Moving house is exciting, but packing everything you own can quickly become overwhelming. Many people underestimate how long packing takes or how important it is to pack items properly to avoid damage during the move.
Professional removalists handle moves every day and know exactly what works and what doesn’t. With the right approach, you can make packing faster, safer, and far less stressful.
Below are 15 expert packing tips from professional removalists, plus a free packing checklist you can download and use before your move.
1. Start Packing Early
One of the most common mistakes people make when moving is leaving packing until the last minute.
Ideally you should begin packing 3–4 weeks before your moving date, starting with items you rarely use such as:
- seasonal clothes
- decorations
- spare linens
- books
- storage items
Packing gradually will make moving day much easier.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need.
Before packing each room, sort items into four categories:
- Keep
- Donate
- Sell
- Throw away
The fewer things you move, the faster and cheaper your move will be.
3. Use Strong Moving Boxes
Not all boxes are suitable for moving.
Use double-layer moving boxes for heavier items and avoid old supermarket boxes that may collapse during transport.
Recommended box sizes:
- Small boxes – books and heavy items
- Medium boxes – kitchenware and household items
- Large boxes – clothes and bedding
4. Don’t Overpack Boxes
Heavy boxes are one of the biggest problems removalists deal with.
A good rule of thumb:
If a box is difficult to lift, it’s too heavy.
Instead of filling large boxes with books, use smaller boxes so they are easier and safer to carry.
5. Wrap Fragile Items Properly
Fragile items such as glassware, plates, and decorations should be wrapped carefully.
Use:
- packing paper
- bubble wrap
- towels or soft clothing
Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top.
6. Label Every Box
Clearly labeling boxes properly saves a huge amount of time during unpacking.
Each box should include:
- the room it belongs to
- a short description of contents
- “Fragile” if necessary
Example:
Kitchen – Plates and Glasses (Fragile)
7. Pack an Essentials Box
Your essentials box should contain the items you will need immediately after arriving at your new home.
Include things like:
- phone chargers
- medications
- toiletries
- snacks
- important documents
- basic kitchen items
Keep this box with you rather than loading it onto the truck.
8. Protect Furniture Properly
Furniture is often the most valuable part of a move.
Use:
- furniture blankets
- stretch wrap
- protective padding
This helps prevent scratches and damage during loading and transport.
9. Take Photos of Electronics Before Disconnecting
Before unplugging TVs, computers, or entertainment systems, take photos of the cable setup.
This makes it much easier to reconnect everything in your new home.
10. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items
Suitcases with wheels are perfect for transporting heavier items like books.
They are much easier to move than heavy cardboard boxes.
11. Keep Important Documents Separate
Important documents should always be kept with you rather than packed with other items.
These include:
- passports
- identification
- moving contracts
- insurance documents
12. Use Clothes as Packing Material
Soft clothing items can double as protective packing material.
Use items like:
- towels
- blankets
- sweaters
to wrap fragile objects.
13. Disassemble Large Furniture
Large furniture pieces should be disassembled where possible.
Examples include:
- bed frames
- dining tables
- desks
Place screws and bolts in a small labeled bag and tape it to the furniture piece.
14. Don’t Leave Empty Spaces in Boxes
Empty spaces inside boxes allow items to shift during transport.
Fill gaps with:
- packing paper
- towels
- clothing
This prevents items from moving and breaking.
15. Book Professional Removalists Early
Removalists can become fully booked quickly, especially at the end of the month or on weekends.
Booking your movers 2–3 weeks in advance ensures you secure your preferred moving date.
Professional removalists can also help with:
- heavy lifting
- furniture protection
- efficient loading and transport
Packing properly is one of the most important steps in a successful move. By starting early, using the right materials, and following professional packing techniques, you can reduce stress and protect your belongings during the move.
If you’re planning a move and want to make the process easier, working with experienced removalists can save you time, effort, and potential damage to your furniture. If you are looking for a professional removalist in Sydney, look no further. Here at Grey Whales Removals, we have the expertise, qualified team and professional tools to make your move a stress-free experience.
Donwload your free moving checklist here.