Packing
Moving Boxes Brisbane: The Complete Packing Supplies Guide
The right carton and wrap prevent more damage than extra tape. Use this practical guide to choose boxes, estimate quantities and pack them correctly.
Most packing damage starts before the removalists arrive. A carton is too heavy, fragile items can move inside it, or furniture is wrapped in the wrong material.
Good packing supplies are inexpensive compared with replacing crockery, artwork or a television. Here is what each material is for and how much you may need.
The moving boxes that matter
Small book boxes
Use small cartons for dense items:
- books and records
- tools
- tinned food
- crockery
- small appliances
Keeping the carton small limits its weight. Aim for a box one person can lift safely.
Medium moving boxes
Medium cartons are the workhorse of a home move. Use them for:
- kitchen items
- pantry goods
- toys
- linen
- shoes
- general household contents
If you buy one main size, choose a sturdy medium removalist carton that stacks consistently.
Large moving boxes
Large cartons are for light, bulky items:
- doonas and pillows
- cushions
- soft toys
- lampshades
- lightweight clothing
Do not fill a large carton with books. If it is difficult to lift, repack it into smaller boxes.
Wardrobe cartons
A wardrobe box has a hanging rail, so clothes travel on their hangers. It saves folding, protects formal clothing and makes unpacking faster.
Picture and television cartons
Mirrors, framed artwork and televisions need a correctly sized carton or specialist protection. Transport large flat glass and screens upright, not lying flat.
How many moving boxes do you need?
Every home is different, but this is a useful starting estimate:
Home size
Total cartons to start with
Studio or lightly furnished 1 bedroom
20-30
Full 1 bedroom
30-40
2 bedroom
45-65
3 bedroom
70-100
4 bedroom or larger
100+
Add more for books, a full garage, children’s rooms, large wardrobes or long-term storage. Order early enough to exchange unused flat cartons if your supplier allows it.
Which wrapping material should you use?
Packing paper
Use clean, unprinted packing paper for crockery, glassware and surface protection. It is flexible, fills gaps and does not transfer newspaper ink.
Bubble wrap
Use bubble wrap for individual fragile items and electronics where appropriate. Wrap the item completely and secure the wrap without putting tape directly on the object.
Stretch wrap
Stretch wrap holds things together. It can secure drawers, bundle components and keep protective blankets in place.
It is not a substitute for furniture protection. In Brisbane heat and humidity, avoid sealing leather or polished timber directly in plastic for long periods because trapped moisture may affect the surface.
Moving blankets
Furniture should normally be protected with padded moving blankets, then secured with straps or wrap. Blankets protect against rubbing and minor impacts inside the truck.
Mattress and lounge covers
Use breathable or purpose-made covers to keep upholstery clean. For storage, do not trap any moisture inside the cover.
How to pack a moving box properly
- Tape the base securely in an H pattern.
- Put heavier items at the bottom.
- Wrap fragile items individually.
- Fill gaps so contents cannot shift.
- Keep the top level rather than overfilled.
- Close and tape the lid fully.
- Label at least two sides with destination room and contents.
- Mark fragile cartons clearly, without assuming the label replaces correct packing.
Plates should travel vertically like records, with padding around them. Glasses should be individually wrapped and kept upright where possible.
Avoid weak and mismatched cartons
Supermarket produce boxes can be useful for a few light items, but a full move is easier with clean, strong cartons in consistent sizes. Matching boxes stack more securely and use truck space efficiently.
Avoid:
- damp or damaged cardboard
- open-top trays
- cartons with weak bases
- boxes contaminated by food
- bags for sharp or heavy objects
Need boxes or packing help in Brisbane?
SwiftMove can advise on materials and can quote packing, moving or a combination of both. Tell us your home size and whether you have books, artwork, fragile collections or storage items.
The buying advice above is for packing yourself. When SwiftMove moves you, the packing materials used for your booking are included, including the ones you keep, so you do not need to buy cartons separately. Packing and unpacking labour is charged at the agreed hourly rate and is agreed as part of the scope. See our packing services page for how that works.
