The Ultimate Guide to Packing Supplies: How to Choose Boxes & Wrap to Protect Your Belongings
Packing is the most daunting part of moving. Choosing the wrong box or skimping on wrap can lead to broken treasures and unnecessary stress. This isn’t just about putting things in containers; it’s about ensuring your life arrives at your new home exactly as it left. Here’s how to get it right.
1. The Right Box for the Job: Don't Just Use Any Cardboard
a) Small Boxes (30×30×30 cm)
Purpose: Your workhorse for heavy, dense items.
Pack Here: Books, tools, canned food, dinner plates, records.
Pro Tip: Their size prevents overpacking, making them safe and easy to carry. Never put heavy items in a large box.
b) Medium Boxes (45×45×40 cm)
Purpose: The most versatile box for the majority of your items.
Pack Here: Pots and pans, toys, small appliances, shoes, and linens.
Pro Tip: This is likely the box you'll use the most. Order plenty.
c) Large Boxes
Purpose: For lightweight, bulky items only.
Pack Here: Blankets, pillows, comforters, lampshades, stuffed animals.
⚠️ Warning: It's tempting to fill a big box, but it becomes impossibly heavy and risks breaking. Use sparingly!
d) Specialty Boxes: Worth Every Dollar
Wardrobe Boxes: Essential. Keep your work clothes, dresses, and suits hanging and wrinkle-free. Unpacking is a breeze—just hang them in your new closet.
Glassware/Kichen Boxes with Dividers: Non-negotiable for your kitchen. The custom dividers prevent glasses, mugs, and stemware from knocking into each other. The single best investment to prevent breakage.
2. How Many Boxes Do You Really Need? (Brisbane Home Guide)
Home SizeEstimated Number of BoxesWhat to Order1-Bedroom Apartment20 - 30 boxesMix of small & medium, 1-2 wardrobe boxes2-Bedroom Home30 - 50 boxesMix of small & medium, 2-3 wardrobe boxes, 1-2 kitchen boxes3-Bedroom House+60+ boxesHealthy mix of all sizes, 3+ wardrobe boxes, 2+ kitchen boxes
🧠 SwiftMove Pro Tip: Always add 10-15% to your estimate. You will always underestimate the amount of "stuff" you have.
3. The Protectors: Wrap, Paper, and Tape
Your boxes are nothing without the right materials to cushion the ride.
Bubble Wrap: For fragile electronics (TVs, monitors), picture frames, and decor. Wrap items individually and use multiple layers for extra fragile items.
Stretch Film (Plastic Wrap): A mover's secret weapon. Wrap it around furniture to protect from scratches, bundle drawers shut so they don't fall out, and protect items from dust and moisture.
Packing Paper/Kraft Paper: Perfect for wrapping dishes and stuffing empty spaces in boxes to prevent items from shifting. It's eco-friendly and excellent for surface protection.
High-Quality Packing Tape: Don't use masking tape or duct tape. Use strong, plastic packing tape and always seal the bottom and top seams in a double "H" pattern for maximum strength.
4. The Golden Rule: Label Like a Maniac
Every single box must have a label with:
The Room it belongs in (e.g., "Kitchen", "Master Bedroom").
A brief contents list (e.g., "Plates, Cups, Cutting Boards").
Fragile? Mark it clearly with a big "FRAGILE" and arrows for "This Side Up."
🎨 Next-Level Tip: Use a different colour sticker for each room (e.g., blue for kitchen, yellow for bedroom). On moving day, you can just tell movers "blue stickers go to the kitchen" – it saves hours.
The SwiftMove Difference: We Take the Pain Out of Packing
Sourcing all these different boxes, wraps, and tapes is a hassle. Storing them before and after the move is a nightmare. And packing everything correctly is a massive time commitment.
What if you could skip all that?
At SwiftMove, we don't just bring the truck—we bring the complete packing solution.
Premium Supplies: We use heavy-duty, Australian-grade boxes and professional-grade wraps designed to survive Brisbane's heat and humidity.
The Complete Kit: Tell us the size of your home, and we'll deliver the perfectly calculated pack of boxes, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, and tape right to your door.
Professional Packing Service: Prefer absolute peace of mind? Our expert crew can pack your entire home for you—efficiently, carefully, and with insurance-backed care.
Why stress about the boxes when you can focus on the excitement of your new beginning?
👉 Get the Right Boxes, Right Now.
Order a custom packing kit or let our pros handle it all.
📞 Call SwiftMove for a Quote: 0494 083 737
