How to Pack When Moving House: A Step-by-Step Guide
Everything you need to know about packing for a move, from where to start to what to keep out until last.
- Where should you start when packing up a house
- What should you pack first
- How do you pack fragile items safely
- What should you keep out until moving day
- How do you label boxes so unpacking is actually easy
- What not to pack when moving house
- Is your contents insurance up to date before you move
- Before we go
- Moving house faqs
Moving house is exciting, but the packing? That’s a different story. Whether it’s your first big move or you’ve been here before, knowing where to start makes the whole thing a lot less overwhelming. Here’s how to do it properly.
At a glance
- Start packing six to eight weeks before moving day, tackling one room at a time.
- Pack non-essentials first, and keep fragile items properly protected.
- Label every box clearly with the room and contents.
- Keep an essentials bag separate for moving day and your first night.
- Check your contents insurance is up to date before you move.
Where should you start when packing up a house?
It all begins with a plan. Start at least six to eight weeks before moving day to avoid last-minute chaos. Work through your belongings room by room, and before you pack a single box, have a proper declutter. There’s no point moving things you don’t want or need. Donate, sell, or get rid of anything that doesn’t make the cut. Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and local charity shops are all good options for things that still have life in them.
Once you know what’s coming with you, you can start packing in earnest.
What should you pack first?
Start with the least-used areas of your home. Rooms and items you won’t need before moving day are the obvious starting point:
- Guest bedrooms
- Attic or basement storage
- Seasonal and holiday items
- Off-season clothing (vacuum pack bags are great for saving space here)
As you pack, label everything clearly. A box labelled ‘Winter Coats’ will save you a lot of time when unpacking. ‘Random Stuff’ will not.It’s also worth documenting your belongings for insurance purposes as you go. Taking photos of valuable items before they go into boxes means you have a clear record if anything gets damaged or goes missing during the move.
How do you pack fragile items safely?
Fragile items need proper protection. Invest in double-walled boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Wrap each item individually and use soft materials like towels or clothing to fill any gaps.
| Item type | How to pack it |
|---|---|
| Glassware and crockery | Wrap individually in packing paper, stack vertically in boxes |
| Electronics | Photograph cable setups first, use original boxes where possible |
| Picture frames and mirrors | Wrap in bubble wrap, mark clearly as fragile |
| Clothing | Use wardrobe boxes to keep clothes on hangers |
| Bedding and mattresses | Use mattress covers and storage bags |
A few extra tips:
- Mark fragile boxes clearly on all sides, not just the top.
- Put the heaviest boxes at the bottom of any stack, lightest on top.
- If you are packing in advance before the move, you can safely store items in a loft or basement.
What should you keep out until moving day?
Your essentials bag is your lifeline on moving day and the first night in your new home. Pack it separately and keep it with you, not in the removal van.
It should include:
- Toiletries, medication, and phone chargers
- A couple of outfits and pyjamas
- Tea bags, mugs, snacks, and a kettle
- Important documents: tenancy agreement, mortgage paperwork, passports, and insurance details
- Valuables like jewellery, which should travel with you rather than in a removal van
Picture this:
You arrive at your new place exhausted after a long day, and the removal van is delayed until tomorrow. If your essentials are in the van, you’re in trouble. If they’re in a bag next to you, you’re sorted.
How do you label boxes so unpacking is actually easy?
A good labelling system means unpacking is actually manageable rather than a room-by-room treasure hunt.
- Write the destination room on every box, not just the top.
- Add a brief note of the contents.
- Mark fragile boxes clearly on multiple sides.
- Consider colour-coded tape by room if you want to make things even easier for the removal team.
The more specific you are, the easier moving day becomes.
What not to pack when moving house?
Not everything belongs in a box:
- Valuables. Jewellery, watches, and anything irreplaceable should travel with you personally.
- Important documents. Passports, contracts, insurance details, and anything you might need quickly should go in your essentials bag.
- Perishables. Use up what’s in your fridge and freezer in the weeks before the move, or donate what you can.
- Hazardous materials. Flammable or dangerous goods usually can’t go in a removal van. Check with your removals company.
Is your contents insurance up to date before you move?
Moving day involves a lot of handling, loading, and unloading, and things can get damaged or go missing. Before you move, it’s worth making sure your contents insurance covers your belongings during transit and is updated with your new address.
Your policy should reflect where you actually live, so update it as soon as you’ve got the keys to your new place. If you’re moving to a new type of property or changing from renting to owning, it’s a good opportunity to review your cover entirely.
And once you’re in, don’t forget to notify everyone about your new address so nothing important gets sent to your old place.
Before we go
Packing for a move doesn’t have to mean endless stress. Start early, work through rooms systematically, protect fragile items properly, and label everything clearly. Keep your essentials separate, and make sure your contents insurance is in order before moving day arrives.
The more organised you are going in, the smoother moving day will be.
Moving house FAQs
When should I start packing for a move?
Six to eight weeks before moving day is a sensible timeline for most moves. Start with the rooms and items you use least, and work your way towards the everyday essentials as moving day approaches. The earlier you start, the less stressful the final week will be.
What’s the best way to pack fragile items?
Use double-walled boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Wrap each item individually, fill gaps with soft materials like towels or clothing, and mark every fragile box clearly on multiple sides. Keep heavy boxes at the bottom of any stack and fragile ones on top.
Can I leave clothes on hangers when moving?
Yes. Wardrobe boxes are designed for exactly this. They have a hanging rail inside so clothes stay on their hangers, arrive crease-free, and can go straight into your new wardrobe without any refolding. Well worth the investment if you have a lot of hanging clothes.
What’s an essentials box?
It’s a separate bag or box containing everything you’ll need for moving day and your first night in the new place. Think toiletries, phone charger, a change of clothes, snacks, a kettle, and any important documents. Keep it with you rather than in the removal van, so you have everything you need regardless of when the rest of your belongings arrive.
Why should I check my contents insurance before moving?
Your contents insurance needs to reflect where you live. If you move without updating your policy, your belongings may not be fully covered at your new address. It’s also worth checking whether your policy covers items in transit during the move itself, as not all standard policies do.
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