How to Pack for a Move: 10 Rules from Brisbane Removalists

Two similar homes can take very different amounts of time to move. The difference is often the packing. If you need practical help before moving day, ask about our Brisbane packing services.

Strong, consistently sized cartons move quickly. Overfilled bags, loose items and mixed boxes slow every room down.

Use these ten rules before your Brisbane removalists arrive.

1. Start with the room you use least

Begin four to six weeks before moving day with:

• garage and shed
• spare room
• books
• decorations
• seasonal clothing
• linen cupboard
• stored kitchenware

Leave daily bathroom, kitchen and bedroom items until the final week.

2. Declutter before packing

Every item you remove is one less item to pack, carry, pay to transport and unpack.

Use four categories:

• move
• sell
• donate
• dispose or recycle

Do not move an unwanted item simply because deciding feels difficult.

3. Keep one destination room per box

A carton containing kitchen, bathroom and office items creates three unpacking jobs. Keep contents together by their destination at the new home.

If rooms differ between properties, label for the destination: New home, upstairs bedroom 2.

4. Use small boxes for heavy items

Books, records, tools, crockery and tinned food belong in small cartons. Large cartons are for light, bulky items.

Keep each carton at a weight one person can carry safely. If you cannot lift it comfortably, divide it.

5. Stop items moving inside the carton

Wrap fragile objects individually and fill empty spaces with packing paper, towels or clean linen.

Before sealing, tilt the carton gently. If contents shift, add more padding.

6. Label at least two sides

Write:

• destination room
• brief contents
• fragile or heavy where relevant
• box number if you use an inventory

Do not label only the top. Tops disappear when cartons are stacked.

7. Tape the base and top correctly

Use quality packing tape. Seal the centre seam, then tape across both ends to form an H.

Avoid masking tape and ordinary office tape. Brisbane heat and humidity can weaken poor adhesive.

8. Photograph electronics and dismantled furniture

Take photos of:

• television connections
• desk cable routes
• furniture before dismantling
• bracket and shelf positions
• any existing damage

Put hardware into a labelled bag and keep it attached to the item or in a controlled hardware container.

9. Pack fragile flat items upright

• Plates travel vertically with padding.
• Mirrors and framed art travel upright.
• Televisions use a fitted carton or appropriate protection and remain upright.
• Glassware is wrapped individually and packed so it cannot move.

Do not lay large glass items flat under other goods.

10. Load an Open First box last

Include:

• kettle, mugs and drinks
• toilet paper and soap
• chargers and power board
• basic tools
• box cutter and scissors
• cleaning cloth and bin bags
• medication
• bedding
• pet or child essentials

Mark it clearly and ask for it to be unloaded first.

Two expensive packing mistakes

Loose items

Lamps, toys, tools and kitchen items carried individually create dozens of extra trips. If it fits safely in a carton, pack it.

Packing while the crew waits

Finish the night before. Hourly removalists are still being paid while cartons are taped and cupboards are emptied.

Need packing help in Brisbane?

SwiftMove can quote the whole move, packing only, or transport after you pack yourself.