A typical 2-bed house with average contents needs approximately 40–60 boxes. This breaks down as roughly 20 medium boxes (books, kitchenware), 15 large boxes (clothes, bedding, lighter items) and 10 small boxes (heavy items like books and kitchen equipment). Add 20% if you have lots of storage.
Use a mix: small boxes (1.5 cubic feet) for heavy items like books and CDs — they are easier to carry. Medium boxes (3 cubic feet) for most household items. Large boxes (4.5+ cubic feet) for pillows, duvets and lightweight bulky items only. Never fill large boxes with heavy items — they become impossible to move safely.
Free sources include supermarkets (ask at the service desk), Freecycle, Facebook Marketplace and local corner shops. For new boxes, Bundles of Boxes, Amazon and B&Q offer good value packs. Removal companies often include boxes in their service or sell them at reasonable prices.
Start packing non-essential items 4–6 weeks before moving day. Begin with off-season items, books, and decorative objects. Leave everyday essentials (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom) until the last week. Pack a moving day essentials box last that you keep with you.
Yes — label every box with the destination room and a brief description of contents. Use a thick marker pen on multiple sides so the label is visible when stacked. Some people use coloured tape per room which makes unloading faster. Write FRAGILE clearly on any boxes with breakables.