Moving house takes a lot of preparation with lots of questions and one of the most common ones we get asked at Flexi Removals and Storage is what packing materials do I actually need? It sounds simple enough but get it wrong and you can end up with broken crockery, scratched furniture, and a lot more stress on moving day.
We have helped thousands of families and businesses move across the UK, so we know what works and what does not. Here is our honest guide to the packing materials worth getting hold of before your move.
Boxes, Boxes and More Boxes
People almost always underestimate how many boxes they need. You want a good mix of sizes. Small boxes for books and heavy kitchen items, medium ones for everyday bits and bobs, and large boxes for lighter bulky things like cushions, duvets, and lampshades. Try to resist filling a large box with heavy items, your removal team’s backs will thank you for it.
We would always say go for removal grade double walled boxes rather than grabbing whatever you can from the supermarket. Those banana boxes might be free, but they are not built to stack safely in a van or hold up if the contents are heavy. A typical three-bedroom house will need somewhere between 40 and 60 boxes, but if you are a collector of anything, budget for more.
Packing Tape (More Than You Think)
Tape is one of those things where people always buy too little. You will go through rolls of the stuff. Get a decent tape dispenser too, it sounds like a small thing but trying to find the end of a roll of tape for the hundredth time on moving day is genuinely maddening. Wide, strong packing tape is what you want, not the thin stuff that peels off when the box gets heavy.
Bubble Wrap for Anything Fragile
If you own it and it could break, wrap it. Glasses, mugs, plates, picture frames, ornaments, anything with sentimental value. Wrap each item individually and do not be stingy about it. Put a good layer of bubble wrap in the bottom of any box that has fragile items in it and fill gaps around the sides, so nothing shifts during the journey.
The cost of a roll of bubble wrap is nothing compared to the cost of replacing something you loved, or the frustration of unpacking broken crockery at the other end.
Packing Paper and Tissue Paper
Packing paper is underrated. It is great for wrapping items, screwing up to fill gaps in boxes, and providing an extra layer of cushioning. The important thing is to use plain packing paper rather than newspaper. Newsprint leaves ink marks on everything and getting it off white crockery or light-coloured fabric is a nightmare.
For anything delicate or decorative, tissue paper gives you a softer wrap. Good for antiques, fine China or anything with painted detail that could scratch easily.
Furniture Blankets and Pads
Big furniture needs protecting too. Sofas, wardrobes, dining tables, and bed frames can all pick up scratches and dents during a move if they are not padded up. Furniture blankets and moving pads are the answer. Wrap them around anything with a surface that could mark easily.
At Flexi Removals and Storage our vans are kitted out to protect your furniture, and our team wraps items carefully before loading. It is something we take seriously because we know how much your belongings matter to you.
Wardrobe Boxes
These are a bit of a game changer if you have not used them before. Wardrobe boxes have a hanging rail built in, so your clothes stay on their hangers throughout the move. No folding, no creasing, no having to iron your entire wardrobe when you get to your new place. If you have suits, dresses or anything you care about keeping in good shape, wardrobe boxes are worth every penny.
Labels and a Good Thick Marker
Label everything. We cannot stress this enough. Write on the box what is in it and which room it is going to. Use a thick permanent marker so it is easy to read from a distance. If you want to go one step further, use coloured labels for each room so your removal team can get boxes to the right place without having to read every one.
Mark fragile boxes on all four sides and the top. It takes two minutes and makes a real difference to how those boxes get handled and stacked.
Mattress and Sofa Covers
Mattresses and sofas are big, awkward, and expensive to replace if they get ruined. Mattress bags and sofa cover keep them clean and dry during the move. Given how unpredictable the weather can be in Lancashire, this one is a no brainer. They are cheap, they are easy to use, and they save you a lot of grief.
Rather We Just Did It for You?
Getting all of this together takes time and doing it well takes know how. That is why a lot of our customers choose our packing service at Flexi Removals and Storage. We turn up with everything needed and pack your home carefully and efficiently, using good quality materials throughout. You do not have to worry about whether you have enough boxes or whether the bubble wrap is doing its job. We handle all of it.
Our packing service can be booked on its own or alongside a full removal, so you can choose how much help you want. Some customers like to pack themselves and just need us for the move itself. Others want to hand everything over and focus on the million other things that come with moving house. Either way, we are here for it.
Give the team at Flexi Removals and Storage a call or drop us an email and we will talk you through your options. We are based in Preston and cover removals in Lancashire, removals in Manchester, removals in Liverpool, and the wider Northwest. Moving does not have to be stressful, and we are here to make sure it is not.
