Summary
- Start four weeks out and pack least-used rooms first.
- Heavy items in small boxes; fill every void to prevent crushing.
- Label sides with room, contents and a number.
- Movers refuse fuel, chemicals and aerosols — dispose of them early.
- Keep an essentials box in your own car, never in the van.
Quick answer
Start four weeks out, pack room by room from least used to most used, label by destination room and by number, and keep an essentials box that travels with you, not in the van.
Materials you need
| Item | Typical quantity for a 3-bed home |
|---|---|
| Small boxes (books, tools) | 15–25 |
| Medium boxes (kitchen, toys) | 20–30 |
| Large boxes (bedding, soft goods) | 10–15 |
| Wardrobe boxes | 3–6 |
| Packing paper | 5–10 kg |
| Bubble wrap | 1–2 rolls |
| Strong tape | 6–10 rolls |
| Marker pens and labels | 4+ |
| Mattress and sofa covers | As needed |
Cost roughly $150–400 or £100–300 for a three-bedroom home; many movers supply boxes free on the day or for a deposit.
The golden rules
Labelling that works
Write three things on every box: destination room, contents in three words, and a number. Keep a numbered list on your phone. When something is missing on day two, you will know which box it is in and whether it came off the van.
Mark fragile boxes on all four sides and add "This way up" arrows.
Room-by-room order
Four weeks: loft, garage, books, out-of-season clothes, decorations.
Three weeks: spare rooms, guest bedding, DVDs, hobby equipment.
Two weeks: most kitchen items, keeping one set of plates and pans out.
One week: bedrooms, bathrooms, remaining kitchen.
Final two days: bedding, toiletries, chargers, cleaning kit.
What movers will not take
Petrol, gas bottles, paint, aerosols, fireworks, chemicals and, usually, plants and open food. Passports, jewellery, medication, laptops and documents should travel with you — not because movers are untrustworthy, but because you need them before the van is unloaded.
The essentials box
Kettle, mugs, tea, snacks, toilet paper, soap, towels, phone chargers, medication, a change of clothes, basic tools, scissors, bin bags and bedding for the first night. Put it in your car and label it clearly so it never goes in the van.
Summary
Start four weeks out, pack least-used rooms first, keep boxes light and full, and label the sides with room, contents and number. Then keep the essentials box with you — it is the difference between a hard first night and an easy one.