1. Start Early and Pack Strategically
Ask any professional mover and they’ll tell you: the earlier you start, the better. Ideally, begin packing at least 3-4 weeks before your moving date.
Start with non-essential items—seasonal décor, books, off-season clothing—and leave the everyday stuff until the final week. Break the packing process down by room and give yourself realistic goals. For example: “Kitchen on Monday, Guest Bedroom on Tuesday.”
Pro tip from a removal company in London: Use a checklist and label every box as you go—include the room name and a short list of what’s inside.
2. Don’t Empty Drawers—Secure Them Instead
One of the smartest hacks? Leave clothes in your drawers. Just secure each drawer with plastic wrap or remove it from the dresser and wrap it individually.
This saves space, packing materials, and time on both ends of the move. It’s also a trick that many professional movers use when relocating wardrobes and dressers.
If you’re hiring a removal company in London, check if they’re comfortable moving furniture with contents inside—it’s common, but always worth confirming.
3. Use What You Already Have as Packing Material
Why spend extra money on bubble wrap when you already have soft, protective materials around the house? Use towels, socks, scarves, and even old t-shirts to wrap fragile items like glasses and vases.
Pro hack: Pack plates vertically (like records) with dish towels between them to reduce breakage.
Top removal companies in London often recommend this trick not only to save money, but to reduce your environmental footprint.
4. Label Smartly—Not Just the Box, But the Sides
It might seem obvious to label your boxes, but where you place that label matters more than you think.
Instead of writing on the top, write on at least two sides of the box. That way, when boxes are stacked in a van or a room, you can still identify what’s inside without lifting or rearranging everything.
Pro tip: Use a colour-coded system by room. This makes unpacking faster and helps your removal company in London place boxes in the right spot immediately.
5. Take Photos of Electronics Before You Unplug
Wires, remotes, and chargers can become a tangled nightmare during a move. To avoid a tech meltdown in your new place, take a photo of the back of your TV, router, or gaming setup before you unplug everything.
It’s the easiest way to remember what goes where—and a time-saver when you’re reassembling.
Many removal professionals also recommend placing small electronics in clear zip bags with their cords and remotes, then taping the bag to the device.
6. Keep a “Last to Pack, First to Open” Essentials Box
Every professional mover swears by this one: set aside a clearly marked essentials box (or suitcase) that contains everything you’ll need in the first 24–48 hours at your new home.
Include:
Toiletries
Towels
A change of clothes
Chargers
Important documents
Cleaning supplies
Snacks & bottled water
When working with a removal company in London, let them know this box is staying with you in your personal vehicle—or should be loaded last and unloaded first.
7. Use Suitcases and Trolleys for Heavy Items
Instead of loading books into boxes that become too heavy to carry, use your rolling suitcases. They’re designed to handle weight, and you can easily wheel them to and from the van.
Movers in London love this hack because it also frees up space in the moving truck. Rolling suitcases can fit into tight gaps that boxes often can’t.
Bonus: You don’t waste time unpacking and repacking luggage.
8. Protect Liquids with Plastic Wrap and Tape
If you’re taking shampoo, dish soap, or cleaning supplies with you, avoid messy spills by placing plastic wrap under each cap, then screwing it back on tightly. Secure the lid with a piece of tape.
Pack these items upright in plastic bins or waterproof bags for extra protection.
Professional movers in the UK also recommend separating these liquids from your valuables, clothes, or paper-based items.
9. Label Boxes by Priority, Not Just Room
Sure, it’s great to know that a box belongs in the kitchen—but what if you have 10 kitchen boxes?
That’s why movers recommend adding a priority number (like “1 of 10” or “Open First”) to boxes that contain essentials. It helps you unpack in order of importance rather than just by room.
When you hire a removal company in London, these details also help them place boxes in the most convenient locations—especially if you’re paying by the hour.
10. Don’t Overpack Large Boxes
It’s tempting to fill those big boxes to the top, but overpacking makes them heavy, awkward, and at risk of tearing.
Stick to a simple rule: heavy items in small boxes, light items in big boxes.
Use large boxes for pillows, bedding, and clothing. Save the smaller boxes for books, dishes, and canned goods.
Professional removal companies see this mistake all the time. It not only makes the move harder—it also increases the risk of injury or damage.
Bonus Tip: Hire the Right Removal Company in London
Even with the best packing hacks in the world, moving is still a massive undertaking. That’s why working with a trusted, experienced removal company in London can be your smartest move of all.
The right company will:
Offer packing services if you’re short on time
Provide durable packing materials
Handle fragile items with care
Manage parking and logistics within London
Save you time, energy, and stress
Companies like CarryCrew, for instance, are known for professionalism, speed, and careful handling—making them a go-to option for residents moving in or around the city.
Final Thoughts
Packing might not be the most glamorous part of moving, but with these 10 pro-level hacks, you’ll be ahead of the game. From smart labeling to using what you already own, these tips will save you time, space, and stress.
And if you're looking for a removal company in London to help streamline the process even further, don’t hesitate to reach out to local experts who know the city inside and out. When professionals handle the logistics, you’re free to focus on what really matters—starting fresh in your new home.
