Moving to a new home is exciting, but packing everything you own into boxes can feel like the hardest part of the process. From fragile glassware to bulky furniture, every item needs the right care and attention to arrive safely at your new address.
At BL Removals, we’ve handled thousands of successful moves across London — and we know that efficient packing is the key to a stress-free moving day. Here are our top practical tips to help you pack smarter, stay organised, and make your move as smooth as possible.
Start early and make a clear plan
Packing always takes longer than people expect. Start at least two to three weeks before your moving date, beginning with items you rarely use such as seasonal clothes, spare bedding, or decorations.
Label a few sturdy boxes as “non-essentials” and fill them first. This simple step reduces last-minute panic and helps you see real progress early on.
Create a written or digital packing checklist divided by rooms — kitchen, living room, bedrooms, loft, etc. Ticking off each area keeps you organised and prevents those “where did I put that?” moments later on.
Gather the right materials
Quality packing materials make all the difference. You’ll need:
Double-walled cardboard boxes in a variety of sizes
Bubble wrap and packing paper
Strong packing tape and a dispenser
Permanent markers for labelling
Stretch wrap for furniture
Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
Avoid supermarket or second-hand boxes that may be weak or damp — they often collapse under heavier loads. At BL Removals, we always use professional-grade moving boxes designed to protect your belongings during transport.
If you prefer, our team can supply and pack everything for you, ensuring that fragile items and valuables are wrapped with precision and care.
Declutter before you start
Moving is the perfect opportunity to lighten the load. Go through your belongings and sort items into three categories: keep, donate, or recycle.
There’s no point in spending time and money packing things you no longer need. Local charities, friends, or online platforms like Freecycle and Facebook Marketplace are great ways to give unwanted items a second life.
Decluttering early also reduces the number of boxes you’ll have to unpack at your new home — saving both time and space.
Pack room by room
The most efficient way to pack is to focus on one room at a time. This keeps similar items together and makes unpacking easier later on.
For example:
Kitchen: Start with rarely used items like baking trays or serving dishes. Leave everyday essentials for last.
Bedroom: Pack out-of-season clothes first and keep daily wear accessible until the final day.
Bathroom: Use sealable bags for liquids and toiletries to prevent leaks.
Label each box clearly with the room name and a brief list of contents — e.g., “Kitchen: cups and mugs”. For fragile items, mark the boxes “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP” so they are handled with extra care.
Protect fragile and valuable items
Fragile items need special attention. Always wrap glassware, ceramics, and electronics individually in bubble wrap or packing paper.
Use extra padding at the bottom and sides of each box — towels, soft clothing, or crumpled paper all work well as shock absorbers. Don’t overfill boxes; leave enough space to close them securely without bulging.
For artwork, mirrors, or TVs, it’s best to use dedicated picture boxes or custom-fit crates. At BL Removals, our packers are trained to handle delicate and high-value items using specialist wrapping materials and protective covers.
Keep essentials separate
On moving day, you’ll want quick access to important things without opening every box. Pack an “essentials box” containing:
Kettle, cups, tea/coffee, and snacks
Chargers and extension leads
Basic toiletries and towels
Change of clothes and pyjamas
Important documents, keys, and medications
Keep this box with you in the car, not in the removals van. It will save you from rummaging through piles of boxes late at night when you just want to relax.
Prepare your furniture
Dismantle large furniture items like beds, tables, or wardrobes in advance if possible. Keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in a labelled bag taped securely to the item.
Cover wooden surfaces with blankets or stretch wrap to prevent scratches. Sofas and mattresses should be wrapped in protective covers, especially if they’re going into storage or being moved through narrow staircases.
Our team at BL Removals can handle all disassembly and reassembly for you — ensuring everything is safely packed and rebuilt exactly where you want it in your new home.
Use your space wisely
Heavy items should always go at the bottom of boxes, with lighter ones on top. This prevents damage and keeps the boxes balanced when stacked.
If you’re moving yourself using a man and van service, load the van with heavier boxes and furniture first, ensuring an even distribution of weight. Fill minor gaps with cushions or soft bags to avoid movement during transport.
A well-packed van means fewer trips and a faster, safer move overall.
Don’t forget to label for unloading
Clear labels help your movers place boxes directly into the correct rooms — saving you hours of time later.
Colour-coding with sticky dots or markers is a simple visual trick: blue for bedroom, yellow for kitchen, green for living room, and so on.
When everything arrives, you can start unpacking immediately without confusion or mix-ups.
Consider professional packing help
Even with the best intentions, packing can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Hiring professionals saves hours of effort and ensures your belongings are packed securely.
At BL Removals, our full or partial packing service can be tailored to your needs — from carefully wrapping fragile items to packing your entire home. We bring all the materials, label every box, and make sure everything is ready for safe transport.
If you’re short on time, our packing experts can complete most household packing jobs in just one day, leaving you free to focus on other moving arrangements.
Final thoughts
Good packing is about preparation, organisation, and using the right materials. Whether you decide to do it yourself or leave it to professionals, following these steps will help protect your belongings and reduce stress on moving day.
For expert help, packing supplies, or a free quote, contact BL Removals today. We’ll make sure every box, crate, and item is handled with care so that you can settle into your new home with peace of mind.
Packing FAQ's
Got questions about packing for your house move? Here are some quick answers from our BL Removals team to help you prepare, protect your items, and save time before moving day
Begin two to three weeks before moving day. Start with non-essentials, leave daily items for the final 48 hours, and keep one clearly labelled essentials box for the first night.
Yes. We can deliver professional double-walled boxes, paper, bubble wrap, tape, furniture covers and wardrobe boxes. Materials can be supplied only or as part of our packing service.
Both. Choose a fragile-only pack for glass, china and artwork, or a full packing service where our team packs and labels everything, usually in a single day for most homes.
Wrap each glass, plate, or mug individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, and add extra padding at the bottom of the box. Stack plates vertically, not flat, to reduce pressure. Label boxes “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP” so they’re handled carefully.
Avoid overfilling boxes, using old or weak cartons, and mixing heavy and light items together. Never pack liquids, paints, or chemicals in boxes with your belongings — they can leak and cause damage during transport.
