What packing materials do I need for moving house?

If you are planning a self-pack move, you will need to know what packing materials you need.

The answer depends on the size of your home, how much you are moving, and how well you want to protect your belongings in transit. However, most household moves follow the same requirements: a structured set of boxes, protective materials and labelling tools.

This guide will break down exactly what you need.

Moving house supplies list

A complete packing list typically includes:

• Cartons (moving boxes)
• Tape and dispensers
• Protective wrapping (paper and bubble wrap)
• Furniture protection (covers and blankets)
• Labelling tools (marker pen)

Moving boxes

The foundation of any move is a range of strong, double-wall cartons designed for different types and weights.

Eco box shop carton range

All our cartons are made from 100% recycled and recyclable corrugated cardboard.

• 535 x 305 x 260mm carton (suitable for loads up to 5kg) Designed for: books, kitchen items and household contents
• 457 x 457 x 457mm carton (suitable for loads up to 8kg) Designed for: general household items, mixed contents and medium-weight packing
• 800 x 400 x 450mm carton (suitable for loads up to 10kg) Designed for: bulky items, bedding and cushions, and furnishings

For 1 – 2 bedroom properties, our Move Home Kits are the most efficient option:

Our Eco Box Shop Move Home Kit includes:

• 10 × 535 × 305 × 260mm cartons
• 10 × 457 × 457 × 457mm cartons
• 3 × 800 × 400 × 450mm cartons
• 2 × rolls of paper tape (48mm × 50m)
• 1 × Eco marker pen
• 1 × roll of bubble wrap (750mm × 10m)

This kit covers most standard household moves without overcomplication.

Packing tape and dispensers

Secure sealing is essential for safe transport.

Paper tape

A sustainable alternative to plastic tape, designed to seal cartons while maintaining recyclability. 

Tape dispenser

A hand-held dispenser suitable for our standard tape rolls, designed to speed up packing and improve the quality of your sealing.

Protective wrapping materials

Different items will require different levels of protection.

Newspaper wrapping sheets

These sheets are ideal for packing crockery, ornaments and general household items that require added protection.

Acid-free tissue paper

Tissue paper is best for your more delicate or valuable household items, such as silverware or items with scratchable surfaces that need protecting.

Bubble wrap

We recommend using bubble wrap for your glassware, electronics and other breakable objects.

Furniture protection

Mattress covers

Single mattresses, double mattresses and king-size mattresses. These are designed to protect your belongings from dust and moisture.

Sofa cover

Covers will protect your upholstered furniture during handling and transport.

Chair cover

Ideal for protecting individual seating from scuffs and dust.

Furniture blankets

Blankets can be used to protect wooden furniture and large items from scratches and impact.

Labelling and organisation

Clear labelling is essential for an efficient unpacking process

Marker pen

Made from recycled materials, you can use a marker pen to label your boxes, making it easier to identify what content needs to go in what room.

Box cutter

This tool is ideal for packing and unpacking, as it:

• Allows cartons to be safely resizes
• Helps adapt boxes to contents
• Makes boxes easier to flatten after use
• Supports efficient recycling and reuse

Eco-friendly moving house

Pickfords Eco Box Shop materials are designed with recyclability and reuse in mind. Using our packing materials reduces waste, improves packing efficiency, and supports responsible disposal after your move. 

Combined with the correct use of protective materials and packing techniques, this approach helps reduce unnecessary damage and overconsumption of packaging.

Whether you are moving a flat or a full family home, having the right materials from the start makes the process a lot smoother.

Shop our Eco Box Shop for packing materials online and get everything you need delivered directly to your door.