Packing an entire home is easier when you break it down room by room. Each room has different challenges: fragile items in the kitchen, bulky furniture in bedrooms, and awkward shapes in the living room. This guide gives you a clear method for each space.
Work through the rooms in the order below for the smoothest move.
The Right Order to Pack
- Storage areas (loft, garage, shed)
- Spare room
- Living room
- Dining room
- Bedrooms
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
Start with the least-used rooms. Leave the kitchen and bathroom for last so you can still use them while packing.
Living Room Packing
Books
- Use small or medium boxes (books are heavy)
- Pack flat, not upright
- Mix hardbacks and paperbacks for even weight
- Do not exceed 15kg per box
Electronics
- Photograph the back of TVs and consoles before unplugging
- Wrap cables and label them
- Use original boxes if you still have them
- Pack TVs upright in a padded box
Ornaments and Decorations
- Wrap each item individually in paper or bubble wrap
- Pack in a box with a layer of padding between each item
- Label FRAGILE
Sofas and Large Furniture
- Remove cushions and pack separately
- Wrap in furniture blankets or shrink wrap
- Label which side is up
Bedroom Packing
Clothes
- Use wardrobe boxes with hanging rails for hanging clothes
- Fold casual clothes into medium boxes
- Use suitcases for heavier items
- Label by person and season
Bedding and Towels
- Use as padding for fragile items
- Pack in large boxes or vacuum bags
- Keep one set per bed accessible for first night
Jewellery and Valuables
- Take with you personally, not in the van
- Use a travel jewellery case
- Photograph valuable items for insurance
Furniture
- Dismantle beds, wardrobes, and flat-pack furniture
- Bag screws and fixings to the piece with tape
- Photograph assembly for easy rebuilding
Bathroom Packing
- Seal liquids (shampoo, conditioner, lotions) in zip-lock bags
- Tape lids shut
- Pack medicines separately and keep with you
- Wrap mirrors and glass shelves in bubble wrap
- Pack cleaning products in a separate box
Keep a toiletry bag accessible for the first night.
Kitchen Packing
See our full kitchen packing guide. Key points:
- Plates on edge, wrapped individually
- Glasses wrapped and never nested
- Heavy cookware in small boxes
- Defrost the freezer 24 to 48 hours ahead
- Pack a first-night box: kettle, mugs, tea
Garage and Shed Packing
- Drain fuel from mowers and tools
- Pack tools in sturdy boxes or tool bags
- Label boxes clearly
- Use smaller boxes for heavy items like paint tins
- Dispose of chemicals you cannot transport safely
Loft and Storage Areas
- Do this first so you can see what you own
- Declutter aggressively: if you have not used it in 2 years, sell or donate it
- Use vacuum bags for textiles
- Label seasonal boxes (Christmas, summer)
Packing Materials by Room
| Room | Main Materials Needed |
|---|---|
| Living room | Small boxes, bubble wrap, tape, furniture blankets |
| Bedroom | Wardrobe boxes, vacuum bags, medium boxes |
| Bathroom | Zip-lock bags, small boxes, bubble wrap |
| Kitchen | Double-walled boxes, paper, dividers |
| Garage | Heavy-duty boxes, tool bag, tape |
Labelling System That Works
Use three pieces of information on every box:
- Room: KITCHEN, BEDROOM 1, LIVING ROOM
- Contents: PLATES, BOOKS, CLOTHES
- Priority: OPEN FIRST, FRAGILE, HEAVY
Write on the top AND one side. This lets you see labels when boxes are stacked.
Time Estimates by Room
| Room | Time to Pack |
|---|---|
| Studio (whole home) | 4 to 6 hours |
| 1-bed flat (all rooms) | 8 to 12 hours |
| 2-bed flat | 12 to 18 hours |
| 3-bed house | 18 to 26 hours |
| 4+ bed house | 26 to 40 hours |
Spread packing over 2 to 3 weeks to avoid burnout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which room should I pack first?
Start with the least-used rooms: loft, garage, spare room. Leave the kitchen and bathroom for last.
How many boxes do I need?
A rough estimate: 10 boxes per room, plus 5 extra for kitchen and 3 for bathroom.
Can I pack in any order?
You can, but packing by room reduces chaos. It also makes unpacking easier because everything from a room is in one place.
Should I pack heavy or light items first?
Pack heavy items first when a room is empty and you have more space to manoeuvre. Keep heavy items in small boxes.
How do I pack awkward shapes?
Use padding, tape, or custom boxes. Wrap oddly shaped items in bubble wrap, then place in a larger box with filler.
Need Packing Help?
Our packing service handles any room or the whole home. Call 07459 180023 or request a free quote.
Written by the Vano Removals team. We provide packing, removals, and storage across London and the UK.
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