Packing is 80% of a smooth move. Even with the best van and driver, poor packing leads to dents, scratches and stress. This guide gives you proven, London‑ready methods to protect your belongings—whether you’re booking a man and van for a studio move or transporting a few premium items across town.
Why smart packing matters
- Less risk of damage (and disputes with landlords or buyers)
- Faster loading/unloading → lower time on site
- Better use of van space → fewer trips
- Easier claim evidence with clear labelling and Photo POD
Materials checklist (buy/prepare in advance)
- Double‑wall moving boxes (S/M/L), book boxes
- Wardrobe boxes with rail, mattress bags (single/double/king)
- Bubble wrap (large & small bubbles), foam sheets, paper
- Corner protectors (cardboard/foam) for frames & furniture edges
- Moving blankets (3–8), stretch wrap, fragile tape, ‘This Side Up’ labels
- Ratchet straps (at least 2), bungee cords, rope
- Tool kit: hex keys, screwdriver set, tape measure
- Zip bags for bolts/screws (tape to the item), marker pens
Tip: In rainy London, add shrink/stretch wrap for sofas and cartons, and keep 1–2 spare blankets dry in plastic before loading.
Room‑by‑room protection tactics
Kitchen & glassware
- Plate bundle: stack vertically in a small box with foam sheets between, fill voids with paper; label FRAGILE – PLATES – VERTICAL.
- Glasses: wrap stems individually, use dividers, top‑load only.
- Knives: blade guard or heavy cardboard, then wrap; pack in a clearly labelled SHARP box.
Electronics & IT
- Original boxes? Use them. Otherwise: screen corners with foam, 2× bubble layers, then a snug box. Keep cables in a labelled bag.
- Back up laptops/drives before moving. Transport high‑value items in the cab where possible.
Artwork & mirrors
- X‑tape the glass, corner protectors, wrap in bubble + blanket. Load on edge, never flat.
Furniture & mattresses
- Disassemble where practical (legs, shelves, headboards). Zip‑bag all fixings and tape to the piece.
- Protect corners/handles, then blanket + stretch wrap. Use mattress bags; keep mattresses upright.
Wardrobes & clothing
- Wardrobe boxes for suits & dresses. For folded clothes, compress in medium boxes—avoid over‑packing.
Appliances (fridge/washing machine)
- 24 hrs before: unplug/defrost, drain hoses, tape doors, protect corners. Keep upright and secure near the van bulkhead.
Plants & liquids
- Short hops only; avoid packing wet soil. Use crates, keep upright, protect leaves from crush.
- Don’t load loose liquids; seal in tubs or move separately.
Loading order & securing in the van
- Heavy, boxy items first (appliances, book boxes) against the bulkhead.
- Sofas/mattresses next, upright, blanket‑wrapped.
- Medium boxes form layers; fragile/top‑load cartons last.
- Strap each section as you go—don’t wait until the end.
- Eliminate empty spaces with soft items/blankets to prevent shift.
Pro move: Build a “T” with straps—one horizontal across the stack, one vertical to the floor rings—to stop forward and side movement.
Weather‑proofing for London
- Keep an entry mat and plastic sheeting at both properties.
- Stage items by the door under cover; load during lighter showers first.
- Wipe van floor before placing fabric items.
What not to load
- Fuel, loose paint, solvents, gas canisters; perishable/open foods on longer trips; live pets (use dedicated pet transport).
Common mistakes and quick fixes
- Overfilled large boxes → use more medium boxes; target ≤20 kg each.
- No labels → room + content + “FRAGILE/TOP” on at least two sides.
- Unstrapped stacks → strap every 2–3 rows.
- Flat‑loaded frames → always on edge with corner guards.
Printable moving‑day checklist
When to call a man & van
- Studio/1‑bed mini‑moves across London
- Single high‑value item (artwork, piano bench, designer sofa)
- Marketplace pickups (Facebook/TikTok/Depop) with timed slots
Why book Lucky Van
ULEZ‑compliant vans, professional straps/blankets on board, careful loading, flexible time slots and Photo POD on delivery. Same‑day and next‑day across Greater London.
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