12 Professional Packing Tips for a Stress-Free House Move
Our removal teams at Fair Price Movers have packed and moved thousands of homes across London. Here are the packing habits that consistently make moving day faster, safer, and less stressful.
1. Start Earlier Than You Think
Most people underestimate how long packing takes. A 2-bedroom flat typically takes 2–3 full days to pack properly. Start non-essentials at least 2 weeks before your move. Pack one room completely before starting the next.
2. Use Good Quality Boxes
Flimsy boxes collapse, making loading difficult and dangerous. Use double-walled boxes for heavy items like books, and sturdy single-wall boxes for lighter items. Your removal company can supply boxes — or ask us about our packing service.
3. Label Every Box — Top and Side
Write the destination room and a brief description of contents on at least two sides of every box. "Kitchen — plates, fragile" is far more useful than "Kitchen". Stick labels on the top too, so you can read them when they're stacked.
4. Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes
Books, records, and heavy tools should always go in small boxes. A large box full of books is almost impossible to lift safely and will likely break. Use large boxes for lightweight items like bedding, cushions, and clothing.
5. Never Leave Air Gaps
Boxes with empty space inside get crushed when stacked. Fill any gaps with packing paper, bubble wrap, or even clean clothing and towels. A well-packed box should feel solid when you shake it.
6. Wrap Fragile Items Individually
Each glass, plate, or breakable item needs its own wrapping. Bubble wrap is best for glass and ceramics. Wrap plates vertically (like records in a crate) — they're much less likely to break this way.
7. Pack Plates Vertically
Plates are stronger when standing on their edges. Line a box with bubble wrap, stand plates vertically, and fill gaps with crumpled packing paper. This is the single biggest thing you can do to prevent breakages.
8. Use Your Soft Furnishings as Packing Material
Towels, tea towels, clothing, socks, and soft toys are excellent packing material. Wrap fragile items in towels, pad boxes with clean clothing. This reduces the amount of packing material you need and means your soft furnishings are packed at the same time.
9. Keep All Cables Together
Bag each cable with its device (label the bag), or photograph which cable goes with which device before disconnecting anything. Electronics should be packed in their original boxes where possible — or well-padded alternatives.
10. Don't Seal Wardrobe Boxes Too Early
If using wardrobe boxes (hanging boxes), don't fill them until moving day. Hanging clothes can go straight from wardrobe to box to wardrobe in your new home.
11. Pack an Essentials Bag — Last In, First Out
Pack a separate bag with everything you'll need for the first 24 hours in your new home: kettle, mugs, coffee, phone charger, toilet paper, change of clothes, important documents, and medication. This bag goes in your car or stays accessible. Don't put it on the van.
12. Photograph Everything Before You Pack
Take photos of the back of your TV, hi-fi, and computer setup before disconnecting cables. Take photos of the position of shelves, pictures, and any assembled furniture you're disassembling. You'll thank yourself when unpacking.
Don't Want to Pack? Let Us Do It
Our professional packing team uses premium materials and proven techniques to pack an entire home safely and efficiently. Find out about our packing service or add packing to your removal quote.