How to Pack for a Move: The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Belongings
Packing is the single most important thing you can do to ensure a smooth, damage-free move. Do it wrong, and you’re faced with broken heirlooms and a nightmare unpack. Do it right, and you’ll be settled in no time. As Brisbane’s trusted movers, we’ve packed thousands of homes. Here are our 10 essential tips to pack like a pro.
The Golden Rules of Packing
1. Start Early & Declutter First
Why: Packing always takes longer than you think. Starting 2-3 weeks out reduces last-minute panic.
Pro Tip: Use the "Four-Box Method" for each room: Keep, Donate/Sell, Trash, Relocate. Never pay to move something you don't love or use.
2. Invest in The Right Supplies
Boxes: Use small boxes for heavy items (books, tools), medium for most things, and large for light, bulky items (linens, pillows).
Specialty Boxes: Wardrobe boxes for clothes and cell kits for glassware are worth every cent.
Protection: Stock up on bubble wrap, packing paper (newsprint can stain), and high-quality packing tape. Don't use masking tape—it's not strong enough.
3. Master the Art of the Label
A labelled box is a found box. On every box, write:
The Room it belongs in (e.g., "Kitchen").
A brief contents list (e.g., "Pots, Pans, Cutting Boards").
Priority Level (e.g., "OPEN FIRST" or "FRAGILE").
Next Level: Use a colour-coding system with coloured stickers for each room. Movers can instantly see where a box goes.
Packing Like a Pro: Room-by-Room
4. Pack One Room at a Time
Completely finish one room before moving to the next. This prevents chaos and ensures nothing gets mixed up.
5. How to Pack Fragile Items
Dishes: Pack them vertically on their edge (like records), not flat. They are much less likely to break this way. Use plenty of bubble wrap and paper between each plate.
Glasses: Wrap each one individually, stuff them with paper, and pack them in a cell divider box.
Electronics: If possible, pack them in their original boxes. If not, use plenty of anti-static bubble wrap. Take a photo of cable setups before you unplug everything!
Rule of Thumb: Fill every empty space in a box with packing paper or soft items to prevent shifting.
6. How to Pack Furniture & Odd Items
Drawers: You can leave lightweight, non-fragile clothing in drawers. For heavier items, empty them. Use stretch wrap to bundle drawers shut so they don't slide out during the move.
Art & Mirrors: Use proper picture boxes and corner protectors. Never lay glass flat.
Lamps: Remove lampshades and bulbs. Pack the shade separately in a large box.
The Final Countdown: Moving Week
7. Prepare Your "Open First" Box
This is your survival kit for moving day. It should include:
Phone chargers, power bank
Toilet paper, soap, towels
Basic toolkit, scissors, box cutter
Tea, coffee, snacks, bottled water
A change of clothes for everyone
Medications, pet food, kid essentials
Keep this box with you in your car.
8. Seal and Secure Everything
Use the "H-tape" method for sealing boxes: a strip of tape along the centre seam and another along each side seam. This creates the strongest seal.
Reinforce the bottom of heavy boxes with extra tape.
When DIY Packing Isn't Worth Your Time
Let's be honest: packing is a monumental task. It takes dozens of hours, requires a significant investment in supplies, and comes with the risk of damage if done incorrectly.
What if you could skip all that?
At SwiftMove, we offer two solutions to get you across the finish line:
Packing Supplies Kit: Tell us the size of your home, and we'll deliver the perfectly sized, high-quality packing kit right to your door. No guesswork, no wasted money.
Full Professional Packing Service: Our expert packers will handle everything. They pack faster, safer, and with insurance-backed care, using proven techniques to protect your valuables.
Why spend your weekends drowning in tape and cardboard when you could be enjoying your time before the move?
👉 Ready to Pack Like a Pro—Or Skip It Altogether?
Whether you need boxes, tape, or a full packing crew, SwiftMove has you covered.
📞 Call us for a quote on our packing services or supplies: 0494 083 737
