Van Buddies Logo

Removals packing materials

Today we are going to talk about removals packing materials.

So, you have decided to move. Congratulations. Now all you have to do is decide whether you will get a removals specialist in to supply the packing materials and pack all your worldly goods and move them for you.

Alternatively, you may decide to purchase your removals packing materials, pack your own possessions, and get the removal specialist just to move them for you. You may even choose to move your possessions yourself.

Should you decide to undertake your own packing, the question is “what removals packing materials do I need for my move?”

Removals Packing materials

Here we look at the different types of removals packing materials available and what you will need for your move. After all, we want to make sure that you protect your belongings by having the correct removals packing materials, which will make your packing process as stress-free as possible.

Remember, planning ahead and using the right removals packing materials will help make your move an enjoyable adventure rather than a daunting task.

Cardboard boxes

Pretty obvious, when it comes to removals packing materials, cardboard boxes are a major component of moving your possessions. Whilst cardboard boxes come in various sizes, allowing you to pack different items efficiently, here we will outline the most popular boxes required for your move.

When it comes to purchasing your cardboard boxes, there are a multitude of companies out there selling removal kits of bundled boxes and packing materials. You have to be careful with some of these. The boxes are of poor quality and the numbers never reflect what you need. Instead, opt for sturdy, double-walled boxes to ensure durability during transport. They are more expensive than single-walled boxes, however, you want your possessions to arrive in good order, don’t you?

Medium box (AKA Book box)

Medium boxes are perfect for heavier items, like books. Remember when you are packing to keep checking the weight of the box as you are packing it. Most good-quality packing boxes will have a weight guide on the side. It is usually 20 kg.

Medium box dimensions (inches and centimeters)

Length 18″ / 45.73cm

Width 13″ / 33.02cm

Height 13″ / 33.02cm

Large box

Large boxes are suitable for clothing, bed linen, cushions, kitchenware, and other larger household goods. Again, remember when you are packing to keep checking the weight of the box as you are packing it. Most good-quality packing boxes will have a weight guide on the side. It is usually 20 kg.

Large box dimensions (inches and centimeters)

Length 18″ / 45.72cm

Width 18″ / 45.72cm

Height 20″ / 50.08cm

Wardrobe box

Wardrobe boxes come with a rail so you can hang your clothes inside. They usually come in two sizes, the larger being longer to allow for full-length items like overcoats to be hung.

Wardrobe boxes are an excellent removals packing material when it comes to the packing and transportation of clothes that you want to keep crease-free. The downside is a wardrobe box only holds 20 items, they are quite expensive to buy and they take up more room than lay flat boxes.

Wardrobe box dimensions (inches and centimeters)

Standard Wardrobe Box

Length 18″ / 45.72cm

Width 20″ / 50.08cm

Height 40″ / 101.60cm

Large Wardrobe Box

Length 18″ / 45.72cm

Width 20″ / 50.08cm

Height 48″ / 121.92cm

Lay flat box (AKA linen box)

Lay flat boxes, sometimes referred to as linen boxes or linen cartons are a cheaper removals packing alternative to wardrobe boxes. With a lay flat box, you unhang your clothes items from your wardrobe or rail and lay and fold them into the box, rather than them hanging on a rail (like a wardrobe box).

If you pack these right your clothes still remain practically crease-free and they are more effective on space than a wardrobe box and usually cheaper.

Lay flat box dimensions (inches and centimeters)

Length 18″ / 45.72cm

Width 13″ / 33.02cm

Height 33.02cm

Specialist boxes

When it comes to picking your removals packing materials, whilst medium and large boxes will cover a fair amount of your requirements, there is still the need for some items to have specialist packing materials.

Wine carriers

Wine carriers are the same size as a medium box (AKA book box), however, they are fitted with dividers that allow the packing of up to 20 standard-sized bottles per box. This can be a blessing rather than having to paper or bubble wrap bottles individually.

TV boxes

Flat-screen TVs are fragile items. If you still have your TV box, great, if not, you can purchase various size TV boxes for packing your TV for your move. If you do engage a removals specialist just to move you and you do not have your own TV box, it may be worth looking at getting the removals specialist to provide a TV box or wrap your TV. They will use either card and bubble wrap or Furniguard to protect your TV prior to transport. Don’t forget to put the remote with the TV.

Bubble wrap and packing paper

All your fragile items such as glassware, dishes, and delicate ornaments, require extra care and protection. Bubble wrap is an excellent cushioning material that helps prevent breakage during transit. Wrap each item individually and secure them with tape. Similarly, packing paper can be used to wrap fragile objects or as filler material to cushion empty spaces within boxes. These materials act as a protective barrier, safeguarding your belongings from potential damage.

Bubble wrap and packing paper can be used to fill space in boxes and provide a protective layer between items.

Mirrors and pictures, drawings, etchings, prints, maps, and watercolor paintings, should be securely wrapped in Furniguard (see below) or bubble wrap.

When packing, It is advisable to consider wrapping paintings with brown paper wrap first, then applying bubble wrap or Furniguard. You should look for a smooth, glossy paper that’s air, water, and grease resistant. This can be used to wrap your paintings and to place them in between stacked paintings or pictures.

Furniguard and Furnisoft

Furniguard is used as an alternative to standard bubble wrap and offers enhanced protection for furniture products.

Furniguard offers increased strength, puncture resistance, and cushioning protection compared to regular bubble or paper. It is the removal industry’s preferred packing material used for domestic, business, and overseas removals. Many furniture manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers use Furniguard for the transportation of their furniture.

Furnisoft is a similar product to Furniguard. Furnisoft has the same qualities as Furniguard, however, it has an extra soft inner lining to protect delicate furniture surfaces from knocks, scratches, and vibrations.

Furniguard and Furnisoft are not cheap to buy, however, if you have fragile or expensive items, this is an excellent choice to add to your removals packing material list.

Furniture covers

To protect your furniture from scratches, dust, and dirt, it’s essential to invest in furniture covers. Most removal specialists will have special, protective covers for sofas, chairs, tables, and mattresses which they will provide for your move. You should always check if you are engaging a removal specialist to ensure they provide them for your move.

If you are packing your possessions and putting them into storage, then you can purchase plastic covers or specially designed furniture blankets that are excellent for protecting your sofas, chairs, mattresses, and other large items. These covers provide an added layer of protection, ensuring that your furniture arrives at your new home in the same condition as when the item was packed.

Packing tape and tape dispensers

Packing tape is a must-have when securing boxes and ensuring their contents remain intact. Choose a high-quality, durable tape that can withstand the rigors of the moving process. Scotch, Prima, and 3M are three brands well worth consideration. Most of this tape is coloured brown or white. It is also worth purchasing a couple of rolls of fragile tape, so it makes the identification of fragile items easier. Other tapes such as duct tape should not be used as they do not provide a strong enough hold and do not stick to cardboard properly.

Marker Pens and Labels

Proper labeling is crucial when it comes to unpacking at your new home. Use a good quality marker pen with waterproof ink (we love Sharpies, and so do most removal specialists) to clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will save you time and effort when you’re unpacking, as you can quickly identify which boxes go where. Additionally, consider color-coding your labels to make it even easier to recognize different rooms at a glance.

Moving Blankets and Straps

For packing large and heavy furniture, such as dressers, cabinets, or tables, moving blankets or transport blankets as they are sometimes referred to provide an additional layer of protection. These thick, padded blankets can prevent scratches and dents during handling and transport. Additionally, investing in moving straps or harnesses can make it easier to lift and maneuver heavy items, reducing the risk of injuries and making the process more efficient.

Shrink Wrap

As a removal company, shrink wrap is a useful packing material. It is used for a number of reasons such as wrapping furniture with sharp corners or creating a protective layer. It will keep dirt, dust, and finger marks off of your upholstered furniture. Shrink wrap can also help to secure padding to large furniture items and to keep things safely in place and can act as a protective cover for mattresses and bed bases.

Final thoughts for packing

Before you start purchase your removals packing materials and packing, think about your labeling system. If you are bringing removal specialists in and you have a large property, you will either need to provide a floor plan of both properties with the corresponding room names or a numbering system. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to label each box as you go along with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will certainly make your unpacking a lot easier.

If you are packing and you have items of different weights, make sure you pack your heavier items first, then pack your lighter items on top. This means the heavier items are being supported when being carried and transported. This also helps with the lighter items not being crushed. Please make sure where possible you only fill your boxes to the top and not over as this will prevent the boxes from stacking correctly when loaded.

If you want to preserve your cardboard boxes, then consider writing the box contents on the packing tape.

Pack your essentials last. Don’t pack away things that you use every day or items that you will need on the first night in your new house. These should be packed into a ‘survival kit’ and be the last box loaded onto the removal van. It is then accessible when it comes to unpacking and you can locate the essentials quickly and easily.

Read our other blog articles on costs for removals and preparing for your home move.

We are members of The Association of Independent Movers (AIM).

Helping you with your removals requirements

We would love the opportunity to help you with your removals requirements.

Why not give us a call on 0207 381 9658.

Alternatively, complete the contact form and one of our team will be happy to get in touch for a free, no obligation chat to discuss how we can help you.