After 15 years of helping people move all over London and beyond, I can tell you one thing for sure: excellent packing makes all the difference. Whether you’re just moving a few streets away or heading across the country, using the right packing materials will help protect your things, save you time, and make the whole day a lot less stressful.
At Best London Removals, we see it every day: jobs go smoother, quicker, and with fewer problems when everything’s packed properly from the start. Here’s a concise summary of the essential packing supplies you should gather before your move:
Sturdy cardboard boxes – the backbone of every move
You really can’t do a proper house move without a good supply of strong cardboard boxes. They are the primary tool for packing almost everything in your home: they’re reliable, affordable, and easy to stack neatly.
Using different sizes – choose based on what you’re packing
It’s essential to select the appropriate box size for each item type. This makes packing safer and easier to carry.
Small boxes
Use small boxes for heavy items such as books, dishes, plates, or tins of food. Because they are smaller, you’re less likely to overfill them, so they stay at a manageable weight. This means they’re much easier to lift and carry without risking injury or the box breaking. On the other hand, lighter and bulkier items, such as clothing, duvets, pillows, and cushions, are better suited to larger boxes.
Large boxes
Large boxes are ideal for lighter, bulky items such as clothing, bedding, towels, and cushions. They let you fit more in one box without making it too heavy to move safely.
Choose double-walled boxes
Whenever possible, go for double-walled (also called double-corrugated) boxes. These are much stronger and more rigid than single-walled ones. They’re especially useful if you’re packing fragile or valuable items, because they’re far less likely to collapse, tear, or get crushed when stacked in the removal van.
Wardrobe boxes with a hanging rail
Wardrobe boxes are a brilliant option for clothes that usually hang in your wardrobe. They come with a built-in metal rail so that you can transfer your clothes straight from the wardrobe onto hangers in the box. This keeps everything crease-free and ready to hang up again at your new home – no folding or ironing needed.
Special boxes for delicate items
For glassware, wine bottles, or crockery, choose boxes that come with cardboard dividers (often called cell packs). These keep each item separate and protected from knocking together.
If you have a large television or computer monitor, it’s worth getting a dedicated screen box with foam inserts. This gives proper protection against bumps and scratches – much safer than simply wrapping it in blankets and hoping for the best.
Plastic crates – durable, reusable, and water-resistant
Plastic crates or bins are a wonderful alternative to traditional cardboard boxes, especially for frequent movers or for added protection during longer-distance moves.
Why they’re worth considering:
- Reusable and eco-friendly
They can be used repeatedly; hence, they are greener solutions compared to disposable boxes. - Waterproof
Beneficial in packing wet items from places outside the house, such as gardens, sheds, or garages. They ensure that wet belongings do not get ruined or cause damage to other packed items during transit, unlike cardboard packing, which is unsuitable for damp or moist goods unless thoroughly dried first and carefully protected. - Transparent and stackable
Being able to see contents helps with unpacking and finding priority items.
Bubble wrap and packing paper – your first line of defence
Breakables? You’ve got to wrap and pad them right, or they won’t survive the move.
Here’s how to use them well:
- Wrap each item on its own, even small ones. Any gaps inside the box should be filled with crumpled packing paper to prevent items from shifting during the move.
- Use bubble wrap for delicate things like vases, glasses, plates, ceramics, picture frames or electronics — anything that could crack or break.
- Mark all boxes with fragile items clearly, ideally on more than one side, so it’s easy to spot from any angle.
High-quality packing tape – don’t cut corners
Cheap tape peels off or snaps under tension. Invest in good quality packing tape to avoid annoying re-dos or even accidents during loading.
Pro tips:
- Use a tape gun or dispenser to speed up sealing and reduce waste.
- Reinforce the bottoms of all boxes with two or more strips of tape for added strength.
- Don’t forget to tape across the top seams, too — especially on heavier loads.
Foam padding and packing peanuts – for extra-fragile items
- Fill in gaps and corners to prevent movement during transit.
- Use in combination with bubble wrap and strong boxes for layered protection.
- Be mindful not to overuse; excessive packing peanuts can make unpacking messy.
Furniture covers and moving blankets – protect against scratches and scuffs
Larger pieces, such as sofas, mattresses, dining tables, and dressers, should be protected with coverings.
- Use stretch-wrap for upholstered furniture and fabric covers for mattresses.
- Moving blankets can cushion furniture during loading and prevent scrapes in tight doorways or stairwells.
- Tape or tie covers securely in place to avoid slippage during transport.
Box labelling techniques – make unpacking easier
Good labelling helps movers place boxes in the right rooms and helps you find items quickly when unpacking. Here are some simple and effective ways to label your moving boxes.
Label after packing and sealing
Always label a box once it is fully packed and taped shut. This way, the information is accurate, and you avoid wasting labels on half-filled boxes.
Write on multiple sides.
Use a thick permanent marker to write on the top and at least two sides of each box. This makes labels visible even when boxes are stacked high in the van or in your new home.
Include key information.
On every box, clearly write:
- the destination room (like “kitchen” or “master bedroom”)
- a short list of main contents (such as “pots and pans” or “bedding and towels”)
- special instructions if needed, like “fragile – handle with care” or arrows showing “this way up”
Colour-coding system
Assign a different colour to each room. For example, red for the kitchen, blue for the bathroom, and green for the living room. Use coloured stickers, tape, or markers to mark the boxes. Put matching coloured paper on the doors of rooms in your new home so movers know exactly where to place each box.
Numbering system
Number each box and keep a master list (on paper or in a spreadsheet), noting the room and contents for each number. This is useful for large moves or for detailed tracking.
Priority boxes
Mark the boxes you need first as “open first” or “essentials”. Include items such as toiletries, a kettle, or bedding. These help you settle in quickly on moving day.
Cover old markings
If using second-hand boxes, cover or tape over any old labels to avoid confusion.
Pro tips:
- Don’t overfill boxes. Heavy boxes are more likely to break and harder to carry.
- Wrap and pad electronics well. Original packaging is ideal — if not, wrap securely in multiple layers and box separately.
- Use corner guards for framed art and mirrors. These inexpensive protectors prevent chips and cracks.
Final thoughts
The choice of packaging materials is not only about what you pack, but also about how you pack. Items properly protected are far less likely to suffer damage, and a well-organised packing system makes loading, transport, and unpacking far easier.
At Best London Removals, we provide a complete range of packing services and materials, from premium, double-walled boxes to bespoke crating for artwork and antiques. If you’re not quite sure what you might need, our staff will always be happy to advise or provide whatever you might need as part of our tailored packages.
