletries, essential kitchen items.

The day before: Pack the final kitchen items, bathroom essentials, and your bedding. Prepare an essentials box (we’ll cover this in detail in Lesson 5).

Where to Start Packing

The golden rule is simple: start with the rooms and items you use the least, and finish with the ones you use the most.

That means beginning with spaces like the loft, the garage, spare bedrooms, and storage areas. Seasonal clothing is a great first target — if it’s winter, your summer wardrobe can go straight into boxes, and vice versa. Children’s outgrown clothes, old toys, and anything that’s been sitting untouched for months should be near the top of your list.

Work your way through the house logically, room by room, leaving the kitchen until last. It’s the space you’ll rely on every single day, right up until the morning of the move. Trying to pack it too early just creates frustration — you’ll end up reopening boxes to find the tin opener or a mug.

Setting Up a Box Storage Area

Once you start packing, you’ll quickly discover that boxes take up a surprising amount of space. Planning where to store them beforehand saves a lot of hassle.

The goal is to keep packed boxes out of your daily living areas. A pile of boxes in the middle of the living room might seem harmless at first, but after three weeks of navigating around them, it wears thin — especially if you have young children or pets.

Look for a dedicated storage spot:

• A spare bedroom is ideal — close the door and forget about it until moving day.
• The garage works well, provided it’s dry and clean.
• A utility room or large cupboard can hold more than you’d think.

If none of these are available, find a corner with a flat wall where you can stack boxes neatly. Keep them against the wall, stacked no more than three or four high, and make sure the area has a clean, dry floor. These boxes could be sitting there for several weeks, so choose a spot that keeps them secure without disrupting your routine.

Pro Tip from Jay

“I always tell customers: the packing is the hardest part of the move — not the move itself. If you get the packing right, everything else falls into place. Start early, stay consistent, and don't try to be a hero and do it all in one weekend. Your back and your sanity will thank you.”

— Jay Newton, Director