MOVING GUIDE
Room-by-room packing guide: how should kitchen, bedroom and living room items be packed?
Key answers
Room-by-room packing should start with less-used items, with heavy items boxed separately and fragile items protected individually, then use the room name and box number to arrange delivery in the new home.
Sort destinations first, then start packing
In each room, first sort items into keep, store, send away and discard to avoid sealing up things you do not need and then having to reopen boxes. Reserve one area for completed packing, separate from items still to be sorted, and keep the doorway and passageways clear.
First deal with cupboards and drawers used least often; daily necessities should be packed last. If items need professional packing, take photos and ask first. Do not wait until all materials are used up and then find that large glass items, artwork or specialist equipment cannot be packed using ordinary methods.
Kitchen: handle crockery, knives and liquids separately
Wrap each dish separately. Place cushioning material at the bottom of the box and between items to avoid hard objects knocking against each other. Fill empty spaces in the box, but do not rely on excessive compression to secure items; split heavy crockery into several boxes and do not pack it with large glassware.
- Protect knife blades and label them clearly; do not leave them loose at the bottom of boxes
- Check the bottle caps for seasonings, then pack them separately in leak-proof packaging
- Empty perishable food and opened liquids
- Pack cleaning products separately from food and tableware; check first whether special liquids can be moved
Bedroom: separate clothing, bedding and personal items
Pack clothes worn regularly, pyjamas and one set of bedsheets into the first-night essentials. Pack seasonal clothes into boxes first. Keep bedding dry before bagging it; do not seal in wet towels or un-dried clothes. Whether wardrobe boxes are suitable and available should be checked according to the arrangement.
Bag and label small items in drawers separately. Keep jewellery, identity documents and medicine with you. If the bed frame needs to be dismantled, photograph the structure and connection points, and match the parts to the corresponding furniture number to avoid finding screws impossible to identify in the new home.
Living room: note appliance wiring first; sort decorations by material first
Take photos of the wiring for the TV, monitor and audio equipment first, then switch them off and tidy the cables according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Screens must not be pressed by other items; if suitable packaging is not available, check with the moving company first. Do not just cover it with a thin cloth and assume it is protected.
Glass, ceramics and protruding parts are handled item by item; large mirrors or hanging pictures should be listed separately. Books may be packed upright or flat in suitable small boxes, with the weight of each box kept under control; do not pack electrical appliances, books and fragile ornaments into the same large box.
Use the same set of labels after sealing the boxes for handover
Write the room, box number and a brief description on each box, and add “Fragile” and the correct orientation if needed. Stick the label on at least one side, and keep an electronic box-number list separately; confidential documents may be numbered only, without disclosing contents on the box.
Before sealing, confirm the base and box body are intact, with no bulging, dampness or unusual heaviness. Leave a small unsealed sorting area for the final items, and update the actual number of boxes and special items again before the move so the list matches the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which room should I start packing up first?
First deal with items used less often and less frequently used areas, then organise daily necessities. Decide the destination of the items room by room first, to avoid having to reopen boxes after they are sealed.
Can dishes be stacked in one box?
Each item must be protected, with the base of the box and any gaps properly filled so hard objects do not knock against each other directly. Heavier crockery should be boxed separately, and large glass items should not be placed under heavy items.
Can clothes be moved together with the wardrobe?
Do not assume so. Items inside cabinets should be emptied according to the structure and the team’s arrangement; whether garment transport or wardrobe boxes are suitable and available should be confirmed with the company first.
What should be done if there is no original box for the TV?
First provide the dimensions and photos to confirm the suitable protection method. Screens must not be put under pressure; a thin cloth or a standard box may not be enough, and it should not be treated as completed packing on your own.
Is it enough to write only the room name on the label?
It is best to add the box number, brief contents and any necessary directional marking, and keep a separate electronic inventory. Side labels can still be identified after stacking.