Moving house can be rather chaotic at times to say the least. Purchasing the right packing materials can also be costly at an already expensive time, but what if you already have the perfect packing tools right in your home?
Instead of spending money on expensive packing materials, you can use everyday household items to protect your belongings, maximise space, and make the moving process a lot smoother.
In this guide, we’ll explore unexpected household items that can make packing easier and help you move like a pro.
1. Suitcases with wheels
Before you start stuffing cardboard boxes, make use of your suitcases! They are sturdy, spacious, and portable, making them ideal for:
✔ Heavy items like books, shoes, or kitchenware
✔ Fragile items wrapped in clothes for protection
✔ Personal essentials for easy access after the move
Bonus tip: Hard-shell suitcases offer extra protection and are great for electronics and valuables.
Socks
Forget expensive packing paper! Use thick socks to wrap glassware, mugs, or vases. Simply slide glasses or bottles inside long socks for instant protection.
✔ Prevents scratches and breakage
✔ Saves space by eliminating bulky padding
✔ A cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative
Bonus tip: Use fluffy winter socks for that extra cushioning.
Bin bags
Instead of removing clothes from hangers, keep them in bundles using bin bags. Group 5–10 hanging clothes together. Slide a bin bag up from the bottom and secure the hangers with an elastic band. Then tie the bag’s open end to keep dust out.
✔ Saves time unpacking – just hang them back in your new wardrobe!
✔ Keeps clothes clean and crease-free
✔ Works well for jackets, coats, and dresses
4. Cling film
Cling film isn’t just for the kitchen. It’s perfect for securing liquid-filled bottles and keeping items from shifting.
✔ Wrap toiletries, condiments, and cleaning products to prevent leaks
✔ Cover cutlery trays so you don’t have to unpack everything separately
✔ Keep small screws and fittings from furniture together
Bonus tip: Use cling film to seal drawers shut, so you don’t have to empty them before moving.
Egg cartons
Egg cartons are brilliant for keeping jewellery tangle-free.
✔ Store earrings, rings, and necklaces in separate compartments
✔ Close the carton and tape it shut for safe transport
✔ Keeps small items organised and easy to find
Pro tip: For extra protection, place a cotton pad inside each compartment.
Towels and blankets
Instead of buying bubble wrap, use soft household items to wrap delicate belongings.
✔ Wrap plates and dishes in towels to prevent chipping
✔ Use blankets to cushion mirrors and framed pictures
✔ Line boxes with towels for extra padding
Pillowcases
Instead of plastic bags, use pillowcases to cover handbags and shoes to keep them dust-free and scratch-free.
✔ Keeps high-end handbags in shape
✔ Prevents shoes from scuffing during transport
✔ An eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags
Bonus tip: Stuff shoes with rolled-up socks to help them keep their shape.
Laundry Baskets
Laundry baskets are perfect for last-minute packing.
✔ Use them to carry daily essentials like toiletries, snacks, and chargers
✔ Great for transporting bulky items that don’t fit in boxes
✔ Stackable and reusable for storage after the move
Bonus tip: Keep a laundry basket for immediate unpacking essentials – kettle, mugs, teabags, and a first-aid kit!
More home removal advice:
That might be the end of our hacking tips, but it's certainty not the end of our home removal advice. We're all about making your move as plain sailing as it can be, whether that be through our expert advice or our personalised services.
If you're looking for some more packing and removal advice, check out these helpful guides:
How to Protect Your Floors and Walls During a Move
How to Label Boxes for Moving — Expert Advice
The Most Common Packing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Plus, there's plenty more where they came from over at our advice hub!
Or why not leave it to the experts?
If all this sounds like a bit of a hassle (let’s be honest, moving house often is!), why not leave it to the experts?
At Saint Removals, we bring over 25 years of combined experience to every move. That’s thousands of hours spent packing, unpacking, and perfecting the art of home removals. Our fast and efficient process ensures a smooth, stress-free move — so you can focus on settling into your new home while we handle the heavy lifting.
Need a little more persuading? Check out our glowing customer reviews.
Get in touch to start your home removal journey with us.
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