Moving Tips • 12 min read • Updated October 21, 2025
Professional Packing Tips for Moving House: Expert Guide 2025
Moving house can be overwhelming, but with the right packing strategies, you can make the process significantly smoother. Our professional movers have helped over 50,000 customers relocate successfully, and we're sharing our expert packing tips to help you achieve a stress-free move.
Packing is often the most time-consuming aspect of any move. Whether you're relocating across London or moving to a new city in the UK, proper packing techniques can save you time, money, and prevent damage to your belongings. This comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing the right materials to room-specific packing strategies that professional movers use every day.
According to recent surveys, improper packing is responsible for over 60% of moving-related damage. By following professional packing methods, you can significantly reduce the risk of broken items and ensure your possessions arrive safely at your new home.
Essential Packing Materials You'll Need
Before you begin packing, it's crucial to gather all necessary materials. Having everything on hand prevents interruptions and ensures you can pack efficiently. Here's a comprehensive list of essential packing supplies that professional movers recommend:
Boxes and Containers
Small boxes (1.5 cubic feet): Perfect for heavy items like books, tools, and canned goods. These prevent overloading and make boxes easier to carry.
Medium boxes (3 cubic feet): Ideal for kitchen items, toys, electronics, and small appliances. The most versatile box size for general household items.
Large boxes (4.5 cubic feet): Best for lightweight, bulky items such as bedding, pillows, lampshades, and soft toys. Never use these for heavy items.
Wardrobe boxes: Specialty boxes with hanging bars that allow you to transfer clothes directly from your closet without folding, saving significant time.
Dish pack boxes: Extra-thick cardboard boxes with dividers designed specifically for plates, glasses, and other fragile kitchenware.
Protective Materials
Bubble wrap: Essential for protecting fragile items like glassware, electronics, picture frames, and decorative objects.
Packing paper: Unprinted newsprint paper that won't leave ink stains on your belongings. Use for wrapping dishes, filling gaps, and cushioning items.
Furniture blankets: Thick, padded blankets that protect furniture surfaces from scratches, dents, and damage during transport.
Stretch wrap: Plastic film that keeps drawers closed, protects upholstered furniture, and bundles items together without leaving adhesive residue.
Foam pouches: Pre-formed protective sleeves perfect for plates, bowls, and other dishware.
Tools and Supplies
Heavy-duty packing tape: Invest in quality tape that's at least 2 inches wide. You'll need more than you think—typically one roll per 10-15 boxes.
Tape dispenser: Makes taping boxes much faster and easier, especially when packing multiple rooms.
Permanent markers: Use different colors for different rooms to make unpacking more organized.
Labels or stickers: Pre-printed labels with room names and "FRAGILE" warnings save time and ensure proper handling.
Box cutter or scissors: Essential for opening boxes and cutting packing materials.
Pro Tip from Speedy Van
Don't skimp on packing materials. Using proper supplies costs less than replacing damaged items. We offer professional packing services that include all materials and expert handling.
Room-by-Room Packing Strategies
Different rooms require different packing approaches. Here's how professional movers tackle each area of your home for maximum efficiency and safety.
Kitchen Packing Tips
The kitchen is often the most challenging room to pack due to numerous fragile items and awkward shapes. Start packing your kitchen at least two weeks before your move, keeping only essential items for daily use.
Dishes and plates: Wrap each plate individually in packing paper or foam pouches. Stack vertically (on edge) rather than flat—this distributes weight better and reduces breakage risk by up to 80%.
Glasses and mugs: Wrap each glass in bubble wrap, paying extra attention to stems on wine glasses. Fill the inside with crumpled paper for added protection. Pack in dish pack boxes with dividers.
Pots and pans: Stack pots with paper between each one. Place lids separately wrapped in paper. Use pots as packing containers for smaller kitchen items to save space.
Small appliances: If possible, pack in original boxes. Otherwise, wrap in bubble wrap and pack in medium boxes. Keep cords wrapped and taped to the appliance.
Pantry items: Check expiration dates and dispose of old items. Place liquids in sealed plastic bags to prevent spills. Pack heavy canned goods in small boxes to keep weight manageable.
Bedroom Packing Tips
Bedrooms typically contain a mix of clothing, personal items, and sometimes valuable possessions. Organization is key to efficient bedroom packing.
Clothing: Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes to save time folding and unpacking. Fold and pack casual clothes in medium boxes or suitcases. Vacuum-seal bags work well for bulky items like winter coats and comforters.
Shoes: Keep pairs together with rubber bands or in individual bags. Pack in original shoe boxes when possible, or use small to medium boxes. Stuff shoes with paper to maintain shape.
Jewelry and valuables: Pack these separately in a small box you'll transport personally. Never leave valuables in the moving van unattended.
Bedding: Use large boxes or vacuum-seal bags for comforters, pillows, and blankets. These items can also serve as padding for fragile items when packed carefully.
Dresser drawers: You can often leave lightweight items like clothing in drawers. Use stretch wrap to secure drawers closed. Remove heavy items and fragile objects.
Living Room Packing Tips
Living rooms often contain electronics, entertainment systems, and decorative items that require careful handling.
Electronics: Take photos of cable connections before disconnecting. Pack TVs and monitors in original boxes if available, or use specialty TV boxes. Wrap in bubble wrap and mark "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" clearly.
Books: Pack books spine-down in small boxes to prevent damage. Don't overfill boxes—books are heavy. Alternate between laying books flat and standing them upright to distribute weight.
Picture frames and artwork: Wrap in bubble wrap and use corner protectors. Pack vertically in boxes with cardboard between each piece. Label "FRAGILE" and indicate which side should face up.
Decorative items: Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Fill empty spaces in boxes with crumpled paper to prevent shifting during transport.
Lamps: Remove bulbs and lampshades. Wrap bases in bubble wrap and pack in medium boxes. Pack shades separately in large boxes with plenty of padding.
Bathroom Packing Tips
Toiletries: Check for leaks and secure all caps. Place each bottle in a plastic bag to prevent spills. Pack in small boxes or plastic bins.
Medications: Keep these separate and transport them personally. Never pack medications in the moving van where temperature fluctuations could affect them.
Towels and linens: These make excellent packing materials for fragile items. Use them to wrap dishes, glasses, or fill gaps in boxes.
Cleaning supplies: Dispose of hazardous materials properly—many moving companies won't transport them. Pack remaining supplies in sealed plastic bags inside boxes.
Advanced Packing Techniques from Professional Movers
These professional techniques can significantly improve your packing efficiency and reduce the risk of damage during your move.
The Weight Distribution Method
Professional movers always pack boxes with heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. This prevents crushing and makes boxes more stable during transport. Each box should weigh no more than 50 pounds (about 23 kg) to ensure safe lifting and prevent injuries.
The Color-Coding System
Assign a color to each room in your new home. Use colored markers, stickers, or tape to label boxes accordingly. This visual system makes it immediately clear where each box should go, saving hours during the unpacking process. Create a master list that shows which color corresponds to which room.
The Essential Box Strategy
Pack a clearly labeled "OPEN FIRST" box for each family member containing essentials for the first 24-48 hours: toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies. This prevents frantic searching through boxes when you arrive at your new home exhausted from moving day.
The Inventory System
Number each box and maintain a detailed inventory list. This can be as simple as a numbered list on paper or as sophisticated as a spreadsheet or moving app. Include the box number, room destination, and brief contents description. This system helps you track everything and quickly locate specific items after the move.
Time-Saving Tip
Professional packers can complete in one day what might take you a week. If you're short on time, consider our professional packing service. We provide all materials and expert handling, with insurance coverage included.
Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced movers sometimes make these common packing errors. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a smoother moving experience:
Starting too late: Packing always takes longer than expected. Begin at least 4-6 weeks before your move date to avoid last-minute stress.
Using damaged boxes: Weak or damaged boxes can collapse during transport, potentially damaging contents. Always use sturdy, new or like-new boxes.
Overpacking boxes: Heavy boxes are difficult to carry and more likely to break. Keep boxes under 50 pounds and fill large boxes with lightweight items only.
Under-protecting fragile items: When it comes to bubble wrap and packing paper, more is better. Don't skimp on protective materials for valuable or sentimental items.
Forgetting to label boxes: Unlabeled boxes create chaos during unpacking. Label every box with its contents and destination room on multiple sides.
Packing prohibited items: Moving companies cannot transport hazardous materials, perishables, or certain valuables. Check with your mover about restrictions.
Not decluttering first: Moving is the perfect opportunity to purge unwanted items. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need before packing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for a Move
How far in advance should I start packing for a move?
Ideally, start packing 4-6 weeks before your move date. Begin with items you rarely use, such as seasonal decorations, books, and off-season clothing. Pack one room at a time, leaving essential items for the final week. This gradual approach reduces stress and ensures nothing is forgotten.
What packing materials do I need for a house move?
Essential packing materials include: sturdy cardboard boxes in various sizes, bubble wrap for fragile items, packing paper or newspaper, strong packing tape, markers for labeling, furniture blankets, and stretch wrap. For delicate items, consider specialty boxes like wardrobe boxes, dish packs, and mirror boxes.
How do I pack fragile items safely?
Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Use crumpled paper to fill empty spaces in boxes to prevent movement. Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter, more delicate items on top. Label boxes clearly as "FRAGILE" and indicate which side should face up. Never overpack boxes with breakables.
Should I hire professional packers or do it myself?
This depends on your budget, time, and the complexity of your move. Professional packers are ideal if you have valuable items, limited time, or a large household. DIY packing saves money but requires significant time and effort. Many people choose a hybrid approach: packing most items themselves while hiring professionals for fragile or valuable items.
How can I reduce packing time and stress?
Create a detailed packing plan and timeline. Declutter before packing to reduce the volume of items. Pack one room at a time and label boxes clearly with contents and destination room. Keep essential items separate in a clearly marked box. Use color-coded labels or a numbering system to track boxes. Consider hiring professional packers for the most time-consuming rooms.
Ready for Your Move?
Proper packing is essential for a successful move, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these professional packing tips and techniques, you can protect your belongings and make your move significantly less stressful. Remember to start early, use quality materials, and pack systematically one room at a time.
If packing seems too daunting or you simply don't have the time, Speedy Van offers comprehensive professional packing services throughout London and the UK. Our experienced team has packed over 50,000 homes, and we provide all materials, expert handling, and insurance coverage for complete peace of mind.
Whether you choose to pack yourself or hire professionals, proper preparation is the key to a successful move. For more moving tips and advice, explore our other moving guides and resources, or get an instant quote for your upcoming move.