Plan your 1 bed move: quick overview
A 1 bed move is usually straightforward if you nail three things early: box count, packing order, and a simple labelling system.
Boxes and packing
Plan for 20 to 40 boxes for most 1 bedroom moves. You’ll usually be nearer 40 if you’ve got lots in wardrobes, a full kitchen, books, or packed cupboards.
What to pack first (to save time)
Pack in this order so you don’t box up things you still need:
- Storage cupboards and “spare” items you don’t use weekly
- Books, decor, and non essentials from the living room
- Out of season clothes and shoes
- Kitchen extras you don’t use daily
- Everyday essentials last
Packing tips that actually help
Label every box with the room plus one short note, like “Kitchen, glasses”
Use small boxes for heavy items like books, pans, and appliances
Use bigger boxes for light items like bedding and coats
Wrap fragile items so they can’t move in the box, not just so they’re covered
Keep screws and fittings in a bag taped to the item they came from
Download our free moving house checklist for a simple, step by step plan from packing to moving day.
First night box (don’t skip this)
Pack one “first night” box and keep it with you, not in the van. It’s the stuff you’ll want immediately when you arrive, before you start opening everything.
- Bedding
- Toiletries
- Chargers
- Kettle basics
- Change of clothes
- Key documents and keys
Need supplies? You can order moving boxes and packing materials from HOLD’s box shop.
Van size and removals
For a 1 bed move, the best van choice comes down to whether you want to do it in one trip, or you’re happy doing two.
Quick van guide for a 1 bed
Small van: Good for light moves, minimal furniture, or if you’re fine doing two trips.
Medium van: Best default for most 1 bed moves, especially if you want to do it in one trip or you’ve got a sofa and bed frame.
Large van or Luton: Only worth considering if you’ve got unusually bulky items or access makes multiple trips slow and stressful.
What usually forces you to size up
- A large sofa or bulky armchair
- A king mattress or oversized bed frame
- White goods you’re taking with you
- Lots of stairs or a long walk to the van
- No easy parking outside the building
Flats: what affects timing most
Stairs and distance are what slow flat moves down. Without a lift, every box takes longer. When the van can’t pull up close, loading turns into a back-and-forth trek.
And if your building needs a move-in slot or lift booking, lock it in early so you’re not waiting around on the day.
- HOLD customers can access free move-in van hire credit via Enterprise Car Club.
- If you’d rather hire movers, HOLD can point you to trusted local removal companies.
Timeline for a 1 bedroom move
A simple plan keeps a 1 bed move quick and calm. The aim is to pack steadily, leave daily essentials until last, and make moving day as close to “load, drive, unload” as possible.
Two weeks before
Get the basics locked in. Book your van or removals help, order your boxes and packing supplies, then start on the non essentials.
Clearing out cupboards as you go keeps the packing lighter and stops you moving things you don’t actually want.
One week before
Sort the practical details that can slow a flat move down. Confirm parking and building access, pack the kitchen extras you won’t use every day, and box up most of your wardrobe.
Label each box with the destination room so unloading is quick and you’re not opening everything to find what goes where.
Two days before
Aim to have almost everything packed. Leave out only the things you’ll genuinely need, dismantle any furniture that requires it.
Remember to put your first night box and important documents to one side so they don’t get buried.
Moving day
Pack the last essentials, then load the big items first so the van is stable and space efficient.
Do a final sweep for cupboards, drawers, and chargers, take meter readings, lock up, and keep your keys somewhere you can reach easily.
Download our free moving house checklist for a clear, step-by-step plan for a stress-free move.
Storage unit size for a 1 bedroom home
Storage is most useful when your dates don’t line up, you’re decorating, or you want to clear space so packing feels easier.
Best fit sizes for a 1 bed
35 sq ft: Works for a lighter 1 bed, or when you’re storing boxes and a few pieces of furniture.
50 sq ft: A strong fit for most full 1 bed contents, including appliances.
Find your perfect unit size with HOLD
When to size up
- You’re storing everything, not just the bulky bits
- You’ve got a lot of furniture or a large sofa
- You’re adding bikes, prams, or bigger hobby items
- You want easier access rather than stacking high
