Don’t Let Packing Overwhelm You — Here’s How to Do It Right

Packing is one of the most time-consuming (and stressful) parts of moving house. Whether you’re hiring a mover or doing it yourself, good packing can make your entire move smoother, faster, and safer.

At HireAMover.co.uk, we help thousands of people across the UK move every month — and here are our 10 best packing tips to help you stay organised and in control.

1. Start Early — You’ll Need More Time Than You Think

Don’t leave packing to the last week. Start 4–6 weeks before moving day and tackle one room at a time. Early starters get:

1. Less stress
2. More chances to declutter
3. Fewer last-minute panics

2. Declutter Before You Pack

Moving is the perfect time to get rid of stuff you no longer need. Sell, donate, or bin items you haven’t used in the past year — you’ll save space and money on moving costs.

💡 Pro Tip: Some movers charge based on volume — less stuff = cheaper move.

3. Use the Right Packing Materials

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Strong cardboard boxes (various sizes)
2. Bubble wrap or packing paper
3. Sturdy packing tape
4. Marker pens for labelling
5. Plastic wrap for furniture and drawers

Need help packing? Many of our listed movers offer full or partial packing services — just ask when requesting your quote.

4. Label Everything Clearly

On every box, write:

1. What’s inside
2. Which room it belongs to
3. If it contains fragile items

Label sides and tops so you can read them even when stacked.

5. Pack Room by Room

Keep boxes from each room separate. This helps the movers unload more efficiently and makes unpacking easier.

🚚 If you’re using HireAMover.co.uk, many of our movers offer room-by-room unloading at no extra charge.

6. Keep Essentials Separate

Pack a “moving day essentials” box with things like:

1. Kettle, mugs, tea/coffee
2. Phone chargers
3. Toilet roll and cleaning supplies
4. Tools, lightbulbs, bin bags
5. Important documents

Take this box with you, not in the moving van.

7. Use Clothes and Towels as Padding

Wrap breakables in soft items you already own — towels, t-shirts, pillowcases — instead of buying extra padding.

8. Disassemble Furniture in Advance

Take apart beds, desks, or anything bulky the day before. Put screws and fittings in labelled bags and tape them to the furniture.

9. Don’t Overpack Boxes

Heavy boxes are hard to lift and can break. Keep individual box weight under 20kg. Use small boxes for books and large ones for soft items.

10. Take Photos of Tech Setups and Furniture

Take pictures of how cables are plugged in or how furniture is assembled — it’ll save time when putting everything back together.

Make Packing Easier With a Professional Mover

Want to skip the stress? Use HireAMover.co.uk to find local UK movers who can:

1. Supply packing materials
2. Pack your home professionally
3. Transport everything safely and efficiently

👉 Get Free Packing & Moving Quotes Now