Packing when moving home
We all know how stressful moving home can be. We also know how easy it can be to put something off that we might not be looking forward to. So don’t leave your packing until the last minute!
In advance of your move, you should go through your items and
purge your possessions to reduce the amount you’re taking with you to your new home.
By selling, donating or recycling items you no longer need, not only will it reduce the cost of your move, but it will reduce the length of time spent packing your house and the amount of packing materials you will need.
Your
removal company may be able to give you an idea of how many boxes you’ll need for each room when they undertake a pre-move survey, so be sure to ask them if they can give you an estimated number of boxes you should get. Make sure this is after you have decluttered your home so you can get a more accurate estimate.
Your removal firm can also provide you with advice on how best to pack your items for your house move.
The different types of moving boxes
Moving boxes come in different shapes and sizes. You should ask your removal company what types of boxes they can provide you with.
Types of boxes:
- Single-walled cardboard boxes – Lightweight and a cheaper option than thicker double-walled boxes. Recyclable and widely available in a range of sizes. Most suitable for light items.
- Double-walled cardboard boxes – Stronger and more durable than single-walled boxes. Recyclable and widely available in a range of sizes. Can be used for heavier items.
- Plastic boxes – These are good for items that you are likely to store after the move. They are durable and can protect against moisture and dust.
- Wardrobe boxes – Perfect for storing clothes. The boxes are large and contain a bar to hang clothes on. This can help make things easier to unpack your clothes on the other end.
Boxes that you can get for fragile and specific items include:
- Mirror boxes
- TV boxes
- Mattress boxes
- Lamp boxes
- Dish pack boxes
Other options to use are:
Box sizes
The standard sizes that cardboard moving boxes come in are small, medium, and large. The exact sizes may vary slightly depending on your supplier.
Top tip
Whilst it can be tempting to just bung things in cheap boxes, ones that are worn or broken will not hold as much and may damage your items. They'll also cause problems when stacking.
Whilst leftover boxes can be useful for smaller items or bric-a-brac, when packing the items you care about, invest in decent boxes. They don't have to be expensive to be good quality!
Packing materials
In addition to packing boxes, you will also need a number of other materials when packing for a house move.
This includes:
- Tape for constructing and sealing packing boxes
- Bubble wrap
- Wrapping paper (tissue paper and newspaper can be used)
- Marker pens
It’s important that you are using good quality boxes that are the correct size. To ensure your packing boxes are utilised correctly when moving home, our
guide to how to pack a moving box can help.
For packing tips when moving home, take a look at our
video guides to packing your home.
Packing boxes FAQs
Is it worth buying boxes for moving?
It’s worth investing in high quality, strong boxes for your move. Not only will they protect your belongings better if they are sturdy, but they are also easier to stack and can save room when transporting your things.
Do movers prefer boxes or bags?
Boxes are easier to stack and organise than bags. They also provide better protection for most items. However, bags can be useful for soft items such as stuffed toys or clothes.
What is the most useful size moving box?
Medium sized boxes are the most useful size boxes for moving. They are sturdy and can fit a variety of items. Additionally, their size prevents them from getting too heavy. It’s still important not to overpack these boxes with too many heavy items.
Is it better to fold or tape moving boxes?
It’s better to tape the top and bottom of moving boxes to make sure that things stay in place. Taping the boxes can also help maintain the structure when stacking. It’s worth taking that little bit of extra time to keep your belongings secure.
How heavy should you pack moving boxes?
Even if a box might be able to hold more, it’s recommended to keep the contents under 23kg (50 lbs). This will make the boxes easier to move around and can make it more manageable when unpacking at the other end.
Updated April 2024