Are you planning a big house relocation or office move? Relocating is a dynamic and exciting adventure but always comes with a level of responsibility and planning. To ensure that you go through a smooth house removal in London, you need to prepare in advance and know exactly what you’re doing. Although the majority of people prefer to rely on a professional removal company for the job, there is still one thing that’s worth being familiar with yourself – packing. Yes, there are companies that offer delivery of packing boxes and materials, but how do you know what you’ll need?
Whether you’re moving houses or you’re planning an office relocation, it all starts with packing. Even if you have some experience with past moves, chances are that you still have a lot of questions about the type of packing materials that are available on the market, how to choose the right ones, and how many you’ll be needing. After all, you don’t want to end up with spare storage boxes that only take up space but you don’t want to run out either.
There’s no need to stress! We’re here to answer all of your questions.
In this article, we’ll offer a detailed and complete list of packing materials. We’ll explore the different types of packing materials for moving, we’ll cover everything you’ll need on the day of the move, and how to choose the materials you’ll need for packing.
What are the different types of packing materials for moving house?
With moving day approaching, you’re probably actively looking for packing supplies that will help you store and organize everything prior to the relocation. If you’re working with a moving house packing checklist, you’ll notice that packing takes a vital role in the process. Let’s take a look at the fundamental types of removal packing materials that you can use.
Removal boxes
The most popular moving essentials that people purchase for packing are boxes. There are different removal boxes to choose from for packing:
- Folding box – The folding box or folding carton can also be found under the name paperboard carton or paperboard box. Available in different weights and sizes, this type of packing box provides a reliable structure for your items. They’re also eco-friendly as the majority of the pulp used for the creation has been produced using recycled materials.
- Corrugated carton box – These boxes are usually made from a double-wall construction, offering an extra layer of support and protection. They’re ideal for transporting delicate and breakable materials such as dishes, glassware, china, and more. You can neatly separate the items in the box to prevent them from crashing into one another by using cellular dividers.
- Small, medium, large & extra-large packing box – Next up, the cardboard boxes that come in different sizes. The small box is a perfect choice for small but heavy items such as books, magazines, shoes, and perhaps appliances. On standard, a small packing box will be 16 x 12 x 12 inches big or 15 cubic feet. The medium-sized box is usually 3 cubic feet and is considered suitable for all purposes. The large box, on the other hand, is 4.5 cubic feet and perfect for larger items like pillows, blankets, and clothing. The extra-large box is the one to use for things like linens, towels, lampshades, and other larger items.
- Mattress box – As the name suggests, this type of packing box is used to protect your mattress during transportation. You can find it in different sizes such as twin, standard, double, queen/king, or crib.
- Mirror box – Mirrors are quite fragile and transporting them without a protective box is a risky endeavour. A mirror box will help you safely move your mirrors, glass tabletops, and perhaps large framed art.
- Custom crate – Not everyone will need a custom crate as part of their moving house packing materials list. However, if you have special art, chandeliers, antiques, or valuable and sensitive items, it’s best to order this type of packing material.
- Wardrobe box – Wardrobe boxes are the perfect way to move your clothes, curtains, or draperies without getting them wrinkled. It’s also best to use moving house packing tips for clothes to ensure the best results.
Plastic bags
Plastic bags are another essential packing material that you want to have prepared when moving house or going through office relocation. You can use both plastic carrier bags and small plastic bags that we normally use for sandwiches. When it comes to plastic carrier bags, they’re reusable and suitable for merely anything. On the other hand, plastic sandwich bags are amazing for storing smaller items that you don’t really need separate boxes for. By using this packing supply you can ensure they never get lost.
A pro tip is to always label your plastic bags to note down all of the items that you’ve placed in there to prevent confusion and time wasted searching for things that are right in front of you.
Bubble wrap
It’s difficult to imagine a house removal without bubble wrap. This material is the perfect protective solution as it is an amazing insulator against damage and harmful impacts. You can enjoy peace of mind that your items are safe and sound during transportation, even if there are a few bumps on the road. Furthermore, bubble wrap is reusable and lightweight, it’s an affordable packing supply, and can be used for more than one purpose.
You can find bubble wrap rolls in different sizes and choose the right ones according to your needs. It’s advisable to always use bubble wrap if you are transporting glass, ceramic, porcelain, or other delicate items.
Foam rolls
Almost every house move includes transporting fragile and delicate belongings. No matter if this is a luxurious, expensive vase or a basic item with sentimental value, you want it to be safely moved and in one piece. To ensure this, you can use foam rolls for an additional protective layer for items that require special care. The foam rolls come in different thicknesses and can be used for a range of purposes. It’s best to be used for thin, lightweight materials.
The small air bubbles inside the layers offer a gentle cushioning. There will be no marks left behind on your items and you can rest assured there won’t be any scratches either.
Enclosed wallets
Although enclosed wallets are more typical for an office move, even if you’re moving houses, chances are that you’ll have a few important documents that you want your movers to transport safely. The best way to ensure this is by preparing in advance with enclosed wallets. This packing material is perfect for protecting your documentation as it’s water-resistant and prevents any damage. Enclosed wallets come in different sizes and could be used after the move for storage purposes too.
Tool essentials
Apart from the actual packing materials and protective cushioning that you’ll need, packing also requires a set of tools and accessories that will make packing easier and effective.
LabelsIt’s hard to imagine the quantity and variety of items that you’ll be moving before you start. Think about your clothes and accessories, your kitchen pots, pans, cups, glasses, plates, your appliances, gadgets, shoes, and so much more. How can you stay organized without using labels? Well, the answer is that you can’t.
We believe labels are an absolute must-have for any packing project. There are different ways to label your boxes. You could use coloured stickers or a label with enough empty space to make notes of the items found in each box or bag.
ScissorsOnce you start packing, the last thing you want to happen is to establish that you don’t have scissors around. You’ll probably need them more than you could possibly imagine so the advice is to always have a pair or two prepared in advance. If you’re working with a partner for the packing journey, make sure they have their own pair to avoid stress and discomfort.
Packing TapeLet’s not forget about taping your boxes to ensure they’re safely closed and your items are protected. Failing to properly seal your packing boxes may lead to undesired damage, items falling out, breakage, and other negative consequences. You could also use masking tape, which can not only seal your packing boxes but could act as a label as you can write over it.
Box cuttersBox cutters are another tool essential that you’ll need. You’ll mostly use them for unpacking and cutting the edges of packing boxes but they’re always handy to have around.
House move packing materials for fragile items
In order to protect fragile house items like glassware or china, delicate furniture, electronics, or any other sensitive and delicate materials during transportation, it’s essential to prepare with appropriate packing supplies. Although we’ve already mentioned a few suitable packing materials for delicate items, we’ll share a full list here for ease and convenience.
If you’re packing breakable, delicate items, it’s best to prepare with:
- A packing box with the right size
- Bubble wrap or foam rolls
- Airbags
- High-quality packing tape
- Foam enclosures
- Foam-in-bag
- Corrugated inserts
If you’re working with a local moving company and you know you’ll be transporting fragile items, always ask for the insurance policies provided by the movers. In case of breakage or items being damaged, you want to know that you can expect as compensation for your losses.
Supplies you’ll need on moving day
Great! You’ve now purchased everything you need for the packing part of the moving project and you’re ready to neatly organize and store everything you’ll be moving. But are you prepared for the actual move?
If you’re relying on professional movers for help, you won’t need any supplies on moving day as they will, in most cases, be included in the price for the service. However, if you’re planning to tackle your house or office relocation solo, you’ll probably need the following items.
Rental truck or van
For starters, you’ll need a proper vehicle for transportation. Large and heavy furniture and other belongings won’t be able to fit in your personal car. For the task, it’s best to rent a moving truck or moving van. Do your research well in advance to collect different rental prices and make an informed decision. In addition, make sure that you’ve explained your transportation objectives and you rent a truck or van with appropriate sizing.
It’s always best to rent the vehicle in advance and book the desired date and time to make sure that there will be one available.
Cargo straps & lifting straps
If you’ve ever moved houses in the past and you’ve done it yourself, you’ve probably come across the problem of items moving around in the truck while you are on the road with all the boxes and belongings. To prevent this from happening, buy cargo straps to secure your items and prevent them from shifting and falling. Lifting straps, on the other hand, will help you distribute heavy items’ weight evenly and lift things like furniture and large appliances with ease.
Ramp
A ramp can literally save the day when it comes to loading and unloading heavy boxes, furniture, and other weighty items. Although most trucks will already have a ramp to offer, always make sure to ask the truck providers and if a ramp is not present, rent or buy one. Besides making the process easier, it’s also a safer option as opposed to lifting heavy items and risking your health and the condition of the lifted product.
Dollies
If you’ve never used a dolly, you’re in for a treat. They come in different sizes and types and are designed to make moving much easier. You can find appliance dollies, furniture, and utility dollies. They are the best option for getting your heavy boxes or furniture from one place to another. Rather than relying on your body strength, simply put everything safely on the dolly and push it towards the desired location.
Furniture pads & moving blankets
Last but not least, you’ll need some furniture pads and moving blankets. They are both protective materials that are to be used for the purpose of keeping your furniture and large items safe and secure during transportation. Before going to the store to purchase these, make sure you’ve made a note of all the items that will be needing that extra support. This will help you buy just as much as you’ll need.
How to choose the right packing materials for moving
As you can see, there is a wide variety of materials that you can use for packing. If you’re uncertain about the things that you’ll need for your specific relocation project, it’s best to start by making a plan. For both office moves and house relocations, list down all the items that you plan to pack in order to establish the type of boxes you’ll need, to get an orientation of how many you’ll require, and to prepare all the right additional supplies.
The good news is that there are premade packing tools available to purchase. However, they may not always be appropriate for your needs. If in doubt, get in touch with a professional moving company that offers a packing service in London. Apart from being able to provide you with enough information to help you get everything you need, they can take care of the whole packing process for you. A service like this certainly saves time, effort, and guarantees that your items are packed in the best possible way.
We hope that this article will help you turn packing for a house move or office relocation into a fun and stress-free journey. Remember, with the right preparation and organization, even the most difficult of tasks can become enjoyable.