How to Pack for a Local Move – A Step-by-Step Guide

It goes without saying that if you are making a move, no matter where you are starting or ending up, it is a process that takes time, effort and preparation. 

You may not realise that there are plenty of ways to make a big (or even a small) move easier for yourself. Sometimes, all it takes is getting the basics right, which means that you are going to want to take the time to perfect the art of packing. 

As experts in all things moving, we have put together what we feel is the perfect guide to packing for a local move, outlining some of the key steps that you can take to make moving that little bit easier and stress-free.

Have the supplies that you need

The best place to start when packing is by making sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. Most importantly, you’ll need a good supply of boxes in various sizes. You’ll also want plenty of tape for sealing, pens for labelling, and protective materials like bubble wrap to keep delicate items safe while they are travelling.

We can offer our self-pack box shipping service if you’re planning a local move and want a cost-effective and flexible way to manage your belongings. It is perfect for smaller loads or budget-conscious moves, and allows you to pack at your own pace using high-quality, secure materials. It’s also a great opportunity to declutter before moving day. Explore our self-pack box shipping service to see how it can simplify your local house move and keep your relocation stress-free and organised.

It’s better to overestimate how much you’ll need—running out of supplies halfway through the packing process can really slow things down.

Start with the things that you don’t need

In everyday life, some items are essential and used daily, while others aren’t quite as vital to your routine. When packing, it’s best to begin with the less frequently used belongings.

The last thing you want is to have everything boxed up, only to find yourself unpacking again to retrieve something important.

Pack like with like 

While your main focus might be on packing, it’s important not to overlook the unpacking process at the other end. That means thinking carefully about how you pack and how easily you’ll be able to locate your belongings once you arrive.

Try to group similar items together, those that belong in the same room or serve the same purpose, as this will make unpacking much more straightforward.

Equally, if there are items that are fragile, then it is a good idea to keep them together because then you are not going to risk damaging them in the move and forgetting where the fragile things are. 

Take the time to label

When you are rushing to get packed up (and thinking about where you are going to need to be), it is all too easy to disregard just how important labelling each box is. Once you are settled in your new home, there is a good chance that you are going to find it much harder to work out what is what, without some form of labelling in place. 

These labels do not need to be anything too fancy; they could simply be the room that the items inside the box belong to and whether they are fragile or not. This could be added to the box with a permanent pen. Just knowing what is in there and the room it is destined for, is often enough to make the move that much easier.

Remember how long it takes to pack

If you are moving locally, then the good news is that the move itself might not take that long, and it may feel somewhat easier than if you are planning to move to a whole different part of the UK, or a new country entirely. However, it is still important to remember that the process does take time, and this is not something that you should be rushing. 

Trying to speed through a move increases the chances of forgetting items, packing them poorly, risking damage, or failing to organise them in a way that makes unpacking easier for you.

Instead, you should do whatever you can to plan in plenty of time for your move, think about what you will need to do, and sometimes even overcompensate for how long it will likely take you. 

Make it easier for yourself

One of the best ways to make moving, even a short distance, as easy as possible is to seek out professional help. Just like we are able to offer here at Pinnacle. Having a moving company on your side means that you not only get to miss out on the manual work but also much of the planning and preparation work. And having a company that specialises in domestic moves is another plus.

When you consider the time, effort, and planning involved in even a local move, it’s easy to see why hiring a professional moving company can make all the difference. At Pinnacle, we do more than handle the heavy lifting—we provide expert advice, tailored support, and a service that’s designed around your needs. Whether you're looking for help with packing, transport, or planning the entire move from start to finish, we’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can help with your local move.