Top Tips for Packing Efficiently Before a Big Move

Packing is the most time-consuming part of any house move — and arguably the most dreaded. Whether you’re preparing to leave a one-bedroom flat in Edinburgh or a four-bedroom home in the Scottish Highlands, packing efficiently can mean the difference between a smooth move and a chaotic one.

Efficient packing isn’t about rushing; it’s about strategy, preparation, and organisation. In this article, we’ll give you the ultimate guide to packing like a pro — from gathering the right materials to protecting fragile items and labelling every box like a master.

Let’s make your big move in Scotland easier, lighter, and more organised with these expert packing tips.

1. Start Early – Earlier Than You Think

Packing always takes longer than expected. That’s why you should begin packing 4–6 weeks before your move.

Why It Helps:

• Reduces last-minute stress

• Gives you time to declutter

• Spreads physical effort over multiple days

• Allows for better organisation

Start with non-essentials — books, seasonal clothes, rarely used kitchen items — and gradually work toward daily-use items as moving day approaches.

2. Gather the Right Packing Materials

Don’t wait until the last minute to find boxes. You’ll need a range of materials to protect your belongings properly.

Must-Have Supplies:

• Sturdy boxes in small, medium, and large sizes

• Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes

• Bubble wrap for fragile items

• Packing paper (not newspaper – the ink can transfer)

• Strong packing tape

• Marker pens

• Labels or coloured stickers

• Scissors or box cutter

• Furniture blankets (ask your removals company if they provide these)

Eco-Friendly Tip:

Use towels, jumpers, and linens as padding to reduce waste and save on materials.

3. Declutter Before You Pack

There’s no sense in packing things you don’t want or need. Decluttering before a move will save you time, effort, and money.

Decluttering Checklist:

• Broken or unused electronics

• Clothes you haven’t worn in a year

• Old paperwork or documents

• Furniture that won’t fit your new space

• Toys your children have outgrown

Donate items to Scottish charities like Shelter Scotland or The Salvation Army, or use apps like Freecycle or Gumtree.

4. Pack Room by Room

Packing a little bit from each room will only cause confusion. Instead, focus on one room at a time.

How This Helps:

• Keeps things organised

• Makes unpacking easier

• Reduces risk of items getting misplaced

Start with storage spaces (attic, shed, spare room), then move to less-used rooms before tackling the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathroom.

5. Label Boxes Clearly

Labelling your boxes might be the single most important step in packing efficiently. Without clear labels, unpacking becomes a nightmare.

How to Label Like a Pro:

• Use a permanent marker

• Include:

  • Room name

  • General contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Glassware”)

  • Fragile/This Side Up stickers

• Consider colour coding: assign each room a colour and mark boxes accordingly

Bonus Tip: Number each box and keep a master inventory list to track contents.

6. Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes

This one’s a classic — and for good reason.

Packing heavy items like books, tools, or crockery into large boxes makes them too heavy to carry and increases the risk of boxes breaking.

Do:

• Use small boxes for books, canned goods, and glassware

• Use medium boxes for clothing, shoes, and kitchen items

• Reserve large boxes for lightweight but bulky items (duvets, pillows, towels)

If you can’t lift a box comfortably, it’s too heavy.

7. Protect Fragile Items Properly

Whether it’s your grandmother’s china or your collection of whisky glasses, fragile items deserve extra attention.

Wrapping Techniques:

• Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper

• Place heavier items at the bottom of the box

• Use towels or clothes to fill gaps and prevent shifting

• Mark boxes as “FRAGILE” on all sides

Glasses & Dishes Tip: Stack plates vertically like vinyl records and cushion the top and bottom of the box.

8. Use Suitcases and Drawers

You don’t always have to use cardboard boxes. Make use of your existing containers!

Alternatives to Boxes:

• Suitcases: Ideal for books, shoes, or heavy items

• Plastic tubs: Great for garage and shed items

• Drawers: You can leave soft items inside drawers, then wrap the drawers with cling film or remove them during transport

Just be sure not to overfill or make furniture too heavy to lift.

9. Don’t Leave Empty Gaps

An under-packed box is just as risky as an over-packed one. Empty space inside boxes causes items to shift and can lead to damage.

Fill Gaps With:

• Scrunched-up packing paper

• Soft clothing

• Towels

• Bubble wrap

Boxes should be filled to the top, but not bulging.

10. Pack an Essentials Box

On moving day, the last thing you want to do is rummage through boxes for a toothbrush or kettle. That’s why you need a clearly marked essentials box.

What to Include:

• Kettle, mugs, tea/coffee

• Toilet roll & soap

• Basic toolkit

• Chargers

• First aid kit

• Medication

• Pet food

• Snacks and bottled water

• Change of clothes

Keep this box in your car — not on the van — for easy access.

11. Take Photos of Electronics

Before disconnecting your TV, computer, or Wi-Fi router, take photos of the wiring.

This will save you frustration when trying to reconnect everything at the new place.

Bundle cables together with elastic bands or cable ties and tape them to the device or place in a labelled zip-lock bag.

12. Don’t Seal Everything at Once

You might think you're done packing a room, but it's best to leave one or two boxes open in each area just in case you find something last-minute.

Seal boxes the night before or morning of the move — just not too early.

13. Keep Valuables and Documents Separate

Important items should travel with you, not in the moving van.

Keep With You:

• Passport

• House deeds or rental contract

• Birth certificates

• Jewellery

• Bank cards or cash

• Laptop and phone

Put them in a clearly labelled folder or a small backpack.

14. Coordinate with Your Movers

Your packing strategy should match your mover’s loading plan. Good communication is key.

Tips:

• Let movers know what boxes are fragile

• Provide a floor plan or room guide for unloading

• Tell them what should be loaded last (e.g. essentials box) and what should be first off the van

If you're working with Rapid Removal Scotland, our team will help advise the best loading order for safety and speed.

15. Consider Professional Packing Services

If packing feels overwhelming or time-consuming, you don’t have to do it alone.

Many Scottish removals companies (like Rapid Removal Scotland) offer full or partial packing services, which include:

• Packing materials provided

• Expert wrapping of fragile items

• Efficient, safe boxing of all rooms

• Optional unpacking service at destination

While it adds to your moving cost, it can significantly reduce stress and ensure nothing is damaged.

Bonus: Packing for Different Types of Moves

🏩 Moving from a Flat in Edinburgh or Glasgow?

• Stair access? Pack smaller, lighter boxes

• Limited parking? Be ready for faster loading/unloading

• Use lift (if available) efficiently — pack items per trip

🌳 Moving from a Rural or Detached Property?

• Prioritise storage areas like sheds, garages, and attics

• Wrap outdoor equipment and power tools safely

• Consider bad weather prep — mud, wet boxes, etc.

🛋️ Moving Internationally or Into Storage?

• Use vacuum bags for long-term clothes storage

• Label boxes with full name and destination

• Use moisture-absorbing sachets to prevent damp

Conclusion: Packing Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

Packing may be the most time-intensive part of moving, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With smart planning, the right materials, and a methodical approach, you can pack like a pro and make your move smooth and stress-free.

If you’re planning a move in Scotland and need help with packing, storage, removals, or clearance, Rapid Removal Scotland is here to help.