At Gentleman & A Van, we’ve learned that the difference between a stressful move and a seamless one often comes down to how well the packing is done. Whether you’re relocating your home, setting up for an exhibition, or sending off fragile items for storage, careful planning and the right materials make all the difference.
Years of experience working with homeowners, businesses, interior designers and auction houses across London have taught us the value of smart, strategic packing. It’s about more than just putting things in boxes — it’s about ensuring everything arrives safely, in order, and ready for the next step. That’s why we offer access to high-quality packing supplies through our Box Shop, which helps our clients get started with exactly what they need, all in one place.
This guide brings together practical advice for a range of packing scenarios, so whether you’re downsizing, heading to university, or preparing for long-term storage, you’ll find useful tips and checklists to help you pack with confidence.
Contents
- Essential Packing Tips for a House Move
- Which Box Packs You’ll Need for Moving
- Packing and Delivery Services for Interior Designers
- How to Pack Your Items for Storage
- Insurance and Professional Standards for Packing Services
- Packing When Downsizing to a Smaller Property
- How to Pack Valuables and Fragile Items
- Packing Tips for Students Moving into Halls
Essential Packing Tips for a House Move
For a stress-free house move, having a clear packing and unpacking strategy can help reduce any chaos and set you on a path towards a positive moving experience.
Don’t Leave Packing Too Late
Firstly, it is important to know that one of the most common mistakes people make when moving house is starting to pack too late. Getting further slowed down by not having the right materials to hand is another situation to avoid.
Make a Room-by-Room Plan
Secondly, it is good to have a solid commitment to pack on a room-by-room basis. This will pay dividends on the other side when you are unpacking. An inventory and clear labelling system are a must.
Create an Essentials Box
Thirdly, prepare a box of essentials that you will need to set up at your new place, which you can travel with and have ready as you enter the house. Aim to have everything you need for the first few days and nights, to avoid opening boxes in search of random items.
Prioritise What to Pack First
Finally, pack the least important zones first, and unpack in reverse. Set up the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms upon arrival at your new place. Having the right boxes for your move and your valuables will organise the process for you and keep stress at bay.
Which Box Packs You’ll Need for Moving
You may have popped to your local supermarket or corner shop to source packing boxes for previous relocations. Many people have, but it’s a risky choice because these boxes are usually kept in a damp back room, where the cardboard becomes damaged. Luckily, we have industry-standard packing materials available.
Choose the Right Box for Each Item
Our range of box packs allows you to prepare in advance for your removal and storage needs. If you need help estimating the scale of your move, we’re more than happy to discuss it with you.
Wardrobe, Wine & Book Boxes: A Closer Look
With our Wardrobe Boxes, you can keep your clothes uncreased and easily locate them during the move. Bottles and books can be carefully stored in Wine boxes and Book boxes. All of our boxes are made of sturdy, double-walled cardboard.
Packing Kits That Include Everything You Need
Having a range of boxes of different sizes for a student move can make the process smooth, particularly as it includes a marker pen, bubble wrap, tape and a tape dispenser. In fact, all the packs contain whatever it is that you will need, so you don’t have to rush out at the last minute or be delayed waiting for deliveries when it really is time to crack on.
Packing and Delivery Services for Interior Designers
The Gentleman & A Van team frequently work with interior designers and related professionals. Their work often requires assistance with packing, including the use of higher-quality packaging materials and other protective items.
A Five-Fold Service Designed for Professionals
Our five-fold package of services for interior designers combines storage, delivery, packing and installation. We provide online inventories to our clients, enabling them to manage their delivery and storage needs remotely.
Secure Handling for Fine Art and Antiques
Our team will deliver and unwrap whatever is required for the installation and vice versa. Deliveries can be made to a designated storage unit that we manage on behalf of our clients. With our trusted client base, we deliver exceptional service in handling fine art and antique pieces.
Online Inventory Management for Efficiency
This is part of the service we are proud to uphold, and we ensure we have the best equipment and materials at hand, from state-of-the-art removal vehicles to packing tape.
How to Pack Your Items for Storage
When it comes to packing for storage, we recommend that our clients follow specific guidelines. Again, having the right equipment for the process will be important.
Five Key Rules for Storage-Ready Packing
Here are five tips for packing for storage:
- Wash and dry everything prior to packing
- Use clear plastic storage boxes
- Do not store hazardous materials
- Use mattress bags for mattresses
- Use Wardrobe Boxes for clothes
Climate-Controlled Storage and Combining Services
It is essential to verify that the storage unit you are using is carefully monitored for any moisture and temperature fluctuations. We offer container storage and self storage, and offer discounted rates on our other removals and delivery services to our storage customers. Our London storage depot, located in Wimbledon, occupies 35,000 square feet in South London. This allows us to offer competitive rates and discounts.
Insurance and Professional Standards for Packing Services
As members of the Master Removers Group, we are part of a network of removals and storage companies that lead the industry. As a result, we share resources and ensure that we utilise the most up-to-date vehicles, equipment, and strategies on a daily basis.
Industry Memberships That Guarantee Quality
As a BAR-approved removals and storage company, we consistently meet stringent standards of excellence every year, and our reviews prove that our customers are delighted. We offer customised insurance policies tailored to each individual move, which can be viewed online. Our attention to detail is what has enabled us to establish such a loyal client base.
Trusted Materials and Reliable Delivery
It is this attention to detail that brings you the Box Shop with its customised packing options. We deliver your box packs and packing materials for free when you order over £30. As part of a solid moving strategy, we can supply the packaging and take it away once you are well and truly on the other side.
Packing When Downsizing to a Smaller Property
If you’re downsizing from a larger property to one with less space, you’ll need to pack with greater purpose. A smartly organised space can make a smaller area feel spacious, and some options could help you retain your belongings. We’re going to provide you with a packing checklist tailored specifically for downsizing, making the process more straightforward.
Checklist for Packing When Downsizing
- Start by sorting your items room by room and create a schedule to follow.
- Create three piles: keep, donate/sell, and discard/recycle.
- Use vacuum storage bags for out-of-season clothes, and consider household storage products or using a storage unit.
- Measure your new space before packing furniture to understand the precise dimensions.
- Prioritise items with multiple uses or functions, or consider selling your current items and replacing them with more practical options.
- Avoid duplicates—keep only one of each essential, and refer back to point number 2 on this list.
- Download a home inventory app to catalogue your possessions as you pack.
- Clearly label boxes with contents and intended room, updating your inventory as you go.
- Use under-bed and wardrobe top storage boxes to utilise empty spaces.
- Use apps that help visualise your furniture in new rooms to help with your design and layout plans.
- Give away or sell bulky items that won’t fit – refer back to point number 2 on this list.
- Pack decorative or fragile items last to prevent damage.
- Consider using or replacing your current furniture with pieces that have built-in storage.
- Rent a self storage unit to move packed boxes and non-essentials out of the way to reduce clutter.
Final Thoughts on Packing when Downsizing
Downsizing doesn’t mean compromising—it means refining your approach to ensure it’s not overwhelming. A well-planned pack makes the move far less stressful and helps logically frame everything.
How to Pack Valuables and Fragile Items
One aspect that many people often overlook is how to adjust their approach for specific items. For example, you can’t pack glassware and general kitchen items in the same way, as this risks unnecessary breakages. Fragile items need tailored packing techniques; the proper protection prevents costly damage or loss.
How to Pack Fragile Items Safely
- Wrap items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper; high-quality options reduce overheating and scratching.
- Use reinforced, double-walled boxes to provide extra strength and prevent collapse during loading and transit.
- Place heavier items at the bottom of the boxes and avoid overpacking them.
- Use dividers or cardboard inserts for glassware – specific packing boxes are available.
- Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper, soft wrap or materials with cushioning fibres.
- Use foam corners for picture frames and mirrors to prevent damage. Refer to the above point to place cushioning materials between any frames or mirrors in the same box or container.
- Avoid overpacking—leave space to cushion movement and protect against bumps.
- Clearly label each box as “Fragile” and “This Way Up” on each side to avoid these stickers being missed.
- Tape boxes securely using strong packing tape, and don’t stack heavy boxes on top of fragile ones.
- Use a marker to identify the contents and record any handling notes – remember to save this information in your inventory.
- Keep valuable small items in a carry-on or personal bag and consider packing them in your car to travel separately. If you pack them with your general moving load, ensure they are placed at the end so they are taken out first.
Thorough Prep Avoids Damaging Fragile Items
Careful packing provides peace of mind on moving day and protects your delicate items and valuables. A little extra time now avoids costly repairs later, even if you have adequate insurance. Future you will be thankful when you unpack everything without breakages.
Packing Tips for Students Moving into Halls
If you’re preparing to study at one of London’s many highly sought-after universities or colleges, you’ll have some packing to do. Moving into halls is often a student’s first big move, with space limited, so efficient packing is essential.
Packing Checklist for Students
- Opt for stackable plastic boxes for easier storage and improved space utilisation.
- Label boxes with your name and what’s inside for easier unpacking.
- Pack a separate bag for electronics and chargers; consider using a locking container to enhance security. Don’t forget extension leads and multi-socket adaptors.
- Bring basic kitchen tools and two sets of crockery, including a thermal coffee mug.
- Include a small first aid kit, over-the-counter meds and supplements to maintain your health.
- Pack enough bedding for at least two changes, and include laundry detergent and a washing basket.
- Bring cleaning supplies, especially antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser.
- Use soft items, such as towels, to pad delicate items.
- Keep essential documents in a folder you can access easily.
- Leave space for items you’ll bring back during the holidays.
- Consider using self storage to protect any items you’re leaving behind during your vacation time.
Why Choose Gentleman & A Van for Packing
Following our founder’s vision to provide a next-level removal and storage experience, we believe that packing can truly be an art form. Attention to detail, whether in customer care or handling valuables, is an integral part of our team’s daily work ethic.
Since 2004, we have built up a loyal client base, and our reviews reflect this. Whether you are planning to move house or require our man and van services, get in touch for a quote and to discuss your removals and storage needs. Over the years, we have moved from specialising in South West London removals to the whole of London and Surrey.
If you are relocating a business, our commercial removals division is highly practised in this particular art. Whatever the nature of your moving, storing, and packing requirements, our bespoke service will tailor-make a quote and plan for you.
Contact us today to receive a quote and discuss your situation with a member of our team. You can read more free tips related to moving and using storage here.