Getting packing that survives the move intact

You've just received the quote from your removals company and noticed that packing isn't included—or it's an add-on that doubles the price. You're staring at a mountain of belongings, wondering whether bubble wrap and newspaper will cut it, or whether investing in professional packing means your furniture and crockery actually arrive unbroken on the other side.

Packing that survives a move intact isn't just about wrapping things. It's about understanding what fails, how professionals do it differently, and what separates a service that will get the job done from one that prioritises speed over care.

What goes wrong when packing isn't done right

Most breakages happen not during the truck journey, but in the packing and unpacking phases. Items shift inside boxes because they're overstuffed or under-padded. Boxes collapse under stacked weight because they weren't taped properly or made from weak cardboard. Fragile items get crushed because they were packed too densely or rested against hard corners. Heavy items like books end up in the same box as lighter pieces, creating an imbalanced load that splits open.

DIY packing often fails because there's no system. You'll use whatever materials are on hand—old newspaper, plastic bags, the wrong size boxes. You don't know how much protection each item needs or how to distribute weight across boxes. Professional packers, by contrast, have worked through thousands of moves. They understand how items behave during transport, which boxes suit which contents, and how to layer protection so nothing shifts.

What proper packing actually involves

A packing service that delivers intact items follows a sequence. They assess what you have, not just assume everything goes the same way. Fragile items get wrapped individually—plates separated by cardboard dividers, glasses cushioned on all sides. Heavy items go into smaller boxes (never huge boxes filled with books). Light items like bedding go into larger boxes. Nothing is overstuffed; a box should close without force.

Materials matter more than people realise. Professional services use multi-wall cardboard, not flimsy single-wall boxes. They use proper packing paper, bubble wrap in appropriate thicknesses, and sometimes foam corners or dividers. They tape boxes correctly—reinforce the bottom, seal the top, and use the right tape (not masking tape). Electronics get special handling: powered down properly, wrapped to avoid static, and packed so cables don't get kinked.

The packing itself follows a logic. Heavier items go on the bottom of boxes and the truck. Fragile items don't sit under anything heavy. Related items get packed together so you're not hunting through dozens of boxes on arrival. Boxes get labelled clearly—not just "kitchen" but "kitchen—plates," "kitchen—pots," which makes unpacking predictable.

How to know a packing service will keep things safe

Before you book, ask how they choose materials. A service that explains why they're using certain cardboard grades or padding depths is thinking about protection, not just speed. Ask what happens with items you're unsure about—your grandmother's mirror, the antique dresser, electronics. If they have a clear answer rather than "we'll figure it out," they've done this before.

Check whether they inspect items as they pack. Do they photograph fragile pieces? Do they note existing damage? This protects you both. Ask about their packing timeline too. A service that refuses to rush through your entire house in a day is more likely to pack thoughtfully than one offering same-day turnarounds for large homes.

Confirm what insurance covers. Does their service include coverage for breakages during packing, or are you relying on your contents policy? Understand the difference. Ask for references, particularly from people who've moved recently—not showroom-quality testimonials, but honest feedback from real moves.

When you're ready to book a packing service you can trust, Strove's verified packing providers have reviews and portfolios tied to real moves. You can compare their approaches, see what materials they specify, and read what happened on similar jobs before you commit.