Packing Materials Guide
Essential packing materials for a stress-free house move. Box sizes, bubble wrap, tape & where to buy in London.
Sam Movers 4U
Published: March 26, 2026 | 7 min read
The right packing materials can make the difference between a smooth move and a disaster of broken dishes and damaged furniture. With over a decade of experience helping Londoners move home, we've learned exactly what works—and what doesn't. This guide covers everything you need to know about packing materials, from box sizes and bubble wrap to where to find the best deals in London.
Table of Contents
Essential Packing Materials
Before you start packing, make sure you have all the essentials. Running out of supplies mid-pack is frustrating and slows down the entire process.
Cardboard Boxes
The foundation of any move. Invest in double-walled boxes for heavy items and single-walled for lighter belongings.
£2-£4 per box
Packing Tape
Don't skimp on tape quality. Cheap tape splits and loses adhesion. Get brown packing tape, not sellotape or masking tape.
£2-£4 per roll
Bubble Wrap
Essential for fragile items. Large bubbles for big items, small bubbles for delicate pieces. Reusable if kept clean.
£0.50-£1 per metre
Packing Paper
Better than newspaper (which leaves ink stains). Use for wrapping dishes, glassware, and filling empty box spaces.
£8-£15 per 10kg pack
Moving Box Sizes & Uses
Using the right box for each item prevents damage and makes carrying easier. Here's our guide to box sizes and what belongs in each.
Small Boxes (Book Boxes)
18" × 12" × 12"Perfect for heavy items. The small size prevents overpacking and makes lifting manageable.
Medium Boxes (Standard)
18" × 18" × 20"The workhorse of any move. Ideal for most household items. Don't overfill with heavy items or boxes become unliftable.
Large Boxes
24" × 18" × 24"For light, bulky items only. Large boxes filled with heavy items are impossible to move and likely to break.
Wardrobe Boxes
24" × 20" × 48"Tall boxes with hanging rails. Keep clothes wrinkle-free and make unpacking effortless. One box holds 20-30 garments.
Specialty Packing Supplies
Certain items need special protection. These specialty supplies are worth the investment for valuable or fragile belongings.
Dish Boxes (Dish Packs)
Double-walled boxes with cell dividers for plates, bowls, and glasses. Provides superior protection for kitchen items.
£5-£8 per box
Picture/Mirror Boxes
Flat, telescoping boxes that adjust to fit artwork, mirrors, and frames. Essential for protecting wall hangings.
£4-£7 per box
Mattress Covers
Plastic covers protect mattresses from dirt, moisture, and tears during the move. Available for all mattress sizes.
£4-£10 each
Furniture Blankets
Thick quilted blankets protect furniture from scratches and dents. Can be rented or purchased.
£8-£15 each
Stretch Wrap
Clear plastic wrap for bundling items and protecting furniture. Keeps drawers closed and cushions clean.
£10-£20 per roll
TV Boxes
Double-walled boxes designed for flat-screen TVs. Includes foam padding. Worth it for expensive televisions.
£15-£30 per box
Where to Buy Packing Materials in London
London offers numerous options for purchasing packing supplies. Here are the best places to find quality materials at competitive prices.
Removal Companies
Many removal companies sell packing materials and will deliver them to your door. The quality is usually excellent—boxes designed specifically for moving.
- • Professional-grade materials
- • Often include box buy-back schemes
- • Advice on quantities needed
- • Delivery available
DIY Stores
B&Q, Wickes, and Homebase stock basic moving supplies. Convenient for last-minute purchases but selection may be limited.
- • Immediate availability
- • Multiple London locations
- • Basic supplies covered
- • Often cheaper for tape and wrap
Storage Facilities
Big Yellow, Safestore, and other storage companies sell comprehensive packing supplies, often with online ordering.
- • Specialist moving supplies
- • Online ordering with delivery
- • Bundle deals available
- • Quality guaranteed
Online Retailers
Amazon, eBay, and specialist sites like Boxed-Up offer convenience and often competitive pricing. Plan ahead for delivery times.
- • Wide selection
- • Compare prices easily
- • Customer reviews
- • Bulk discounts
How Much Do You Need?
Use this guide to estimate quantities based on your property size. It's always better to have slightly too many boxes than not enough.
| Material | Studio/1-bed | 2-bed | 3-bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small boxes | 10-15 | 15-20 | 25-35 |
| Medium boxes | 10-15 | 20-25 | 30-40 |
| Large boxes | 5-8 | 10-15 | 15-20 |
| Wardrobe boxes | 1-2 | 3-4 | 5-6 |
| Tape rolls | 2-3 | 4-5 | 6-8 |
| Bubble wrap (m) | 10-15 | 20-30 | 40-50 |
| Packing paper (kg) | 5 | 10 | 15 |
Money-Saving Tips
- • Buy complete moving kits rather than individual items
- • Ask about box buy-back schemes from removal companies
- • Use towels and bedding as padding instead of buying extra bubble wrap
- • Start collecting boxes early from online marketplaces (Facebook, Gumtree)
- • Return unused materials where possible
Professional Packing Tips
Having the right materials is only half the battle. Here's how the pros use them for maximum protection and efficiency.
The H-Tape Method
Seal boxes with tape along the middle seam and both edges, forming an 'H'. This prevents boxes from splitting at the bottom when lifted.
Layer Heavy to Light
Place heavy items at the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top. This prevents crushing and makes boxes easier to carry.
Fill Empty Spaces
Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or even clothing to fill gaps in boxes. Items shift during transit—empty space leads to damage.
Label Everything
Label boxes on multiple sides with contents and destination room. Use coloured stickers for different rooms to speed up unloading.
Don't Overpack
Boxes should close flat without bulging. Overpacked boxes are hard to stack and likely to break. If you can't lift it comfortably, it's too heavy.
Protect Fragile Items
Wrap each fragile item individually. Use plenty of cushioning between items and the box walls. Mark boxes 'FRAGILE' clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size moving boxes do I need?
For a typical house move, you'll need a mix of box sizes: small boxes (18x12x12in) for books and heavy items, medium boxes (18x18x20in) for general household items, and large boxes (24x18x24in) for light, bulky items like bedding. A 2-bedroom flat typically requires 20-30 boxes total.
Where can I buy packing materials in London?
Packing materials are available from removal companies (often with delivery), DIY stores like B&Q and Wickes, storage facilities like Big Yellow and Safestore, online retailers like Amazon and Boxed-Up, and specialist packaging suppliers. Removal companies often offer better quality boxes designed specifically for moving.
How much do moving boxes cost in London?
Standard cardboard moving boxes cost £2-£4 each in London. Wardrobe boxes range from £8-£15. Bubble wrap costs £0.50-£1 per metre. Packing tape is £2-£4 per roll. Many removal companies offer box packages—expect to pay £50-£100 for a complete packing kit for a 2-bedroom property.
Can I use free boxes from supermarkets for moving?
While free supermarket boxes can save money, they're often not ideal for moving. They may be damaged, dirty, or have inconsistent sizes making stacking difficult. They're also not designed for carrying weight over distance. For valuable items or long-distance moves, invest in proper moving boxes.
Related Articles
Need Professional Packing Services?
Our expert team can pack your entire home or just your fragile items. We bring all materials and guarantee safe transport.