How to Pack Efficiently for a Move in London

Packing for a move is one of the most time-consuming parts of any relocation, and in London — where properties can range from tiny studio flats to sprawling townhouses — it pays to be organised well in advance.

Start Early: 4–6 Weeks Before Your Move

Begin decluttering at least a month before your move date. Walk through every room and sort items into three categories: keep, donate, and dispose. The less you move, the less you pay — our rates are hourly, so a lighter load means a shorter job and a lower bill.

Consider donating usable furniture to local London charities such as the British Heart Foundation or Emmaus. Many will collect for free.

Room-by-Room Packing Strategy

Pack rooms you use least first: spare bedrooms, garage storage, loft items. Leave kitchen essentials and daily-use items until the final 24 hours. Label every box on all four sides (not just the top) so your movers can immediately see the contents when boxes are stacked.

Protect Your Fragile Items

Wrap glasses and crockery individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Double-box any particularly valuable or fragile items. Fill empty space in boxes with scrunched paper or soft furnishings to prevent shifting during transit. Never pack heavy items in large boxes — heavy books in small boxes, light bedding in large ones.

What to Pack Separately

Prepare an "essentials" bag the night before: phone charger, toilet paper, kettle, mugs, basic toiletries, a change of clothes, and any medications. This bag comes with you in the car, not the van. Don't pack anything you'll need on moving day — it always ends up at the bottom of a box.

PHI Movers Packing Add-On

If you'd rather not pack yourself, we offer a full professional packing service. Our teams use industry-standard materials and proven techniques to protect even the most fragile items. Ask about packing as an add-on when you submit your quote.