Professional packing tips: how the experts protect your belongings

The difference between a move where everything arrives safely and one where items get damaged almost always comes down to packing. Professional removal teams pack differently from most people — and the techniques they use are not complicated, just systematic. This guide shares the key methods our packing teams use on every move.

The right materials make the difference

Double-walled boxes are essential for anything heavy or fragile. Single-walled supermarket boxes collapse under weight and provide minimal protection. Use proper double-walled removal boxes in small, medium and large sizes — small boxes for heavy items like books and crockery, large boxes for light bulky items like duvets and pillows.

Bubble wrap should be used generously for anything fragile. A single layer is rarely sufficient — wrap plates individually with at least two layers and secure with tape. Glassware should have the internal cavity filled with tissue paper before wrapping.

Packing paper is used to fill void space inside boxes and to wrap non-fragile items that need protection from scratching. Never leave void space in a box — items shift during transit and can break against each other.

Wardrobe boxes are tall boxes with a hanging rail that allow clothes to be moved still on hangers — eliminating folding, ironing and the risk of damage to delicate garments.

Room-by-room packing guide

Kitchen

The kitchen contains more fragile and awkward items than any other room. Pack plates vertically like records rather than stacked flat — vertical plates are far less likely to crack. Wrap each plate individually in packing paper. Wrap glasses in bubble wrap and pack upright. Saucepans can be nested but wrap lids separately. Empty and defrost your fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before the move.

Bedroom

Dismantle bed frames and store all screws and fixings in clearly labelled bags taped to the frame. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Mattresses should be wrapped in mattress bags — available from Relokates — to protect against moisture and dirt during transit. Pack bedside items in small boxes and label clearly.

Living room

TVs and monitors should be packed in their original boxes if you have kept them. If not, wrap in bubble wrap and use a purpose-made TV box or stand the item upright in a large box packed firmly with packing paper on all sides. Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in bubble wrap with corner protectors and transported vertically, never flat.

Books and documents

Pack books in small boxes only — a large box of books is too heavy to move safely and risks damaging the box. Mix heavy books with lighter items if needed. Important documents should travel with you in a folder, not on the removal van.

What not to pack

Certain items should never travel on a removal van. These include hazardous materials such as paint, aerosols, cleaning chemicals and gas canisters, valuables such as jewellery, passports and cash, irreplaceable items such as family photos, plants and pets. These should all travel with you in your personal vehicle.

The professional rule: no void space

Every professional packer follows one rule above all others — no box should have empty space. Void space allows items to shift during transit, which causes damage even to well-wrapped items. Fill every gap with scrunched packing paper until the box feels firm when you press the top. A well-packed box sounds solid when you tap it, not hollow.