Plan your 1 bed move: quick overview
A 2 bed move is manageable, but it pays to get organised early. The biggest difference is volume. More boxes, more furniture, and usually more time spent packing the second bedroom and storage spaces.
Boxes and packing
Plan for 40 to 60 boxes for most 2 bedroom moves. You’ll usually be nearer 60 if you’ve got loft or shed storage, fuller wardrobes, or a busy kitchen.
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
- The second bedroom first, especially if it’s an office, guest room, or storage space
- 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
Write the room and a quick “what’s inside” on every box, like Kitchen, glasses
Keep heavy items in smaller boxes so they’re easier to lift
Use larger boxes for light, bulky things like bedding and coats
Pack fragiles so they’re tight in the box, not rattling around
Bag up screws and fittings and tape them to the furniture they belong to
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 2 bed move, the best van choice usually comes down to whether you want it done in one trip, and how bulky your furniture is.
Quick van guide for a 2 bed
Medium van: Can work for a lighter 2 bed, or if you’re happy doing two trips.
Large van: Best default for most 2 bed moves, especially if you want to keep trips to a minimum.
Luton van: Often the better fit if you want one trip with bulky furniture and appliances.
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 parking are what usually decide how long a 2 bed flat move takes. With no lift, the time adds up fast because you’re doing more trips with more boxes. If the van can’t stop close to the entrance, loading turns into a long carry.
And if your building needs a move in slot or lift booking, sort it early so you’re not stuck waiting 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 2 bedroom move
A simple plan keeps a 2 bed move running smoothly. The aim is to pack steadily, keep one room usable until late on, and avoid a last minute rush with the kitchen.
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 move down. Confirm parking and building access, pack most of the second bedroom, and box up the bulk 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 what you’ll genuinely need, dismantle any furniture that requires it, and do a last sweep of cupboards and drawers. 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 chargers and small valuables, 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 2 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 2 bed
75 sq ft: A good fit for many 2 bed contents, especially if you’re packing and stacking efficiently.
100 sq ft: A safer fit if you’ve got fuller furniture, appliances, or you want easier access without stacking high.
Find your perfect unit size with HOLD.
When to size up
- You’ve got a dedicated second bedroom set up (guest bed, office furniture, or both)
- You’re storing a dining table and chairs as well as the main sofa
- You’re bringing white goods or extra large items like a chest freezer
- You want to be able to walk in and grab things without moving stacks first
- You’re storing for more than a short gap and want space to keep it organised
