Moving hacks: the best way to pack boxes
You're looking forward to your new apartment, but already dreading the stress of the move? With these tips and our packing list, you'll have your belongings packed and then unpacked in the right place in your new home in no time.
07.10.2022
iStock / StefaNikolic
1. When do I have to start preparing for the move?
Preparations for moving home begin before packing: about one to two months before the moving date, you can start decluttering. Forgotten junk can accumulate in your home, especially in the cellar, attic, in the bathroom cabinet and in drawers.
You should start packing at least one week before the moving date. Do you have everything you need?
Enough sturdy moving boxes or banana boxes
Adhesive tape
Labels for labelling
Bubble wrap, tissue paper or packing paper to wrap items and fill spaces
Tools for furniture
Thinking of reusing the moving boxes later or passing them on to someone else? Get removable labels or masking tape.
Tip: have a look at the plan of the new apartment: will the chest of drawers even fit in the hallway? Or in the living room, perhaps? Or will you get rid of it? You can find more tips on how to prepare for the move in our moving checklist.
2. How many boxes do I need?
The rule of thumb is one box for every square metre. More specifically, one person needs around 30 boxes for a two-room apartment. For a room in a shared apartment, a maximum of 15 is sufficient. In a larger household, you should allow around 20 to 25 boxes per person – plus an additional ten boxes per baby or toddler.
The more people living in the household, the fewer boxes you need per person. Of course, this also depends on individual lifestyles. While a minimalist might manage with 15 moving boxes, a collector is going to need 35.
Tip: don't have any moving boxes yet? In our guide you will find out where to find the best moving boxes.
3. Packing moving boxes correctly: how do I go about it?
Packing moving boxes is all about storing everything in a space-saving and secure way. In addition, you should be able to find your belongings in your new home easily. Points to note when packing
Establish a good packing system
Set priorities: start with the items and furniture you won't need until after the move (e.g. decorative items, photo albums and books).
One room, same box: whatever will be in same room or cupboard after the move should be packed in the same box.
Extra box for important things
This "survival box" includes everything you need to have at hand on the first day: personal hygiene items, towel, clothes, duvets and pillows for sleeping, toys for the children, pet food and bowls.
You can also pack all your important documents in the same box. This will save you a lot of time and stress.
Tip: for your survival box, use a box that is clearly different from the others, so you can find it right away in the hustle and bustle of the move.
4. How do I pack different items?
First rule: heavy items belong at the bottom of the box, lighter ones at the top. Pack everything as compactly as possible and close the box properly. Stack the boxes in the vehicle securely so that they cannot move or tip over during the drive. To do this, organize them by weight: heavy boxes at the bottom, light ones at the top.
Make sure that individual boxes are no heavier than what you can carry. They should weigh a maximum of 20 kilos. Use several small boxes for books and other heavy objects.
Don't fancy all the heavy lifting?
You can save a lot of time and money by hiring a moving and/or cleaning company. You can request up to five quotes for your move free of charge via Comparis.
Packing fragile items and crockery
Wrap items of crockery individually in tissue or packing paper, and mirrors and pictures in bubble wrap. Don't use newspaper as it may leave marks.
Use towels and socks as padding for fragile items and fill any spaces with them. You can pack smaller fragile items inside the socks themselves.
Do not pack electrical appliances in a moving box, but in the original box instead. If this is no longer available, try to find a box of a similar size. If possible, transport particularly expensive or sensitive equipment in your car, not in the moving van.
Tip: take pictures of the back of your TV. Then you'll know what cable goes where later. Secure all cables with a cable tie.
Packing clothes and textiles efficiently
Use special clothes boxes for clothes to prevent creasing. Another good solution is to use suitcases or travel bags. Garbage bags or bin bags are suitable for bedding and towels.
Tie five to ten coat hangers together using a cable tie, then cut a small hole in the bottom of a bin bag and slip it over the hangers. Smaller items of clothing can be packed in plastic bags.
5. How do I transport furniture properly?
Do you need to dismantle your furniture? So you will not be faced with a confusing selection of parts later on, buy dot stickers in a range of colours. Give each piece of furniture a colour and each of its individual parts a corresponding dot sticker.
Put small parts such as screws in a plastic bag or freezer bag, which you attach to the furniture. Make a list showing which furniture has which colour and in which room it belongs.
It is not always necessary to dismantle furniture. Measure your furniture. This way, you know whether it will fit through doors and up and down staircases.
Tip: secure drawers! To avoid ugly marks from adhesive tape, you can also wrap the furniture with plastic film. You can easily remove it later using scissors.
