Pack Smart: The Right Materials Make Moving Easy
Choosing the right packing materials comes down to a few essentials: sturdy double-walled boxes in two or three sizes, bubble wrap and packing paper for anything fragile, strong tape, a marker for labelling, and a few specialty boxes for hanging clothes and screens. Use quality materials — not tired second-hand boxes for heavy or breakable things — and packing becomes faster, safer and far less stressful. At Cape Removals we pack Cape Town homes every week, and the right box in the right place is where a smooth move begins.
What Packing Materials Do You Actually Need?
Most moves need the same short list. The table below shows what each item is for and a rough quantity for an average two-to-three-bedroom home — a handy starting point when you order your packing materials and boxes.
| Material | What it is for | Rough quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Small boxes | Books, files and heavy items | 15–25 |
| Medium and large boxes | Kitchenware, clothes and general goods | 20–35 |
| Wardrobe boxes | Hanging clothes, straight from the rail | 3–6 |
| Bubble wrap and packing paper | Cushioning glass, crockery and electronics | 2–3 rolls plus a ream |
| Strong packing tape | Sealing and reinforcing boxes | 4–6 rolls |
| Marker and labels | Labelling every box by room | A few |
| Mattress and furniture covers | Keeping soft furnishings clean and dry | Per item |
How Many Boxes Do You Need for Your Move?
As a rough guide, a studio or one-bedroom flat needs around 15 to 25 boxes, a two-to-three-bedroom home needs 40 to 70, and a large family house can run past 100. Add a few wardrobe boxes and a couple of specialty boxes for the television and mirrors. It is always better to have a handful too many than to run short on packing morning — good boxes are inexpensive next to the stress of scrambling for more. If you are moving just a few items or a small flat, a mini move keeps everything simple.
How Do You Protect Fragile Items?
Wrap, cushion and fill the gaps. Wrap each glass, plate and ornament individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, stand plates on their edges rather than flat, and never leave empty space in a box — fill it with paper so nothing shifts in transit. The Canadian Conservation Institute, which packs priceless museum pieces, sums it up simply: immobilise the item and cushion it against shock. Mark every fragile box clearly and load it near the top, and your breakables travel as calmly as everything else.
New or Second-Hand Boxes: Which Should You Use?
Use new, double-walled boxes for anything heavy, fragile or travelling long-distance — a used box that has already done one move can give way at the worst moment. Clean, sturdy second-hand boxes are fine for light, unbreakable things like linen and soft toys, and reusing them is kinder on your budget and the planet; the US Environmental Protection Agency lists reusing boxes among the simplest ways to cut waste. Whatever you reuse, check the base is solid and give it an extra strip of tape.
Where Can You Get Quality Packing Materials in Cape Town?
We can sort you out in one stop. Rather than hunting around town, order your boxes, wrap, tape and covers through Cape Removals — see our packing materials range and we will make sure you have the right kit for your move. Prefer not to pack at all? Our team can do the whole pack for you, carefully and quickly, and you can add secure storage if your new place is not quite ready. Tell the Cape Removals team what you are moving and we will guide the rest. Wherever you are headed, we make moving a breeze.
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Frequently asked questions
What packing materials do I need for a move?
Sturdy boxes in two or three sizes, bubble wrap and packing paper for fragiles, strong tape, a marker, and a few wardrobe and specialty boxes. You can order the lot through our packing materials range in one go.
How many boxes do I need?
Roughly 15 to 25 for a one-bedroom flat, 40 to 70 for a two-to-three-bedroom home, and 100-plus for a large house. It is better to have a few too many than to run short. For a small move, a mini move keeps it simple.
How do I protect fragile items?
Wrap each item individually, stand plates on edge, and fill every gap with paper so nothing shifts. Mark the box fragile and load it near the top. Our team can supply the right bubble wrap and cushioning or pack the fragiles for you.
Can I use second-hand boxes?
Yes, for light and unbreakable items — reusing clean boxes is budget-friendly and greener. Use new, double-walled boxes for anything heavy, fragile or long-distance. When in doubt, a quick free quote will tell you what your move needs.
Where can I buy packing materials in Cape Town?
Straight from us — boxes, wrap, tape and covers, ready for your move. Browse our packing materials range and we will make sure you have the right kit.
Do you offer a full packing service?
We do. If you would rather not pack at all, our team can carefully pack your whole home and load it for you. Ask about it when you request your quote and we will build it in.
Can you store my things if my new place is not ready?
Yes — our secure storage gives you a safe place to hold boxes and furniture for as long as you need, so a gap between homes is never a problem.
How do I pack an office for a move?
Offices need a little more planning around IT and files. Our step-by-step office-packing guide walks you through it, and pairs neatly with the right materials from the list above.
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