Your basic packing kit should include:

• Sturdy cardboard boxes in several sizes
• Strong packing tape
• Packing paper
• Bubble wrap or other cushioning material
• Protective coverings for furniture
• Labels or marker pens
• Suitable protection for pictures and mirrors
• Wardrobe boxes where appropriate

A2B Removals can also provide packing materials as part of its moving and packing services. See our packaging materials page for more information about the materials used to protect belongings during a move.

Avoid putting everything into the biggest boxes available.

Smaller boxes are better suited to heavy belongings such as books, while larger boxes are useful for lighter, bulkier items. Keeping individual boxes at a manageable weight makes them easier to handle and reduces the chance of a box failing during the move.

These areas usually contain belongings you do not use every day, making them a sensible starting point.

Before packing:

• Sort items into keep, donate, recycle and dispose piles.
• Dispose of anything you cannot or should not transport.
• Empty containers where appropriate.
• Keep tools and small components organised.
• Clearly label boxes containing items intended for the garage, loft or shed at your new property.

Starting here also prevents rarely used belongings from becoming a last-minute moving-day job.

The spare bedroom is another good room to tackle early.

Pack:

• Spare bedding and towels
• Books
• Decorations
• Out-of-season clothes
• Items stored in wardrobes and drawers
• Anything guests will not need before the move

Once cleared, the room can also become a useful temporary space for storing packed and labelled boxes.

Living rooms often contain a mixture of everyday belongings and delicate items.

Start with:

• Books
• Ornaments
• Decorative items
• Pictures and artwork
• DVDs, games and other collections
• Items from display cabinets

Leave electronics you regularly use until closer to moving day.

Wrap delicate decorations individually and fill empty space inside boxes so items cannot move around freely. For more detailed guidance, read How to Safely Move Valuable and Fragile Items.

Start with clothes and belongings you will not need before the move.

Pack:

• Out-of-season clothing
• Spare shoes and accessories
• Books and decorations
• Spare bedding
• Items stored under beds
• Contents of drawers that will not be needed

Keep enough clothing, bedding and toiletries accessible for the final few days.

If larger beds or wardrobes need taking apart to move safely, A2B Removals also provides furniture dismantling and assembly as a supporting moving service.

The kitchen can take longer than expected because cupboards often contain large numbers of small items, including fragile glassware and crockery.

Start with items you rarely use:

• Serving dishes
• Occasional cookware
• Baking equipment
• Spare mugs and glasses
• Decorative items
• Non-essential small appliances

Leave enough plates, mugs, cutlery and cookware available for your final days.

Wrap fragile crockery and glassware carefully rather than placing loose pieces together. Avoid making boxes excessively heavy and clearly identify those containing breakables.

Bathrooms are usually best packed near the end.

Before moving day:

• Dispose of empty or unwanted products.
• Close bottles securely.
• Keep liquids upright where possible.
• Separate anything that could leak.
• Pack spare towels and toiletries first.
• Keep everyday toiletries accessible until the final morning.

Rather than packing every bathroom item, use the move as an opportunity to get rid of products you no longer use.

Keep important paperwork organised rather than mixing documents into general household boxes.

Pack:

• Archived paperwork
• Books
• Non-essential stationery
• Spare equipment
• Desk accessories

Back up important digital files before disconnecting computers. Photographing cable connections before dismantling your setup can also make reassembly easier.

If you are packing an entire workplace rather than a home office, see our guide to preparing for an office relocation.