Moving house can feel like juggling flaming torches; a lot is going on, and one wrong move can lead to chaos. Whether you’re relocating just down the road or across the country, packing is one of the most stressful and time-consuming parts of the process. But it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
To make your move smoother, here are 20 practical packing tips to help you stay organised, protect your belongings, and make unpacking much easier.
1. Start Early
Don’t wait until the week of your move to begin packing. Start at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially if you’ve got a full house. Begin with the non-essentials—seasonal clothing, décor, and books.
2. Declutter First
Take this opportunity to purge what you don’t need. Go room by room and sort items into “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “toss” piles. Fewer items = fewer boxes = easier move.
3. Get Quality Supplies
Cheap boxes might collapse under pressure. Invest in strong, uniform boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Specialty boxes for the television, dishes, or wardrobes are worth it.
4. Label Everything Clearly
Mark every box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. Use large, legible writing and consider colour-coded labels or tape to make sorting even easier.
5. Pack by Room
Stay focused by packing one room at a time. This reduces confusion and helps with systematic unpacking later.
6. Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items
Books, tools, and dishes can get heavy quickly. Use smaller boxes for these to avoid straining your back or breaking the bottom of a box.
7. Use Large Boxes for Light Items
Bedding, pillows, and soft furnishings are perfect for larger boxes. Just be careful not to overfill them, or you might have trouble lifting them.
8. Wrap Fragile Items Properly
Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or even towels to cushion breakables. Plates should be packed vertically (like records), and glasses should be stuffed with paper to prevent cracks.
9. Don’t Leave Empty Gaps
Fill spaces in boxes with crumpled paper, towels, or clothes. This prevents items from shifting during transit and breaking.
10. Use What You Already Have
Suitcases, laundry baskets, tote bags, and even bins can be packed with items. Wrap fragile items in blankets or t-shirts to cut down on bubble wrap.
11. Create an Essentials Box
Pack a separate box or bag with things you’ll need on your first night; think chargers, toiletries, snacks, fresh clothes, medications, and toilet paper.
12. Take Photos of Setups
For electronics or complex furniture setups, take photos before disassembling. It’s also helpful to label cables and components with masking tape so you know exactly where everything connects. That’s why sticking to well-organised packing tips for moving can make a huge difference.
13. Seal Liquids Properly
If you’re taking cleaning supplies or toiletries, tape the lids and place them in plastic bags to prevent leaks. Then, pack them upright in a separate plastic bin to contain any accidental spills during the move.
14. Keep Hardware Together
Use ziplock bags to store screws and bolts from furniture and tape the bag directly to the item or label it clearly. You can also use egg cartons or pill organisers for very small pieces so they don’t get lost.
15. Use Cling Wrap for Drawers
Instead of emptying drawers, keep items inside and wrap the drawer shut with cling wrap. This works well for dresser drawers filled with clothes.
16. Don’t Pack Air
Flatten cardboard boxes, foldable furniture, and other space-wasters if possible. You’re paying for the volume you move—use every inch wisely.
17. Label Boxes with “Heavy” or “Fragile”
Let movers know which boxes need special care. Clearly marking boxes can prevent accidental damage or injuries.
18. Pack Valuables Separately
Jewellery, important documents, passports, and sentimental items should be packed in a personal bag that stays with you during the move.
19. Be Mindful of Weight Limits
Try not to exceed 20kg per box. Even if the box holds more, it may be too heavy to lift safely. Spread out heavy items across multiple boxes if needed.
20. Ask for Help
Whether it’s friends, family, or professionals, don’t try to do it all alone. Professional removalists and packers make the job faster, safer, and far less stressful. It can be tempting to DIY your entire move, but the physical strain, time commitment, and risk of damaging your belongings can quickly become overwhelming. Getting help—especially for large or fragile items—can save you more than just effort. It can save your sanity.
By the time you hit the middle of your move, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the mountain of boxes and to-do lists. Having a solid strategy means fewer headaches, less last-minute scrambling, and a much smoother unpacking process once you arrive at your new place.If you find yourself short on time or energy, or just want peace of mind knowing your belongings are protected, Butler’s Removals & Storage can step in with a professional packing and storage solution that’s tailored to your needs. From careful handling to secure transport, you can trust us to treat your things like our own.