Packing Materials Explained — What Everything Is For and When to Use It

One of the questions we get most often is: what packing materials do I actually need? Most people end up buying things they do not need, running out of things they do, and using the wrong materials for the wrong items. Here is a clear guide to every packing material you are likely to come across and exactly what each one is for.

Boxes — getting the sizes right

The size of box you choose matters as much as how you pack it.

Small boxes are for heavy items — books, CDs, records, tools, tins, anything dense. A small box full of books is already heavy. A large box full of books is impossible to lift safely and risks the base giving way in transit. Never fill large boxes with heavy items.

Medium boxes are the workhorses of any move. Use them for kitchen crockery, glasses, small appliances, pots and pans, toys, folded clothes and most general household items. The majority of your boxes will be medium.

Large boxes are only for light, bulky items — duvets, pillows, cushions, lampshades, soft toys and similar. If a large box feels heavy when you lift it, you have packed it incorrectly.

Wardrobe boxes

Wardrobe boxes are tall reinforced boxes with a metal hanging rail built into the top. Your clothes go straight from your wardrobe rail onto the box rail, still on their hangers, and arrive at the other end ready to hang straight back up. They are ideal for suits, dresses, coats and anything that should not be folded. They cost more than standard boxes but save significant time and mean clothes arrive crease-free. If you have a large wardrobe, they are worth it.

Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap is for protecting fragile items from impact — anything that can crack, chip or shatter. Wrap individual plates, bowls, glasses and ornaments in bubble wrap before placing them in boxes. The bubble side should face inward against the item. For glasses, wrap each one individually and stand them upright in the box — never on their side. Do not rely on bubble wrap alone for very delicate items — combine it with packing paper for better protection.

Packing paper

Plain packing paper — not newspaper, which leaves ink marks — is the most versatile material in any removal. Use it to wrap items before bubble wrapping, to fill gaps inside boxes so nothing shifts in transit, to layer between plates, to wrap awkward shapes and to protect surfaces. It goes quickly so buy more than you think you need.

Shrink wrap

Shrink wrap is the clear plastic film on a roll that sticks to itself without any tape. It has two main uses. First, furniture protection — wrap it around upholstered sofas, chairs and mattresses to keep them clean in transit. Second, keeping things secured — drawers wrapped in shrink wrap will not slide open in the van, cables wrapped together will not tangle, and items bundled together stay bundled. It is also useful for wrapping lids of bottles and jars to prevent leaking.

Foam pouches

Foam pouches are individual soft foam sleeves sold in packs. They are ideal for glasses, stemware and delicate pieces that need gentle cushioning. Slide the item into the pouch, fold the top over and place in the box. Faster than bubble wrap for large quantities of identical items like a full set of glasses or a dinner service.

Mattress covers

A mattress cover is a thick plastic bag your mattress slides into before transit. Without one, mattresses pick up scuffs, marks and moisture in the van. Most removal companies bring these as standard but if you are self-loading it is worth having one. They are inexpensive and protect something you sleep on every night.

Tape — and why cheap tape fails

Use strong 48mm packing tape. Cheap tape does not bond properly to cardboard under weight, fails in cold conditions and peels away in transit. Double tape every box base before loading anything into it. Use an H-pattern — one strip down the middle and one strip across each end. It significantly reduces the chance of the base failing.

How much to order on average – based on property size

One-bedroom flat: 5 small boxes, 15 medium boxes, 5 large boxes, 1 wardrobe box, 2 rolls bubble wrap, 2 rolls packing paper, 1 roll shrink wrap.

Two-bedroom house: 10 small boxes, 25 medium boxes, 10 large boxes, 2 wardrobe boxes, 3 rolls bubble wrap, 3 rolls packing paper, 2 rolls shrink wrap.

Three-bedroom house: 15 small boxes, 40 medium boxes, 15 large boxes, 3 wardrobe boxes, 5 rolls bubble wrap, 5 rolls packing paper, 2 rolls shrink wrap.

Add 20 percent if you have a full loft, a large kitchen or a significant collection of books or ceramics. It is always better to over-order slightly than to run short on moving day.

If you would rather not think about any of this, House Relocators offers a full packing service where we bring everything and do the packing for you. Call 020 3337 5003 or email sales@houserelocators.co.uk.