Packing is the most time-consuming part of any move — and the part most likely to cause breakages and chaos on the day. A simple system makes it manageable. Here's how to do it room by room.
Start early and declutter first
Begin 2–3 weeks out with the rooms you use least (lofts, spare rooms, garages). The golden rule: don't pay to move things you'll throw away — declutter, sell or donate as you go.
Get the right supplies
- Sturdy boxes in two sizes — small for heavy items (books), large for light/bulky items (bedding).
- Strong packing tape, bubble wrap or packing paper, and marker pens.
- Old towels and blankets to protect furniture and fill gaps.
Pack room by room and label everything
Finish one room before starting the next, and label every box on the side (so it's readable when stacked) with the room, the contents and "FRAGILE" where needed. Keep heavy items in small boxes — an over-packed big box is how backs and box bottoms give out.
Protect the fragiles
Wrap glasses and stemware individually; stack plates on their edge (vertically), not flat, as they're stronger that way. Fill every gap so nothing shifts in transit.
Furniture and electronics
Dismantle what you can, bag the screws and tape them to the item, and photograph the back of your TV and hi-fi before unplugging so reassembly is easy. (See our guides on moving a wardrobe and moving a TV.)
Pack an essentials box
Last to load, first to open: kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, phone chargers, loo roll, hand soap, a few tools, any medication, and a change of clothes. It saves you rummaging through twenty boxes on night one.
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