How to Pack for Moving – Expert Tips & Hacks

The excitement of moving to a new home is incomparable to the challenge of packing. Without proper planning, you might end up with damaged items, misplaced belongings, and a stressful unpacking process.

But don’t worry! With the right moving house packing tips, you can make the process smooth and hassle-free. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about packing for relocation, from organizing your boxes to handling fragile items with care.

General Packing Guidelines & Tips From A Pro

Start Early & Plan Ahead-

Procrastinating will only make things more stressful. Start packing at least 3–4 weeks before moving day, beginning with the items you use the least.

Declutter & Minimize-

Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of unnecessary items. Donate, sell, or throw away anything you don’t need. This will save you time, effort, and space in the moving truck.

Get the Right Packing Supplies-

Invest in sturdy boxes, strong packing tape, bubble wrap, and labels. Using quality packing materials ensures your items remain safe during transport.

Pack Room by Room-

Packing everything at once can be chaotic. Instead, tackle one room at a time and label your boxes accordingly.

Keep an Essentials Box-

Pack a separate box with daily essentials like toiletries, chargers, snacks, and important documents. This way, you won’t have to search for them right after the move.

Room-by-Room Packing Strategy

Packing the Kitchen

• Wrap plates and glassware with bubble wrap or dish towels.
• Use small boxes for heavy items like canned goods.
• Pack spices in zip-lock bags to prevent spills.

Packing the Living Room

• Secure electronics in their original boxes if possible.
• Use blankets or bubble wrap to protect fragile décor items.
• Keep remote controls and cables in a labeled bag.

Packing Your Bedroom

• Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes.
• Fold and pack clothes in suitcases to save space.
• Place jewelry in egg cartons or pill organizers to keep them secure.

Packing the Bathroom

• Use plastic wrap under bottle caps to prevent leaks.
• Pack toiletries in a separate waterproof bag.
• Avoid packing half-used products to minimize spills.

Need a hand with packing? Big City Movers offers professional packing services to make your move easier and more organized.

 

The Best Way to Pack Boxes for Moving

Choose the Right Box Size

• Small boxes for heavy items like books and canned food.
• Medium boxes for most household items.
• Large boxes for lightweight but bulky items like pillows and bedding.

Distribute Weight Evenly

Place heavy items at the bottom and lighter items on top. This prevents damage and makes boxes easier to carry.

Seal Boxes Securely

Use towels, newspaper, or packing peanuts to prevent items from shifting inside the box.

Reinforce the bottom of each box with strong packing tape. This ensures they won’t break open during transport.

Packing & Labelling Hacks for an Easy Move

Color-Code Your Boxes

Assign a color to each room (e.g., blue for the kitchen, green for the bedroom) and label the boxes accordingly. This makes unpacking much easier. Use bold, easy-to-read labels and mark fragile items clearly.

Number Your Boxes

Keep an inventory list with box numbers and contents. This helps ensure nothing gets lost.

Take Photos of Electronics

Before unplugging your TV or computer, take a quick photo of the wiring setup. This will make reassembly much easier.

Pack Heavy Items in Suitcases

Wheeled suitcases are perfect for packing books and heavy household items without hurting your back.

Packing Special Items & Valuables

Packing Electronics

• Wrap screens with soft blankets or bubble wrap.
• Keep cables in labeled zip-lock bags.

Moving Art, Mirrors & Fragile Items

• Place cardboard corners on framed artwork.
• Store mirrors vertically to prevent cracking.

Packing Furniture

• Remove detachable parts like table legs and shelves.
• Wrap furniture in moving blankets to prevent scratches.

Packing Houseplants

• Keep plants in ventilated boxes with openings.
• Avoid watering them right before the move to reduce spills.

Packing Jewelry & Documents

• Store valuable items in a small bag you carry with you.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof folder.

Packing Food for Moving

What to Pack & What to Toss

• Finish or donate perishable foods before moving.
• Pack sealed, non-perishable items in small boxes.
• Use cooler bags for items that need refrigeration during the move.

Avoid Packing These Foods

• Opened bottles and cans.
• Frozen or refrigerated items (unless moving nearby).
• Anything close to its expiration date.

Loading & Unloading Like a Pro

How to Load a Moving Truck Efficiently

• Start with heavy furniture and appliances.
• Place fragile items on top.
• Secure everything with straps to prevent movement.

Unloading & Unpacking Strategies

• Place boxes in their designated rooms right away.
• Unpack essential items first (kitchen, bathroom, and daily necessities).
• Take your time! Unpacking doesn’t have to be done in one day.

Common Packing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Overloading Boxes – Makes them difficult to carry and prone to breaking.
• Not Wrapping Fragile Items – Can lead to broken dishes and glassware.
• Forgetting Labels – Leads to confusion when unpacking.
• Ignoring an Essentials Bag – Makes the first night in your new home stressful.

Final Words

Packing for shifting house doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right planning and packing tips for moving, you can make the process smooth and stress-free.

Need professional help? Big City Movers offers expert packing to move and relocation services in Melbourne. Contact us today for a hassle-free move!