To pack for a house move, work one room at a time, gather the right materials first, wrap fragile items in bubble wrap with plenty of cushioning, and label every box by room and contents. Start with rarely used rooms 2–3 weeks ahead and keep an essentials box for the first night.
Key takeaways
- Pack room by room — never mix items from different rooms in one box.
- Use small boxes for heavy items (books) and large boxes for light items.
- Wrap fragile items individually; fill gaps so nothing shifts.
- Label every box by room + contents, and mark fragile boxes clearly.
- Keep an ‘essentials’ box and your valuables with you, not on the truck.
Packing materials checklist
Gather everything before you start so packing flows without interruptions:
- Sturdy cartons in small, medium, and large sizes
- Bubble wrap and packing paper for fragile items
- Stretch film for furniture and drawers
- Strong packing tape and a dispenser
- Markers and labels (or coloured tape per room)
- Old blankets/towels for extra cushioning
How to pack fragile items so nothing breaks
- Line the box base with crushed paper or bubble wrap.
- Wrap each item individually — glasses, plates, frames.
- Stack plates vertically (on edge), not flat — they resist pressure better.
- Fill every gap so items cannot move.
- Mark the box ‘FRAGILE — THIS WAY UP’ on all sides.
Room-by-room packing order
Pack in this sequence to stay organised and avoid last-minute chaos:
| When | Pack | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 weeks out | Storage, books, décor | Rarely used items first |
| 1 week out | Kitchen extras, wardrobe | Keep a few daily items aside |
| 2–3 days out | Most of the kitchen, bedding | Leave out one set per person |
| Moving day | Essentials box, electronics | Carry valuables yourself |
Prefer professionals to pack for you? imTransporter teams use 3-layer protective packing — see how home shifting works.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I start packing?
Start 2–3 weeks before moving day with rarely used rooms and items, then work toward daily-use items. Pack your essentials box last, on moving day.
How do I pack plates so they don’t break?
Wrap each plate individually in packing paper or bubble wrap and stack them vertically (on their edges) in a well-cushioned box. Fill all gaps so they cannot shift in transit.
What should go in an essentials box?
A change of clothes, toiletries, medicines, chargers, important documents, basic kitchen items, and anything you’ll need the first night before you unpack.
Should I hire professionals or pack myself?
DIY packing saves money for small moves, but professional 3-layer packing is far safer for fragile, bulky, or high-value items and large homes, and it saves significant time.
How many boxes do I need for a 2 BHK?
A typical 2 BHK needs roughly 25–40 boxes of mixed sizes, plus bubble wrap and paper. Movers bring all required material when they handle packing.
Related guides
Planning a move? Get a free, no-obligation quote from imTransporter.
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