The Complete Room-by-Room Packing Guide for Moving House
Moving house? The packing part feels like climbing a mountain. But it does not have to.
This guide walks you through every room in your home, kitchen, bedroom, living room, study, and garden. Each section covers the packing materials you need, the technique for fragile items, and the shortcuts that save hours.
We have done over 10,000 house moves since 2010. Here is what we know about packing a house properly.
Jump to: Kitchen | Bedroom | Living Room | Study | Garden | Fragile Items | Professional vs DIY | Timeline | FAQ
Need help packing? Get Your Free Quote or learn more about us.
Packing materials you will need (buy these first)
Before you touch a single cupboard, get your supplies sorted. Most people buy half what they need. Here is the full list:
- Small double-walled cardboard boxes (the workhorse, get at least 30 for a 3-bed house)
- Large boxes for bedding, clothes, and light bulky items
- Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- Bubble wrap (one large roll minimum)
- Packing paper (2-3 reams, more useful than bubble wrap for most items)
- Brown PVC tape (3-4 rolls, cheap tape splits under weight)
- Fragile tape for marking delicate boxes
- Permanent markers for labelling
- Plastic covers for mattresses and sofas
London House Removals offers and delivers all of these packing materials. We stock top-quality double-walled boxes in small, medium, and large sizes, wardrobe boxes with built-in rails, packing paper, bubble wrap, brown PVC tape, and more. Not sure how much you need? We can estimate it for you based on your house size and room count. Just ask during your quote or give us a call.
Packing materials estimator: what you need by house size
The numbers below are based on 15+ years of packing houses across London. Use them as a starting point, not an exact science.
Important: properties with 3 or more bedrooms should be surveyed. The table above gives you a ballpark, but houses vary enormously. A minimalist 3-bed semi fills half the boxes of a 3-bed Victorian terrace with a loft conversion, two kids, and 15 years of accumulated belongings. A quick survey (in person or by video) means you get the right amount of materials first time and do not overspend on boxes you will not use. Contact us and we will sort it out.
Why double-walled boxes matter
Single-walled boxes are cheaper. They also collapse under weight after a few hours in a moving van. Double-walled corrugated boxes cost about 50p more each and they actually survive the journey. This is not the place to save money.
Where to buy packing materials in London
You could hunt around hardware shops, storage facilities, and online retailers. Or you could get everything from one place.
London House Removals offers and delivers high-quality packing materials across London. We stock:
- Double-walled cardboard boxes in small, medium, and large sizes
- Wardrobe boxes with built-in hanging rails
- Packing paper (sold by the ream)
- Bubble wrap rolls
- Brown PVC tape: the strong stuff that does not split under weight
- Fragile tape for marking delicate boxes
- Permanent markers
- Mattress and sofa covers
Because we buy in bulk for our own removals work, our prices beat most retail outlets. Even better: we deliver to your door.
Need help estimating? Tell us your house size and we work out how many boxes and how much material you need. No guesswork, no wasted money on supplies you will not use.
How to pack your kitchen
The kitchen is the hardest room to pack. Glass, ceramics, awkward shapes, heavy appliances. Get it right and nothing breaks.
Materials needed: Small double-walled boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, brown PVC tape, fragile tape, markers. All of these are offered and delivered by London House Removals.
Preparing the boxes: Reinforce every box bottom with brown PVC tape, two or three strips crossing the centre, two along the seams. Line the bottom with crumpled packing paper as a cushion layer. The weight of kitchen items will test weak boxes.
Wrapping glasses and cups: Wrap each glass in one or two sheets of packing paper. Twist the paper at the top and tuck it inside the glass, this creates internal padding. Place glasses upright, never on their side. Fill any gaps between glasses with crumpled paper so nothing shifts during transit.
Plates and bowls: Stack plates vertically on their edges, not flat. Plates stacked flat concentrate weight on the bottom plate, that is the one that cracks. Wrap each plate individually in packing paper, then bundle 4-5 together with paper between each one. Place bundles in the box with crumpled paper padding between them.
Pots and pans: These are forgiving. Nest smaller pots inside larger ones with paper between them to prevent scratching. They can go in medium boxes, do not overload, or the box becomes unliftable.
Sharp knives: Wrap blades in several layers of paper, then in a small piece of cardboard folded over and taped. Pack knives separately from other utensils so nobody reaches into a box and finds a blade.
Small appliances: Wrap in bubble wrap. If you have the original packaging, use it, manufacturers design those boxes for transport. Remove any loose parts (blender blades, food processor attachments) and pack separately in labelled bags taped to the main appliance.
Food: Dispose of opened perishables before the move. Unopened non-perishables (tins, jars, packets) can go in a box, but keep the weight reasonable. Do not transport frozen food unless the move is very short.
Label every box: Write the room name, contents summary, and “FRAGILE” in large letters on at least two sides and on top. The movers need to see labels regardless of how the box is oriented.
How to pack your bedroom
Bedroom packing is mostly clothes and personal items. The challenge is volume, not fragility.
Materials needed: Large boxes, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, brown PVC tape. All of these are offered and delivered by London House Removals.
Clothing: Everyday clothes, jeans, t-shirts, jumpers, underwear, socks, go in large boxes. They are not fragile. Pack them folded and you will save space. Wardrobe boxes are for items that must stay hanging: suits, dresses, coats. Each holds about 15-20 items and has a built-in rail.
Shoes: Pack in a separate box. Stuff each shoe with paper to hold its shape. Place heavier shoes at the bottom. Pair shoes together so you do not spend your first week hunting for the other trainer.
Bedside items and valuables: Jewellery, watches, passports, and important documents travel with YOU, not in the removal van. Pack a personal box that stays in your car or hand luggage. If a box of valuables goes into the van and the van is delayed or goes to storage by accident, you have a serious problem.
Bedding and pillows: These go in large boxes or plastic bags. They are light, clean, and fill awkward spaces in the van. Use them as padding around other items if you are short on bubble wrap.
Furniture: Dismantle bed frames where possible. Keep all screws, bolts, and brackets in a labelled zip-lock bag taped to the frame. This saves the nightmare of hunting for hardware at the new house when all you want to do is assemble the bed and collapse.
Mattresses: Cover with a plastic mattress bag. A mattress dragged through a doorway collects dirt, dust, and scuffs that you then sleep on.
How to pack your living room
Living rooms mix fragile electronics, heavy books, and awkward decorative items. Each needs its own method.
Materials needed: Small double-walled boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, brown PVC tape, markers. All of these are offered and delivered by London House Removals.
Electronics (TV, Hi-Fi, games consoles): If you kept the original boxes, use them. They are custom-fitted and nothing beats them. If not, wrap the screen in a thick blanket first, then bubble wrap. Place in a box with foam or crumpled paper padding on all sides. Remove cables and label each one, “TV power,” “HDMI to soundbar,” etc. Take a photo of the cable connections before unplugging. You will thank yourself at the other end.
Books: The mistake everyone makes is using large boxes. Books are dense. A large box of books is unliftable and its bottom will give out. Use small double-walled boxes only. Pack books flat (spine down) or standing on their spines. Do not pack them spine-up, the pages pull away from the binding over time.
Vinyl records: Pack vertically, never flat. Heat and pressure warp records. Use a small box that holds them snugly. If you have a large collection, split it across multiple small boxes rather than one heavy one.
Ornaments, vases, and artwork: Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap. Place in a small box with cardboard dividers between items. For artwork and mirrors, use picture boxes or wrap in blankets and secure with tape. Mark as fragile and load them last so they are not under a stack of boxes.
Furniture: Disassemble where possible. Wrap furniture legs in bubble wrap to prevent scratching during transit. Use furniture blankets for larger pieces. Do not drag furniture, lift it. Dragging damages floors and the furniture itself.
How to pack your study
The study often gets left until last. But losing important documents or a hard drive with years of data is a disaster worth avoiding.
Handling important documents: Pack passports, birth certificates, contracts, and financial documents separately, in a box that stays with you during the move. Do not let this box go into the removal van. Retrieving it from a loaded van mid-move causes delays and stress for everyone.
Computer equipment: Back up your data before the move (cloud or external drive). Disconnect all cables. Take a photo of the cable setup before unplugging, this saves hours. Wrap the tower or laptop in bubble wrap. The monitor needs special care: wrap the screen with a soft cloth first, then bubble wrap, and pack in a box with padding on all six sides. Monitors are the most commonly damaged electronic item in moves because people underestimate how fragile the screen is under pressure.
Paperwork and files: Use small boxes. Pack files standing upright, not stacked flat. Label each box with what it contains. If you have filing cabinet drawers, you can sometimes transport them as-is with a strap around the cabinet, ask your movers if this works for their equipment.
Bookshelves: Empty them completely. Transporting a bookshelf with books still on it risks breaking the shelves and injuring the movers. The shelf brackets are not designed for transit loads.
How to pack your garden and shed
Garden packing is often forgotten until moving day. Do it a week ahead and save yourself the panic.
Materials needed: Assorted small and large boxes, large plastic bags, bubble wrap, brown PVC tape, furniture blankets. All offered and delivered by London House Removals.
Shed and tools: Small tools and miscellaneous items go in assorted small and large boxes. Larger tools, spades, rakes, hoes, can stay unboxed. Movers will handle them as individual items. Clean soil off tools before the move. Nobody wants a van full of dirt.
Garden furniture: Disassemble where possible. Cushions go in large plastic bags. Metal and wooden frames can be wrapped in blankets to prevent scratches. Glass tabletops need special care, wrap in blankets, never place anything on top of them during transit.
Potted plants: Most removal companies do not transport plants. The reasons: soil can spill, pests can spread, and water can leak. Check with your mover ahead of time. If allowed, wrap pots in plastic and secure tall plants with stakes. Expect some leaf damage, plants do not enjoy moving any more than people do.
BBQ and gas equipment: Gas bottles cannot be transported in removal vans, it is a safety regulation. Arrange separate transport or empty and dispose of the bottle before the move. Clean the BBQ thoroughly. Ash and grease in a moving van make a mess that takes hours to clean.
Garden chemicals: Pesticides, weed killer, paint, and solvents are hazardous. Most removal companies will refuse them. Dispose of them properly before the move or arrange specialist collection.
How to pack fragile items (artwork, mirrors, lamps)
Fragile items need a specific technique that works regardless of what the item is.
The double-wrap method: Wrap the item in packing paper first, then bubble wrap. The paper provides a smooth surface that will not stick to the item. The bubble wrap provides impact protection. Never put bubble wrap directly against a delicate surface, it can leave marks.
The box-within-a-box method: For extremely fragile items, pack the wrapped item in a small box, then place that small box inside a larger box with at least 2 inches of crushed paper padding on all sides. The outer box takes the impact; the inner box protects the item.
Mirrors and glass: Tape an X across the glass surface with masking tape (not brown tape, it leaves residue). The tape will not prevent breakage, but it will hold the glass together if it does crack, preventing dangerous shards. Wrap in blankets padding and load vertically, never flat.
Professional packing vs packing yourself
Here is how to decide.
Pack yourself if: You have time, you are on a tight budget, and you do not have many fragile or high-value items. Books, clothes, bedding, and kitchenware are all packable even if you have never done it before. With the right materials and this guide, you will be fine.
Hire professional packers if: You are short on time, you have valuable or fragile items (artwork, antiques, large mirrors, expensive electronics), or the idea of packing an entire house makes you want to cancel the move. Professional packers do in 4-6 hours what takes a couple 2-3 weeks of evenings and weekends.
The hybrid approach: Many people pack the easy rooms themselves (bedrooms, books, decorations) and hire professionals for the kitchen, fragile items, and anything they are unsure about. This balances cost and peace of mind.
Packing materials: Whether you pack yourself or we do it, you will need the right materials. London House Removals offers and delivers everything on the list above. We can estimate how much you need based on your house size. Materials arrive at your door before you start packing.
Want a packing quote? Call us on +44 207 118 7778 or Get Your Free Quote. Tell us which rooms you want packed and we handle the rest.
Checklist: Packing Timeline
Ready to move? Call us on +44 207 118 7778 or Get Your Free Quote. We can pack specific rooms for you, or your entire house. You tell us what you need, we handle the rest.
FAQ
Moving house? Let us do the packing. Call +44 207 118 7778 or Get Your Free Quote. 1st week of storage FREE with any removal.