Why Proper Packing Matters
Good packing is the difference between arriving at your new home with everything intact versus dealing with broken items and unnecessary stress. After helping thousands of families move across Kent, we've learned what works and what doesn't. This guide shares our professional packing secrets.
Essential Packing Materials You'll Need
Before you start packing, gather these essentials:
- Strong cardboard boxes in various sizes (small for heavy items like books, large for light items like bedding)
- Bubble wrap for fragile items
- Packing paper or newspaper for wrapping and cushioning
- Packing tape (at least 2 rolls)
- Permanent markers for labeling
- Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- Mattress covers to keep bedding clean
Pro Tip: Don't skimp on materials! Using proper packing supplies is a small investment compared to replacing damaged items.
The Golden Rules of Packing
Rule 1: Start Early
Begin packing 4-6 weeks before your move. Pack non-essential items first and leave daily necessities for last.
Rule 2: Pack Room by Room
Never mix items from different rooms in the same box. This makes unpacking much easier.
Rule 3: Label Everything Clearly
Write the destination room and a brief contents description on at least two sides of each box. Use color-coded labels for different rooms if possible.
Rule 4: Heavy Items in Small Boxes
Books, tools, and other heavy items should go in small boxes to prevent injury and box breakage.
Rule 5: Fill Empty Spaces
Use towels, clothing, or packing paper to fill gaps and prevent items from shifting during transport.
Room-by-Room Packing Guide
Kitchen (Start First!)
The kitchen takes the longest to pack, so start here early.
Dishes and Glassware:
- Wrap each plate individually with packing paper
- Stack plates vertically (on edge) rather than flat
- Fill glasses with packing paper and wrap individually
- Never pack glasses inside each other
- Mark boxes "FRAGILE" and "THIS WAY UP"
Pots, Pans, and Small Appliances:
- Nest smaller pans inside larger ones
- Wrap appliances in bubble wrap
- Keep cords with their appliances (tape them to the base)
- Use dish towels to wrap items and fill spaces
Pantry Items:
- Check use-by dates and discard expired items
- Seal open packages in plastic bags
- Pack liquids separately and upright
- Consider donating unopened non-perishables
Bedroom
Clothes:
- Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes (keeps them wrinkle-free)
- Fold and pack out-of-season clothes in regular boxes
- Keep clothes in drawers if removal company allows
- Use suitcases for heavy items like shoes
Bedding:
- Wash all bedding before packing
- Use large boxes or vacuum storage bags
- Label which bed set belongs to which room
Furniture:
- Empty all drawers of heavy or fragile items
- Remove legs from beds if possible
- Wrap mattresses in mattress bags
- Take photos before dismantling furniture
Living Room
Electronics:
- Take photos of cable connections before disconnecting
- Use original boxes if you have them
- Wrap screens in bubble wrap or moving blankets
- Pack remotes and cables in a labeled bag taped to the device
Books:
- Use small boxes only (books are heavy!)
- Pack books flat or spine down
- Mix with lighter items if needed
- Consider donating books you no longer need
Ornaments and Decorations:
- Wrap each item individually
- Use cell dividers for delicate items
- Pack heavier items on bottom, lighter on top
- Mark boxes clearly as fragile
Bathroom
- Throw away or donate half-used toiletries
- Seal all liquid containers with tape before packing
- Pack liquids in plastic bags
- Keep essentials separate for first-night use
- Pack medicines separately and keep them accessible
Garden and Garage
- Drain fuel from lawnmowers and equipment
- Wrap sharp tools carefully
- Secure loose items in storage boxes
- Dispose of hazardous materials properly (paint, chemicals)
How to Pack Fragile Items Like a Professional
China and Glassware
- Line box bottom with crumpled packing paper (3-4 inches deep)
- Wrap each item individually with at least 3 sheets of paper
- Place heaviest items on bottom
- Create layers with packing paper between
- Fill all empty spaces
- Shake box gently - nothing should move
- Mark "FRAGILE - CHINA" on multiple sides
Mirrors and Pictures
- Use mirror boxes or build custom boxes
- Apply masking tape in an X pattern across glass (prevents shattering)
- Wrap in bubble wrap, then cardboard
- Mark "GLASS" and "THIS WAY UP"
- Never lay flat - always transport upright
Electronics
- Remove batteries from devices
- Use anti-static bubble wrap if possible
- Keep original boxes for computers and TVs
- Label all cables and connections
- Pack separately from heavy items
Space-Saving Packing Hacks
- Use suitcases for heavy items like books and shoes
- Pack inside furniture - use dresser drawers for soft items
- Vacuum storage bags for out-of-season clothes and bedding
- Nest items - pans, bowls, and pots can be stacked
- Use household linens as packing material for fragile items
What NOT to Pack
Professional removal companies won't move:
- Hazardous materials (paint, aerosols, chemicals)
- Perishable food
- Plants (in some cases)
- Pets
- Important documents (pack these separately)
- Valuables and jewelry (keep with you)
Creating Your Essentials Box
Pack a clearly labeled box with items you'll need immediately:
- Kettle, tea/coffee, mugs, snacks
- Toilet paper, hand soap, towels
- Phone chargers
- Basic tools (screwdriver, scissors, tape)
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Change of clothes for each person
- Bedding for first night
- Important documents
- Pet food and supplies
Professional Packing Services: When to Consider Them
While DIY packing saves money, professional packing services are worth considering if:
- You have valuable or fragile antiques
- You're short on time
- You have mobility issues or injuries
- You're moving a large property
- You want insurance coverage for packing
At L&K Removals, our professional packers can pack your entire home efficiently and safely, often in just one day. We supply all materials and guarantee the quality of our work.
Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid
- Overpacking boxes - if you can't lift it comfortably, it's too heavy
- Underpacking boxes - boxes should be full to prevent collapse
- Poor labeling - "Misc" and "Stuff" aren't helpful labels!
- Mixing rooms - keep kitchen items with kitchen, bedroom with bedroom
- Not protecting fragiles - use proper packing materials
- Leaving it too late - start early!
- Not making an inventory - list valuable items
How Long Does Packing Take?
Estimated packing times for a self-pack move:
- 1-bedroom flat: 1-2 days
- 2-bedroom house: 2-3 days
- 3-bedroom house: 3-5 days
- 4-bedroom house: 5-7 days
- 5+ bedroom house: 7-10 days
Professional packers can typically do the job in 1-2 days regardless of property size.
Final Packing Checklist
- All boxes properly sealed with tape
- Every box clearly labeled with room and contents
- Fragile boxes marked on multiple sides
- Heavy items in small boxes
- All spaces filled to prevent shifting
- Essentials box packed and labeled
- Inventory list created
- Valuables and important documents set aside
Need Help with Packing?
Whether you need professional packing services, packing materials, or just advice, L&K Removals is here to help. We offer:
- Full professional packing service
- Partial packing (just fragile items or specific rooms)
- High-quality packing materials at competitive prices
- Expert advice and free quotes
Ready to make your move stress-free? Get your instant quote or call us on 01233 743 408.
