I’ve Moved House 9 Times—Here’s My Best Guide to Packing (and the Secret Weapon I Discovered)

Moving house is exciting—but let’s be honest, packing for moving house is often overwhelming. After 9 moves, I’ve learned a thing or two about staying organised and avoiding last-minute chaos.

The biggest game-changer for me? Vacuum storage bags. These have saved me space, kept my clothes fresh, and made packing easier. Below, I’ll share my best packing tips along with why vacuum bags (especially Vela vacuum storage bags) are my must-have moving essential.

What to Pack First When Moving House

Starting early can reduce stress and help you avoid a last-minute scramble. Here’s what I pack first:

1. Ornaments and Decor

• Pack vases, picture frames, and trinkets early since you won’t need them before moving.
• Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap or soft towels to prevent breakage.
• Use vacuum bags for soft decorative items like cushions to save space.

2. Out-of-Season Clothing

• If you’re moving in summer, pack winter coats and sweaters first.
• Vacuum storage bags shrink bulky clothing, saving up to 80% of space.

"Vela vacuum bags reduced my wardrobe to half the number of boxes!" – Emma, first-time mover

3. Spare Bedding & Towels

• Store extra duvets, pillows, and sheets in vacuum bags to keep them dust-free.
• Label each bag so you can easily find essentials when unpacking.

The Secret Weapon: Vacuum Storage Bags

I used to struggle with bulky clothes and bedding taking up too much space—until I found Vela vacuum bags.

Why Vela Vacuum Bags Are a Must-Have for Moving House

✔ Maximise Packing Space – Compress bedding, clothes, and towels into smaller sizes.
✔ Protects Against Dust & Moisture – Keeps fabrics fresh and clean.
✔ Durable & Reusable – Unlike cheap alternatives, these last multiple moves.
✔ Perfect for Small Apartments – Save space while packing and storing.

"I packed my whole winter wardrobe in just TWO vacuum bags. Unreal!" – Tom, London

(Check out the best Vela vacuum storage bags for moving.)

How to Organise with Vacuum Bags: My Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sort & Declutter First

• Sell or donate anything you haven’t worn in the past year.
• Throw out anything damaged or worn out.

2. Fold & Pack Smartly

• Fold clothes neatly before placing them in vacuum bags to prevent creases.
• Use separate bags for different categories: winter wear, bedding, guest towels.

3. Remove the Air & Seal Properly

• Close the zip almost completely before vacuuming the air out.
• Press down while sealing to remove excess air manually if needed.

(Need help choosing? Explore our collection of vacuum storage bags.)

Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Leaving Packing Too Late – Start at least 2-3 weeks before moving day.
❌ Overstuffing Boxes – Keep them light enough to lift comfortably.
❌ Forgetting to Label – Label every box and vacuum bag to save time unpacking.
❌ Packing Essentials Too Early – Keep daily use items accessible until the last day.

"I wish I had labelled everything properly—unpacking was a nightmare!" – Rachel, Bristol

What I Pack Last

These are the items I keep until moving day:

1️⃣ Books & Artwork – I don’t mind them on display until the last moment.
2️⃣ Everyday Kitchen Items – Plates, cutlery, and coffee essentials stay out.
3️⃣ Cleaning Supplies – A final wipe-down before leaving is a must!

(Want more moving tips? Read this moving house packing checklist.)

FAQs About Packing for Moving House

1. Do vacuum storage bags reduce weight?

No, vacuum bags reduce volume, not weight. They help save space, but your belongings will weigh the same.

2. Can I use vacuum bags for fragile items?

Yes, but only soft, non-breakable items like clothing, bedding, pictures, valuable documents, and soft toys. Glass and electronics should be wrapped in bubble wrap.

3. How many vacuum bags do I need for moving?

It depends on how much you’re packing.
🔹 6 large bags – Ideal for clothing and towels.
🔹 3-4 jumbo bags – Best for bedding and duvets.
🔹 Smaller bags – Perfect for travel and organising essentials.

For more FAQ's we have made the Ultimate blog post where answering the most commonly asked questions to us. : The Most FAQs About Vacuum Storage Bags: A Complete Guide

(Shop Vela’s best-selling vacuum bags here.)

Final Thoughts: Pack Smarter, Not Harder

I’ve moved 9 times, and the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that staying organised is key.

✔ Start packing early
✔ Use vacuum storage bags to save space
✔ Label everything properly
✔ Pack an overnight essentials box

If you want the easiest moving experience, I can’t recommend Vela vacuum bags enough. They compressed my bulky items, kept them fresh, and made packing so much simpler.

✅ Shop the best vacuum storage bags for moving house:
🔹 Jumbo Vacuum Storage Bags | Vela – Best for bedding & duvets
🔹 Vacuum Storage Bags Pack of 6: 2 x Small, 2 x Medium, 2 x Large – Best for clothes
🔹 Vacuum Storage Bags Pack of 6: 2 x Medium, 2 x Large, 2 x Jumbo – Best value pack

If you get confused to what size vacuum bags are best to get for your packing, you can always check our Blog Guide on vacuum bags sizes: Vela's Guide to Vacuum Storage Bag Size: Find Your Perfect Fit

Ready to get started?
Check out our vacuum storage bags collection today and make packing for moving house a breeze!