Moving guide
How to Pack for a House Move
Good packing protects the contents and keeps the move moving. The aim is not to fit the most into each box; it is to make every package safe to lift, easy to identify and stable in the vehicle. Start earlier than feels necessary and finish one low-use area at a time.
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Choose materials for the load
Use sound double-wall cartons for books, crockery and dense items, larger cartons for light bedding and clothes, and wardrobe cartons where hanging garments must stay shaped. Use paper or suitable wrap to stop movement inside boxes, plus mattress and sofa covers where needed. Avoid weak supermarket boxes for heavy contents and do not close a bulging carton. A box should remain square, stack flat and be liftable by one person without strain.
Pack by room and weight
Put a layer of cushioning in the base, keep heavy items low and fill voids so contents cannot travel. Books should lie flat in small cartons; plates are usually safer on edge with separation; lampshades need their own light box. Remove loose shelves and fittings from furniture and bag labelled screws with the item. Do not mix belongings for several rooms just to fill a box—the saved carton is rarely worth the unloading confusion. Mark fragile packages on the top and at least two sides.
Prepare appliances, pictures and valuables
Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for defrosting and securing appliances, and allow them to dry before transport. Back up computers and keep passwords and irreplaceable data with you. Use purpose-made cartons or professional wrapping for mirrors, framed art and televisions; record existing marks before packing. Jewellery, passports, medication, cash, keys and important documents should normally travel with you, not in the removal vehicle. Tell the mover about unusually valuable or delicate items so the declared inventory and cover are accurate.
Label for delivery, not collection
Write the destination room, contents and any handling note on every carton. Match room labels to signs at the new property so the team can unload without stopping for every box. Create an ‘open first’ group with bedding, toiletries, kettle supplies, basic tools, chargers, cleaning materials and a change of clothes. Keep that group physically separate or load it last. Before moving day, count and photograph packed cartons so missing or damaged packages can be identified precisely.