How to Avoid Common Packing Mistakes
Moving house is exciting — but packing? That’s where things often go wrong. From broken dishes to lost cables, small packing errors can turn moving day into a nightmare. The good news? Most of these mistakes are completely avoidable.
At Brilliant Removals London, we’ve seen it all — from overstuffed boxes bursting open to unlabelled chaos on arrival day. So, here’s your ultimate guide to avoiding the most common packing mistakes and making your move smooth and stress-free.
Not Starting Early Enough
Leaving packing until the last minute is the biggest mistake homeowners make. Rushed packing leads to forgotten items, disorganised boxes, and breakages.
How to Avoid It
- Start packing 2–3 weeks before your move date.
- Begin with rarely used rooms — loft, garage, guest rooms.
- Dedicate 30–60 minutes daily to packing; it’s easier than a weekend marathon.
| Timeline | Packing Stage |
| 3 Weeks Before | Sort & declutter unused items |
| 2 Weeks Before | Start packing non-essentials |
| 1 Week Before | Pack daily essentials by category |
| 2 Days Before | Finalise and label everything |
Skipping Decluttering
Packing things you don’t need wastes time, space, and money. Every extra item adds weight to your move and increases costs.
How to Avoid It
- Sort items into four categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, Recycle.
- Use the “12-month rule” — if you haven’t used it in a year, it can go.
- Donate usable items to local charities or list them online (Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree).
Pro Tip:
The less you move, the cheaper your removals quote will be!
Using the Wrong Boxes
All boxes are not created equal. Using old or mismatched boxes can cause damage when stacked.
Common Mistake:
Using flimsy boxes from supermarkets for heavy or fragile items.
How to Avoid It
| Item Type | Best Box Type | Why It Matters |
| Books & Tools | Small, double-walled box | Prevents collapse under weight |
| Kitchenware | Medium, sturdy box | Keeps fragile items safe |
| Bedding, Clothes | Large, lightweight box | Easier to lift and carry |
| Fragile Decor | Divided box with inserts | Prevents contact and impact |
Bonus Tip:
Always reinforce the base with double tape before filling any box.
Forgetting to Label Boxes
Unlabelled boxes are every mover’s nightmare. You’ll waste hours searching for basic things like your kettle or phone charger.
How to Avoid It
- Label every side of the box, not just the top.
- Include: room name, contents, and handling notes (e.g., Fragile).
- Use colour-coded labels to identify rooms faster.
| Colour | Room |
| Blue | Kitchen |
| Yellow | Bedroom |
| Green | Living Room |
| Red | Fragile Items |
| Orange | Bathroom |
Overpacking Boxes
Stuffing boxes to the brim may seem efficient but often causes them to tear or collapse.
How to Avoid It
- Keep boxes under 20 kg to prevent damage and injury.
- Fill gaps with packing paper or foam instead of extra items.
- Distribute weight evenly: heavy at the bottom, light on top.
Pro Tip:
If you can’t lift the box comfortably, it’s too heavy.
Using Newspaper for Fragile Items
Ink from newspapers can stain glass, ceramics, and clothes.
How to Avoid It
- Use acid-free packing paper or plain white tissue instead.
- Wrap each fragile item individually with two layers.
- Line boxes with bubble wrap or foam peanuts for cushioning.
| Item | Recommended Material |
| Glassware | Small bubble wrap |
| Plates | Foam sheets between each plate |
| Electronics | Anti-static wrap |
| Art/Frames | Corner protectors + bubble wrap |
Forgetting an Essentials Box
One of the most common mistakes — people pack everything, including essentials they’ll need on the first night.
How to Avoid It
Prepare a clearly labelled “Essentials Box” with:
- Toiletries
- Towels and bedding
- Chargers and electronics
- Basic kitchen items
- Important documents
Mover’s Tip:
Keep your essentials box with you — not in the moving van.
Ignoring Fragile Item Protection
Many assume items will stay upright during transit. Unfortunately, vans hit bumps and corners.
How to Avoid It
- Use dividers for glassware or bottles.
- Cushion the bottom of every fragile box with bubble wrap.
- Fill empty spaces so items don’t move.
- Mark boxes as “Fragile” and “This Side Up.”
Not Protecting Furniture Properly
Large furniture pieces are prone to scratches, dents, and dust exposure.
How to Avoid It
- Use moving blankets or plastic wrap on all large furniture.
- Disassemble furniture when possible.
- Keep screws and bolts in labelled zip bags.
- Avoid taping directly on wooden surfaces — it can strip the finish.
| Furniture Type | Protection Needed |
| Sofas | Plastic wrap or sofa covers |
| Tables | Bubble wrap corners + blanket |
| Mattresses | Mattress cover or plastic wrap |
| Wardrobes | Remove drawers before moving |
Relevant Articles:
How to Pack Fragile Items Safely for Transport
Packing Hazardous or Restricted Items
Not everything can go in the moving van. Many companies restrict certain materials for safety reasons.
Commonly Restricted Items
| Category | Examples |
| Flammables | Paints, aerosols, gasoline |
| Perishables | Frozen foods, open condiments |
| Hazardous materials | Cleaning chemicals, bleach |
| Valuables | Cash, jewellery, passports |
Solution:
Carry restricted or valuable items with you, not with the movers.
Not Taking Insurance Seriously
Many clients assume their household insurance covers moving — it often doesn’t.
How to Avoid It
- Ask your moving company about goods-in-transit insurance.
- Declare high-value items upfront.
- Take photos before the move for proof of condition.
At Brilliant Removals, we offer comprehensive coverage so you can move worry-free.
Ignoring Packing Order
Packing in the wrong sequence causes confusion and wasted time.
Best Packing Sequence
- Non-essentials (decor, books)
- Out-of-season clothes
- Kitchen equipment
- Electronics and cables
- Essentials last
Pro Tip:
Keep kitchen items together — don’t scatter across boxes.
Forgetting to Measure Furniture
Imagine arriving and realising your sofa won’t fit through the door!
How to Avoid It
- Label screws and hardware by furniture piece.
- Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases in both homes.
- Disassemble large items before moving day.
Not Hiring Professionals When Needed
DIY packing sounds cheaper, but if you’re moving fragile or bulky items, it can cost more in damage.
How to Avoid It
Hire professional movers who provide:
- Proper materials and wrapping techniques
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Efficient, insured transport
Brilliant Removals London offers full packing and moving services designed for safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Summary
Packing mistakes can turn an otherwise smooth move into a stressful one. With proper planning, good materials, and a clear system, you’ll avoid the most common pitfalls.
If you’re looking for expert help, Brilliant Removals London can handle everything — from eco-friendly packing to secure transportation. Let us make your move seamless, safe, and stress-free.
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