Packing Tips That Actually Prevent Damage

Use proper packing paper for fragile items, not just newspaper — ink transfer aside, newspaper offers less cushioning.

Double-wall boxes for anything heavy (books, tools); standard boxes are fine for lightweight items like linen or clothing.

Bubble wrap and furniture blankets for anything with a polished or delicate surface.

Wrap plates individually and pack them on their edge, not flat — flat-stacked plates crack far more easily under weight.

Fill every gap in a box of fragile items. Movement inside the box is what causes breakage, not the move itself.

For pianos, artwork, mirrors and antiques, specialist handling and equipment matter more than extra padding — this is where a professional removalist earns their fee.

Disassemble what you can — bed frames, table legs — and keep the hardware in a labelled bag taped to the item.

Wrap corners and edges of wooden furniture; corners take the brunt of bumps during loading.

Protect fabric upholstery from dust and scuffs with shrink wrap or moving blankets, not plastic bags that trap moisture.

Heavy items (books) in small boxes, light items (linen, pillows) in large boxes — keeps every box liftable.

Tape the bottom of every box in an H-pattern, not just a straight line, so it doesn't give way under weight.

Label every box with contents and destination room on at least two sides, so it's readable from any angle in the truck.