Packing Guide for Moving

Moving home is simpler when you have a clear packing plan. This practical packing guide for moving walks you through what to buy, how to pack room by room, and ways to protect fragile items. Whether you’re doing it yourself or booking our team at House Removals North London, these packing tips will help you save time, reduce stress, and keep your belongings safe in transit.

If you’d like professional help with materials, packing, or unpacking, visit our packing services and packing materials pages, or request a free, no‑obligation estimate via Get a Quote.

What materials you need before you start

Having the right kit will speed things up and prevent damage. Gather these essentials in advance:

• Boxes: a mix of small, medium, large, and wardrobe boxes
• Specialist cartons: dish packs for crockery, picture/mirror boxes, archive boxes for documents
• Protective wrapping: bubble wrap, packing paper, tissue, furniture blankets, stretch wrap
• Void fill: kraft paper, paper offcuts, biodegradable packing peanuts
• Tape: strong packing tape, tape gun, fragile tape
• Labelling: permanent markers, colour stickers, room labels
• Other: zip-lock bags, scissors, knife, cable ties, small tool kit

Tip: Reuse clean boxes where possible, but avoid weak or damp ones. For convenience, you can source quality supplies direct from us via packing materials.

Packing timeline for moving

A sensible schedule keeps the job manageable. Adjust to your home size and the amount of belongings.

• 3–4 weeks out: Declutter, donate, or recycle. Order materials. Pack rarely used items (seasonal décor, spare linens).
• 2–3 weeks out: Pack books, ornaments, framed pictures, and out-of-season clothing. Start the garage/loft.
• 1–2 weeks out: Pack dining sets, cookware you won’t need, and guest room items. Disassemble non-essential furniture.
• 3–5 days out: Pack most kitchenware, toiletries surplus, office paperwork, toys. Prepare a “first-night” box.
• 1–2 days out: Pack daily-use items, electronics, and bedding. Defrost and clean fridge/freezer.
• Move day morning: Final toiletries, kettle essentials, chargers, and the bedding you slept in.

Keep one “essentials box” per person with medications, documents, chargers, a change of clothes, basic toiletries, and snacks.

How to label and colour code boxes

Clear labelling speeds up unloading and reduces mistakes.

• Colour code per room: e.g., blue for kitchen, green for lounge, red for bedrooms.
• Write on two sides and the top: room, contents, and “FRAGILE” where relevant.
• Number boxes per room and note highlights on a simple inventory (e.g., Kitchen 01–12).
• Use “OPEN FIRST” for boxes with immediate-use items.

We supply printable labels and guides on request. Ask when you get a quote.

Room by room packing

A structured, room-by-room packing plan avoids last-minute scrambling and keeps boxes balanced.

Kitchen: how to pack kitchen items safely

The kitchen takes the longest, so start early.

• Wrap glassware and plates correctly: Use packing paper or bubble wrap on each item. For plates, place them on edge in a dish pack with padding on the bottom and between layers. Glasses and stemware go upright, each piece wrapped and separated with dividers if available.
• Pots and pans: Nest them with paper between each. Place lids vertically at the side, wrapped.
• Knives and sharp tools: Wrap blades in several layers of paper or bubble wrap, cover with cardboard sheaths, and secure with tape. Label “Sharp.”
• Small appliances: Remove loose parts, tape cords to the body, and pack in original boxes where possible. Otherwise, wrap and cushion well.
• Pantry: Seal open packets in zip-lock bags to prevent spills. Avoid packing aerosols or anything flammable.

Fill gaps with crumpled paper to prevent movement. Don’t overload large boxes—use medium/small for heavy kitchenware.

Living room and lounge

• Books: Pack books without overloading boxes. Use small boxes only, stack books flat or spine-first, and interleave paper to protect covers. Keep a comfortable lifting weight.
• Electronics: Photograph cable setups before disconnecting. Pack cables into labelled zip bags. Use original packaging if kept; otherwise, wrap screens with soft blankets and add corner protectors.
• Pictures and mirrors: Best way to pack pictures and mirrors is to use picture cartons. Tape an “X” across the glass with low-tack tape, cover with paper, then bubble wrap. Pack upright, not flat, with padding at the sides and bottom.

Bedrooms: pack clothes and wardrobes for moving

• Wardrobe boxes: Hang suits, dresses, and coats straight into wardrobe cartons to prevent creasing.
• Folded clothes: Place in medium boxes or suitcase/holdalls. Don’t make boxes too heavy.
• Jewellery and small items: Use organisers, pill boxes, or zip bags placed in a personal handbag you keep with you.
• Mattresses: Use mattress bags for hygiene and to protect from scuffs. Strip beds the morning of the move; keep fixings for bed frames in a labelled zip bag.

Bathroom

• Liquids: Check lids are tight, place in sealable bags, and keep upright. Avoid packing half-used bleach or hazardous chemicals.
• Towels: Great as padding around fragile items. Wash and fully dry before packing.
• Medicines: Keep temperature-sensitive or essential medications with you, not in the van.

Home office

• Documents: Use archive boxes, keep important papers together, and consider taking passports and birth certificates with you personally.
• Computers and monitors: Protect screens with bubbles and corner guards, pack upright, and cushion well. Back up data in advance.
• Printers: Remove cartridges and pack separately in sealed bags to avoid leaks.

Hallways, lofts, and garage

• Tools: Bundle similar items and protect sharp edges. Drain fuel from garden equipment and disconnect batteries where appropriate.
• Bicycles and sports gear: Use wheel covers if available; secure moving parts.
• Decorations: Fragile ornaments and lights should be individually wrapped and well-cushioned.

Fragile item packing made simple

A careful approach prevents breakage.

• Use bubble wrap, paper, and blankets in layers. Paper for initial wrap, bubble for impact, blankets for larger items.
• Double-box delicate pieces: Place the wrapped item in a small box, pad all sides, then place that box inside a larger box with more padding.
• Fill voids: No empty spaces. Items should not rattle when you shake the box gently.
• Label all sides: “FRAGILE,” “THIS WAY UP,” and the destination room.

If you prefer experts to handle fragile packing, our trained packers offer full and part-packing options. Learn more on packing services.

Furniture protection and preparation

Large items travel best when prepared correctly.

• Disassembly: Take down bed frames, modular furniture, and table legs where practical. Keep bolts and fittings in labelled bags taped to the item or placed in a hardware box.
• Wrapping: Use furniture blankets and stretch wrap on polished, painted, or fabric surfaces. Corner protectors help with tables and units.
• Drawers and doors: Empty heavy drawers. Light items can remain if drawers are secure and furniture is sturdy. Tape doors closed with low-tack tape or stretch wrap.
• Appliances: Defrost freezers 24–48 hours prior. Disconnect washing machines and secure transit bolts if available.

Unsure which van size you need to accommodate furniture? See our van sizes guide or speak to us.

How many boxes do I need?

Quantities vary by property size and how much you own, but these rough indicators help:

• Studio/1-bed: Mostly small and medium boxes, plus 1–2 wardrobe cartons.
• 2–3 bed: A balanced mix of small/medium and several large boxes for light bulky items, plus 2–4 wardrobe cartons.
• 4+ bed: More of everything, with extra dish packs, picture boxes, and wardrobe cartons.

Focus on box quality and weight distribution rather than exact counts. When you contact us, we can advise based on a quick inventory or photos via Get a Quote.

Common packing mistakes to avoid

• Overloading large boxes: Heavy items go in small/medium boxes to protect backs and bottoms.
• Skipping padding: Unfilled voids cause movement and breakages.
• Mixing rooms: Makes unpacking slower. Keep room categories together.
• Poor labelling: Costs time on delivery day. Mark contents and destination clearly.
• Using newspaper directly: Ink can transfer. Use clean paper or tissue for first wrap.
• Not protecting corners and edges: These take impacts—use corner guards or extra padding.
• Packing prohibited items: Avoid flammables, aerosols, gas canisters, and perishable foods for transit.

For guidance on access and parking restrictions on move day, see our parking and access page.

Best way to pack pictures and mirrors

• Choose the right carton: Picture/mirror boxes fit snugly and reduce flex.
• Protect the surface: Low-tack tape “X” on glass to hold shards, then a paper layer, then bubble wrap.
• Reinforce corners: Foam or card corner protectors.
• Pack upright: Load along a side wall of the van, never flat, and pad to prevent sideways movement.
• Label and handle: “FRAGILE – GLASS – UPRIGHT.”

Special items: pianos, antiques, and artwork

High-value and delicate pieces benefit from specialist handling.

• Pianos: Require lifting equipment, floor protection, and skilled crews.
• Antiques and artwork: Custom packing, soft wraps, and crates where necessary.
• Large TVs and monitors: Use original boxes or custom foam and double-boxing.

If you have specialist items, explore our dedicated services: antique removals and piano removals.

On move day: loading order and safety

A considered loading plan keeps everything safe.

• Heavier boxes first: Load solid, heavier boxes low and towards the front of the van.
• Fragile and light items last: Place on top and secure with straps.
• Mattresses and sofas: Stand on end where possible, protect and strap.
• Pictures and mirrors: Upright, packed tight with pads between.
• Clear paths: Keep stairs and hallways free of trip hazards. Lift with your legs, not your back.

Our team follows safe handling methods and can provide all protective materials as part of a full packing service.

Unpacking: make settling in easier

• Start with the kitchen and bedrooms: Get essentials functioning first.
• Use your labels: Place boxes straight into their marked rooms.
• Flat-pack first: Reassemble key furniture—beds, dining table, sofa—so you can rest and eat.
• Recycle materials: Flatten boxes and sort wraps. We can collect reusable boxes by arrangement.

For a speedier move-in, consider our unpacking services.

Eco-friendly packing choices

• Reusable crates: Consider renting plastic crates for short-term use.
• Paper over plastic: Use recyclable paper padding where suitable.
• Repurpose soft items: Towels and linens as padding around sturdy items.
• Responsible disposal: Recycle cardboard and avoid mixed-material tapes where possible.

Ask us about eco options when you request your quote.

When to choose professional packing

Professional packing is ideal if you:

• Are short on time or have a large property
• Own fragile, bulky, or high-value items
• Want full insurance cover tied to professional packing
• Need a guaranteed move-out deadline

We offer full-house, part-pack (kitchen and fragile items), and last-minute packing solutions across North London and the wider N area. Read how our process works on How It Works and see what customers say on our reviews page.

Quick checklist before move day

• Declutter and donate
• Order materials and plan your timeline
• Pack non-essentials first; heavy items in small boxes
• Wrap glassware and plates correctly; protect corners and edges
• Label and colour code boxes with room and contents
• Prepare an essentials box for each person
• Disassemble selected furniture; bag and label fixings
• Arrange parking and access
• Confirm your inventory with your mover

If you need tailored advice or a materials list, we’re happy to help. Contact House Removals North London on 020 4634 3846 or email [email protected], or start with a no-obligation estimate via Get a Quote.

House Removals North London provides professional packing, moving, and storage support throughout North London and nearby areas. For service availability, see our coverage page, and for peace of mind information, review our insurance overview.