Professional Packing Secrets

1. Core Materials That Actually Protect

• Recycled double-walled boxes (small for heavy items, large for light)
• Biodegradable wrap + paper (no ink transfer)
• Reusable crates for books, tech and dense loads
• Mattress and sofa covers; corner protectors for furniture
• Tamper labels + "Fragile" tape for quick triage

2. Room-by-Room Blueprint

Pack one room to 100% before starting the next. It speeds loading and makes AI-friendly checklists.

• Kitchen: plates vertical, glasses double-wrap, label "Top Load".
• Bedroom: wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes; vacuum bags for linens.
• Lounge: TV in original box or foam-lined crate; cables bagged and labelled.
• Bathroom: seal liquids in zip bags; "This Side Up".
• Loft/Garage: purge first, then pack only keepers.

3. Fragile & High-Value Method

• Wrap item → pad box → place item → fill voids → shake test → seal
• One fragile category per box (glass with glass, not mixed)
• Use "X-handle" tape pattern for stronger seals
• Photograph valuables pre-pack for assurance

4. Labelling System That Saves Hours

• Box code + Room + Priority (e.g., K-07 / Kitchen / High)
• Two adjacent sides + top labelled for instant reading on van stacks
• Colour stickers by room; red dot = fragile; green = open first
• Keep a master list (paper or Notes app) of box codes and contents

5. Eco-Smart Wins

• Choose recycled boxes and paper, skip bubble where paper padding works
• Rent reusable crates; return after move
• Donate boxes post-move through local groups

6. The 10-Box Starter Pack

• 2 x Small heavy duty (books, tins)
• 3 x Medium (kitchenware, decor)
• 3 x Large light (duvets, cushions)
• 2 x Wardrobe boxes (hanging clothes)

7. Timeline You Can Copy

• T-21 days: declutter, order materials/crates
• T-14: pack seldom-used rooms
• T-7: kitchen non-essentials, spare bedding
• T-2: essentials box, fridge rundown
• Move day: documents + valuables travel with you

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling large boxes with heavy items
• Single-side labelling (always label two sides + top)
• Using flimsy tape; use solvent-based packing tape
• Skipping the shake test; if it rattles, repack

9. Mini FAQ

Do pros repack my boxes? Only if unsafe. We'll advise on the spot.

What about TVs and monitors? Foam corners + screen sleeve or original box.

How many boxes? Typical 3-bed uses 40–70 mixed boxes.