Whether you thrive off tasks like this or need a little encouragement, we’re here with advice for how to make moving easier. We’ve scoured social media for the best TikTok & Instagram hacks as well as packing tips for moving house this year.
How to declutter before moving house
In the weeks leading up to your move, start by going through each room in your home and packing up anything that you no longer use or need. We came across the TikTok account @the_organised_mum who says to declutter little but often, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the task. Take as much as you can to a charity shop and take anything that no longer works to your nearest recycling centre. For more on decluttering read our uncommon hacks for organising your home from an expert.
If you’re downsizing, larger items such as dining tables, side boards and sofas may not fit in your new home. It’s a good idea to take measurements as early as you can to save paying for furniture that won’t fit inside your new home.
When you have a clear idea of what’s transferring to your new home, start a packing list and begin by packing non-essentials such as pictures or artwork on the walls along with mirrors and ornaments too.
Packing tips for moving house
To stop you feeling overwhelmed when moving day arrives, there are some brilliant TikTok hacks and tricks to help.
TikTok account @makelifesimpler_ has some smart packing tips, including using large bags or sacks to pack hanging clothes by tying the top of the bags around the hangers; packing dishes in towels instead of bubble wrap; and packing sharp knives in oven gloves.
TikToker @tidycademypro also shares the helpful advice to pack an essentials box that includes things like toilet roll, cleaning wipes, kitchen roll, bin bags, scissors and some snacks to get you through the day. It’s a good idea to load this last so it’s the first thing you unpack.
Another point to add to your checklist for moving into a new home is to pack an overnight bag per family member and make sure your bedding is easy to access as you’ll be ready for a good night’s sleep at the end of the first day.
Colour coding boxes with coloured tape – one colour per room – can make it easy to identify where to unload the boxes. If you’re using a removals firm it will help them to group boxes together correctly.
Once all the boxes are loaded in the removals van, you might wish to have a final clean before you handover the keys to your old home. Make another checklist of areas that may need some more attention than others, e.g. where you’ve removed freestanding appliances in the kitchen. If you can, hoover all rooms, mop any floors and, in the kitchen, clean the hob, oven and fridge (if you’re not taking it with you). Don’t forget to wipe down the cupboards and surfaces.
Setting up your new home efficiently
The first box to unload is your essentials box, followed by your bedding and overnight bags. The first rooms to unpack should be your kitchen and bathroom as these are the rooms that will be used the most in the early days.
Breaking down cardboard boxes as you go and unpacking kitchen items onto work surfaces first before figuring out where best to put them, are great ways to unpack these rooms efficiently.
TikTok account @downsizingpro shares tips and tricks about where to put things in your new kitchen. She advises storing glasses above the sink or next to fridge, plates and bowls near the dishwasher so it’s easy to unload and put them away, and anything else that is used less frequently on the top shelves. You’ll be familiar with how your new kitchen is laid out if you’ve used our kitchen visualiser tool.
If you’re moving into a new Redrow, your home will have been cleaned prior to you receiving the keys. If you’re moving into an older property, some TikTok cleaning hacks include cleaning light switches, doorknobs, shower heads and behind the oven and washing machine.
Personalising your new home
Once you’re unpacked, you’re ready to start thinking about how to put your own stamp on your new home. If you’ve moved into a new Redrow home, we recommend leaving it a while before painting or wallpapering to allow the house to settle. In the meantime, you could accessorise by putting family photos or artwork on the walls and add plants and flowers to make it feel homely. A great way to give a new home instant personality is to add some great lighting inspired by the latest trends.
In a recent survey conducted by us, over 3,000 people across the country were asked about the things they do to feel at home. Almost half of those surveyed said the lounge took priority to decorate first.
Not only is it the room you’ll probably spend most time in, it’s also one of the first rooms guests will see. However, this doesn’t mean you have to rush into decorating your living room. Spend some time in the room, figure out what decorating styles you like and how to achieve that in your new home. If in doubt, keep colours neutral initially and read our blog on interior design trends in 2025 for inspiration.
What can wait
Areas like the utility room and garage can be left until last. Items in these rooms tend to be used less frequently so can stay boxed up for longer but do ensure things like tools are handy if you have furniture to build.
If you have the luxury of a spare bedroom, it’s a good place to store things after moving in which don’t need to be organised straight away. Alternatively, our homes have an abundance of storage space, where you can keep packed boxes until you’re ready to tackle them. You can shut the door and not have to be faced with unpacking everything until wardrobes and storage units are sorted. However, if you still haven’t unpacked any boxes after several weeks, it may be a sign you don’t need whatever is inside.
Depending on the time of year you move in, outdoor areas don’t need to be sorted until the weather improves.
We know how busy modern life can make us, especially if you’re in a growing family. That’s why our homes have clever and stylish storage spaces to keep the mess out of sight.
For more advice and inspiration about moving home, read our Home Buyer Guide.
