How to Pack for a Van Move

Introduction

Moving to a new home can be both exciting and stressful. One of the most challenging aspects is packing your belongings efficiently to ensure they arrive safely at your new destination. Whether you're moving across town or to a different city, proper packing techniques can save you time, reduce stress, and protect your valuable possessions.

At VanDeliveryUK, we've helped thousands of customers move their belongings safely. Based on our experience, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you pack effectively for your next van move.

"The success of your move largely depends on how well you pack. Take the time to do it right, and you'll thank yourself later." - John Smith, Moving Specialist

Planning Your Packing Strategy

Before you start throwing items into boxes, it's essential to develop a packing strategy. This will help you stay organized throughout the process and make unpacking much easier.

Here are some key steps to include in your packing strategy:

1. Create an inventory: Make a list of all your belongings, room by room. This will help you keep track of everything during the move.
2. Declutter: Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. Sort your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard.
3. Gather supplies: Estimate how many boxes and packing materials you'll need and purchase them in advance.
4. Set a packing schedule: Allocate specific days for packing different rooms to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
5. Pack room by room: Focus on one room at a time to maintain organization.

Essential Packing Materials

Having the right packing materials is crucial for protecting your belongings during transit. Here's a list of essential supplies you'll need:

• Moving boxes: Get a variety of sizes for different items. Small boxes for heavy items like books, medium boxes for most household goods, and large boxes for lightweight items like pillows and bedding.
• Packing paper: Ideal for wrapping fragile items and filling empty spaces in boxes.
• Bubble wrap: Provides extra protection for delicate items.
• Packing tape: Use heavy-duty tape to secure box bottoms and tops.
• Markers: For labeling boxes with their contents and destination room.
• Furniture blankets: To protect furniture from scratches and dents.
• Plastic wrap: Useful for keeping drawers closed and protecting upholstered furniture.
• Mattress bags: To keep mattresses clean during the move.

Room-by-Room Packing Guide

Each room presents unique packing challenges. Here's how to approach packing different areas of your home:

Kitchen

The kitchen often contains the most fragile items in your home, so it requires special attention:

• Wrap plates individually and stack them vertically in boxes (like records), not flat.
• Place paper or bubble wrap between glasses and wrap them individually.
• Use original packaging for appliances if available.
• Pack heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top.
• Use towels or dishcloths to fill empty spaces and provide extra cushioning.

Living Room

Living rooms often contain a mix of furniture, electronics, and decorative items:

• Disassemble furniture if possible and keep hardware in labeled bags.
• Wrap TV screens in blankets or specialized TV covers.
• Pack books in small boxes to prevent them from becoming too heavy.
• Wrap artwork and mirrors in bubble wrap and place them in picture boxes.
• Take photos of electronic setups before disconnecting wires.

Bedroom

Bedrooms contain a mix of furniture, clothing, and personal items:

• Leave clothes on hangers and group them together with a garbage bag over them.
• Use vacuum-sealed bags for bulky items like comforters and winter clothing.
• Pack shoes in their original boxes or wrap them individually.
• Use luggage and duffel bags for clothing and soft items.
• Protect jewelry in specialized containers or wrap pieces individually.

Handling Fragile Items

Fragile items require extra care to ensure they arrive intact at your new home:

• Double-box valuable items: Place the wrapped item in a small box, then place that box inside a larger one with cushioning material around it.
• Fill empty spaces: Make sure there's no room for items to shift during transit.
• Label clearly: Mark boxes containing fragile items on all sides.
• Consider transporting extremely valuable items yourself: Keep family heirlooms, expensive electronics, or irreplaceable items with you rather than in the moving van.

Preparing Furniture for Transport

Furniture requires special preparation to prevent damage during a move:

• Disassemble when possible: Take apart bed frames, table legs, and other furniture that can be safely disassembled.
• Protect surfaces: Wrap wooden furniture with moving blankets to prevent scratches.
• Secure drawers and doors: Use plastic wrap to keep drawers and cabinet doors from opening during transit.
• Remove and wrap glass components: Take out glass shelves or tabletops and wrap them separately.
• Cover upholstered furniture: Use plastic covers to protect fabric from dirt and moisture.

Loading the Van Efficiently

How you load the van is just as important as how you pack your boxes:

• Create a base layer: Start with heavy, sturdy items like appliances and heavy furniture.
• Use the vertical space: Stack boxes to the ceiling, with heavier boxes at the bottom.
• Fill gaps: Use soft items like bags of clothing or bedding to fill spaces between furniture and boxes.
• Distribute weight evenly: Balance the load from side to side to prevent shifting during transit.
• Keep essentials accessible: Pack a box of essentials (toiletries, medications, change of clothes) last so it's easily accessible.

Conclusion

Packing for a van move doesn't have to be overwhelming. With proper planning, the right materials, and efficient techniques, you can ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Remember to start early, stay organized, and take your time with fragile items.

If you find the packing process too time-consuming or stressful, consider hiring professional packers. At VanDeliveryUK, we offer comprehensive packing services to make your move as smooth as possible. Contact us to learn more about how we can help with your next move.