The Ultimate House Packing Guide (England 2026)

The Ultimate Packing Guide

Packing is often the most time-consuming part of any move, but with the right approach, it doesn't have to be stressful.

These expert tips will help you pack efficiently, protect your belongings, and make unpacking in your new home a breeze.

Before You Start

You don't need to leave everything to the day before the move. Consider what you don't need to take with you, what will need careful packing, and that you're covered for potential breakages.

Make a Priority Packing List

Take time to sift through your belongings and have a clear-out. Make up a box for charity and if you've time, hold a car boot sale or sell items online, then put the proceeds towards redecorating or furnishing your new home.

Get Your Supplies Ready

Calculate how many boxes you'll need and get these well in advance. Find boxes in various sizes and gather strong tape, bubble wrap, and self-seal bags for keeping nuts and bolts together. Save old newspapers for lining boxes.

Important Tips:

• Don't completely fill large boxes, as they'll be too heavy to move

• Use sturdy packing boxes, particularly for heavier items. Boxes made from corrugated cardboard are stronger than regular ones. You can usually find these at supermarkets or large retail stores, but make sure they're clean

• Check that your contents insurance will cover damage and breakages during the move

• Put all hazardous materials, such as paint, bleach and aerosols, into a separate box and keep them away from the rest of your belongings

Declutter Before You Pack

The golden rule of packing: don't move what you don't love or need. As soon as you know your move date, dedicate a few hours each week to sorting. Create keep, donate, sell, and discard piles. Lighter loads make packing and unpacking faster and your move more cost-effective. Consider donating gently used items to local charities for an extra feel-good boost.

Create a Packing Command Centre

Set up one zone, a table, corner, or spare room, for all your packing supplies. Stock it with boxes, scissors, markers, tape, box cutters, zip bags, and labels. Keeping everything in one spot minimises lost time searching for that one roll of tape. Make this your go-to whenever you start or finish a packing session.

Use What You Already Own

Save on supplies by packing in what you already have: suitcases for books or shoes, laundry baskets for pantry items, and dresser drawers (secured with plastic wrap) still holding clothes. Layer towels, blankets, or jumpers between dishes and delicate electronics for built-in cushioning. Shoe boxes are perfect for organising cords, remotes, and toiletries.

Think Ahead: The "Open First" Box System

Unless you travel light, you won't be able to unpack everything in the first day, so it's worth deciding what you might need easy access to soon after you cross the threshold of your new home.

Pack an Essentials Box

For the first night in your new home, pack and carry this with you. Instant access to coffee, tea, snacks, cups and a kettle may be welcome soon after you arrive, as will plates, utensils and a kitchen cloth.

Prepare Overnight Bags

Prepare an overnight bag for everyone in the family, and make sure there's enough toilet paper and toiletries for everyone.

Keep These Close to Hand:

• Torch

• First-aid kit including pain relievers

• Pencil and paper

• Re-closable plastic bags

• Small tool kit

Along with your first-night essentials, pack one or two "open first" boxes for each main living space. These should contain things you'll want immediate access to: coffee maker, mugs, pet supplies, remote controls, bed linens, and essential children's toys. Mark these with bright tape so movers spot them instantly.

Sensible Packing: Room by Room

Spend time considering how you're going to pack your possessions. Books are easy but heavy, valuables need careful wrapping and will take time, and some furniture may need to be dismantled.

Start Early

Packing always takes longer than anticipated, particularly when you start reminiscing over old photographs stored in the loft or you realise you need to dismantle the wardrobe to get it downstairs.

Work Top to Bottom

Begin at the top of the house and move downwards. If you have a loft, it's a good idea to sort it out first.

Pack One Room at a Time

Clearly label each box with details of its contents and the room to which it belongs. Clearly label boxes that contain breakables and also those that are load-bearing and can be stacked in the van. Keep all boxes for each room together. This will save time unpacking.

Pack by Weight and Function

Heavy items like books or canned goods go in small boxes to keep them manageable. Lighter, bulkier items (duvets, pillows, winter coats) go in large or extra-large boxes. Variety in box sizes makes stacking inside the van and new home easier.

Golden Rules:

• Always pack heavy items on the bottom of the box and lighter items on top

• Always tape box bottoms with a double layer for added security

• Label sides as well as tops so boxes are identifiable when stacked

• If possible, finish any laundry well before you move to avoid packing damp clothes. Keep a separate box or bag for dirty washing

• Make sure the boxes containing items you need the least are loaded up first

Protect Fragile and Irreplaceable Items

Wrap items individually and place in a box that's been lined with several layers of newspaper and a sheet of bubble wrap. Any breakables should also be wrapped in bubble wrap. Use clean tissue or wrapping paper for the first layer to prevent newspaper print leaving marks.

Specific Tips:

• Plates: Wrap vertically like records, using plenty of bubble wrap or packing paper

• Glasses: Stuff the interior with paper or socks and wrap individually

• Pictures and artwork: Place in special picture boxes or sandwich between two pieces of sturdy cardboard, then mark "fragile"

• Electronics: Take photos of wiring before disconnecting for easy reassembly

Pillows and blankets are also useful for wrapping valuables and protecting furniture prone to dents and scratches.

Keep Hardware and Small Parts Organised

As you disassemble furniture or electronics, put screws, bolts, and connectors in labelled zip-top bags. Tape these to the backs or bottoms of corresponding items, or group them together in a clearly marked box you'll open early on move-in day. This saves time, hassle, and trips to the DIY store.

Pack important documents together, such as birth and marriage certificates, and keep them in a safe place that travels with you.

Safety and Efficiency on Moving Day

Keep walkways, stairs, and entrances clear of boxes and loose items to prevent trips, slips, or falls for everyone helping out. If you have children or pets, arrange for them to stay with family or friends on moving day for safety and less stress all around.

Make Unpacking Easy

Unpacking starts with how you pack. Group like with like, and use clear bins for the things you'll need first. When everything is labelled and organised by room or category, you'll settle into your new home in record time.

Final Packing Wisdom from MOVR

Packing isn't just about moving things, it's the easiest way to start fresh in your new space. Small preparations and steady effort make a huge difference. With these tips, your move will be the smoothest part of your transition. If you want the heavy lifting done for you, MOVR's trusted network of professional movers always brings expertise and a friendly approach to every move across England.