Every summer, thousands of people make the exact same promise.
“This time, I’ll start packing early.”
Then suddenly it’s moving week, there are no boxes left anywhere, and someone is wrapping kitchen glasses in old takeaway leaflets at midnight.
If you’re moving house this summer, May is the perfect time to get organised before the stress kicks in properly.
Starting early makes moving day smoother, cheaper, and far less chaotic.
Why May Is the Best Time to Start Packing
Summer is peak moving season, which means:
- Removal companies book up quickly
- Packing supplies become harder to find
- Storage units fill faster
- Last minute planning gets expensive
Starting in May gives you breathing room.
You don’t need to pack your kettle six weeks early and survive on takeaway coffees. The goal is to gradually pack the things you won’t immediately need.
What You Should Pack First
Seasonal Clothing
Heavy coats, winter boots, scarves, and thick jumpers can all be packed away early.
If the British weather decides to surprise everyone with one random cold day in June, keep one backup jumper accessible and you’ll survive.
Decorations
Christmas decorations, Halloween boxes, and other seasonal items are perfect early packing targets. They’re bulky, awkward, and nobody needs them in May.
Books and DVDs
Bookshelves take longer to pack than people expect. They also weigh far more than anyone remembers. Start boxing these up early to save yourself lifting thirty panic boxes the night before moving day.
Spare Bedding and Guest Room Items
If you have spare duvets, pillows, or guest room furniture, pack these first.
Garage and Shed Items
Garden tools, sports gear, camping equipment, and random mystery cables can all be sorted ahead of time.
Create a Packing Timeline
6 to 8 Weeks Before Moving
- Declutter unwanted items
- Donate or sell unused belongings
- Book removal services
- Reserve storage if needed
- Start collecting boxes
4 to 6 Weeks Before Moving
- Pack seasonal items
- Label boxes clearly
- Organise important documents
- Notify utility companies
2 to 3 Weeks Before Moving
- Pack non essential kitchen items
- Disassemble unused furniture
- Confirm moving details
Final Week
- Keep essentials accessible
- Prepare an overnight bag
- Pack daily use items last
- Double check keys and paperwork
Label Everything Properly
There are two types of people during a move. People who label boxes carefully. And people opening twelve identical boxes looking for one phone charger. Be the first person.
Write:
- The room name
- Basic contents
- Whether the box is fragile
- Which boxes you’ll need first
Your future self will genuinely appreciate the effort.
Common Moving Mistakes People Make
Leaving Packing Too Late
Packing always takes longer than expected. Always.
Keeping Things You Don’t Actually Want
Moving house is the perfect opportunity to stop transporting items you haven’t used in years. If you forgot something existed until you found it during packing, that’s usually a sign.
Underestimating Storage Needs
Sometimes move in and move out dates don’t line up perfectly. Self storage can make moving far easier by giving you flexibility and reducing clutter during the process.
Why Self Storage Makes Moving Easier
Storage units are especially helpful during moves because they:
- Create extra space while packing
- Reduce clutter during house viewings
- Help during delayed move dates
- Keep belongings secure
- Make downsizing less stressful
Instead of stacking boxes in every corner of your home, you can keep everything organised and accessible.
Start Early and Stress Less
Moving house will probably never become completely relaxing, but getting organised in May can make a huge difference. A little preparation now saves a lot of stress later.
And most importantly, it greatly reduces the chances of eating takeaway on the floor surrounded by mystery boxes on moving day.
Get packed up!
