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House Removal Packing Tips: A Simple Guide

With a history of serving since 2013, we come to you with years of valuable moving experience.

Quick answer

Good packing comes down to a few simple rules: declutter first, pack one room at a time, put heavy things in small boxes, wrap anything fragile, fill the gaps so nothing shifts, and label every box by room. Keep an essentials bag for the first night. If you'd rather not do it yourself, your man with a van can pack for you as part of the move.

Packing is the part of moving that takes the most time, but a bit of method makes it far easier and keeps your things safe in the van. Here are simple, practical packing tips for a house move, room by room and item by item. And if you're short on time, we can pack for you.

The five golden rules

  • Declutter before you pack a single box.
  • Heavy things in small boxes, light things in big ones.
  • Wrap fragiles and fill every gap.
  • Label each box by room.
  • Keep an essentials bag with you.

Prefer to hand it over? We can pack for you as part of the move.

Before you start packing

A little groundwork saves a lot of time later.

Declutter

Sort what to keep, sell, donate or bin. Less to move means less to pack and a cheaper job.

Gather supplies

Get strong boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers and labels before you begin.

Make an inventory

Jot down what's in each box. It helps with unpacking and with any insurance claim.

Start early

Begin with things you rarely use. Packing over a few weeks beats a last-minute rush.

The main packing rules

Get these right and everything travels safely.

  • Pack room by room. Finish one room before you start the next, so it stays organised.
  • Label clearly. Write the room and rough contents on the top and one side of each box.
  • Heavy items first. Put heavier things at the bottom of the box, lighter on top.
  • Use soft padding. Towels, blankets and clothing make great free cushioning.
  • Take furniture apart. Flat-pack items travel better dismantled. Bag the screws and tape them on.
  • Secure liquids. Seal bottles and put them in a sealed bag so nothing leaks.

Packing tricky items

The things that need a bit more care.

Fragile items

Wrap glasses, plates and ornaments one by one. Stand plates on their edge, and fill every gap so nothing moves.

Electronics

Use the original boxes if you kept them. Label the cables so you know what goes where, and photograph the connections first.

Clothing

Vacuum bags save space for bulky bedding and coats. Wardrobe boxes keep hanging clothes on their hangers.

Furniture

Cover corners with bubble wrap or foam to stop knocks and scratches, and use covers to keep upholstery clean.

Art and mirrors

Use picture boxes and edge protectors. Tape a large cross over glass so it holds together if it cracks.

Essentials box

Pack a box for the first night: kettle, mugs, chargers, toiletries and a change of clothes. Keep it with you.

Well-packed boxes make loading quicker, so the whole move costs you less.

Or let us pack for you

Packing takes time, and not everyone has it. We offer a packing service as part of your move, so you can hand the whole job over. We'll bring the materials, pack your things carefully and label everything ready for the van.

You can have us pack the lot, or just the tricky bits like the kitchen and fragile items. Tell us what you'd like when you get your quote, and we'll allow the time.

What we can do

  • Full or part packing.
  • Bring boxes and materials.
  • Wrap and protect fragile items.
  • Take apart and rebuild furniture.

Packing tips: common questions

Quick, honest answers.

Start a few weeks out with things you rarely use, like books, spare bedding and seasonal clothes. Leave everyday items until the last few days. Packing in stages is far easier than one big push.

Wrap each piece on its own in bubble wrap or paper, stand plates on edge rather than flat, and fill every gap so nothing can move. Mark the box fragile and don't overload it.

Flat-pack furniture usually travels better taken apart, and it saves space in the van. Bag the screws and tape them to the piece. If you'd rather not, we can dismantle and rebuild it for you.

Yes. We offer full or part packing as part of your move. We bring the materials, pack carefully and label everything. Mention it when you get your quote so we allow the time.

Put heavy things like books in small boxes and lighter things in big ones. If you can't lift it comfortably, it's too heavy, so split the load across more boxes.

Related services and guides

A little more help with your move.

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Contact details

Address

14-16 Powis Street
London SE18 6LF

Company

ONEMOVE LIMITED
Company No. 08717311

About us

The Man With Van is a UK moving company run by ONEMOVE LIMITED. We've helped people move since 2013, and we can pack for you or just lend a hand with the tricky bits. Our base is at 14-16 Powis Street in Woolwich, SE18. You get the price in writing before you book.

ONEMOVE LIMITED | Company Number 08717311 | Registered office: 14-16 Powis Street, London SE18 6LF.

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