Packing Tips for Moving
As Brisbane interstate removalists we like to think we’ve had some experience in moving people and seeing the mistakes and oversights people make when packing. Not packing your valuable possessions properly can leave you with the hassle and heartbreak of having to replace them.
Below we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips for you to use when packing your house to move. You might also find our handy moving tips page useful for making sure you don’t forget those little things when preparing to move.
Items you might need
- Strong Cardboard Boxes – these can generally be purchased from storage facilities or from a removalist. If you are looking for a cheap supply of boxes see bottle shops and supermarkets or if you need really large boxes speak to appliance stores. You can also use plastic tubs for moving which you can then use for handy storage containers once you’re moved in.
- Packing Tape – spending that little bit extra on packing tape may not seem worth it but good packing tape could save you substantial time and money.
- Texters/Permanent Markers – Clearly labelling your boxes with a surname, the contents and the room they need to go to may take a little extra time but will make moving in all that more easy with boxes ending up in the correct rooms and you being able to find essential items quickly.
- Wardrobe Boxes – these specially designed moving boxes for your valuable articles of clothing are an excellent way to keep your clothes safe and clean.
- Newspaper/Bubble Wrap or Tissue Paper – office supply shops are a source of cheap bubble wrap.
- Scissors and Stanley knife – make packing easier for yourself by having these simple but handy implements.
Packing Strategy
- Pack items you won’t need to begin with and start at least a few weeks out from the move.
- Work on a room at a time, labelling boxes clearly and with enough detail that someone else unpacking the box would know what is in there.
- While writing on boxes, make a master list of boxes and their contents as this will help the move in smoother.
- Label boxes with weight suggestions such as “heavy” or “two-person lift” as well as which room the box will be going to.
- Make sure boxes that are needed immediately when arriving at the new residence are packed in and unpacked to easily accessible places.
- Wear appropriate clothing on a moving day. If you don’t work with your hands regularly some garden gloves or fingerless fitness gloves can help with lifting numerous boxes and heavy items.
- Moving often stirs up a lot of dust so if you suffer from allergies consider wearing a dust mask when shifting around furniture and boxes. Sure it might look a little silly but you’ll probably feel a whole lot better without a runny nose and itchy eyes.
Packing and Wrapping Tips
- Breakable items should be wrapped in bubble wrap, tissue paper or newspaper to protect them.
- Dangerous items such tools should be well padded so they aren’t a danger to people moving the boxes. Also label with appropriate warnings such as “Caution: Contains Sharp Tools – Heavy Items”.
- If you have them, using the boxes that electrical appliances came in is a great way to protect them whilst moving.
- When packing boxes, put items in the box together like they are a “puzzle” – this will save space, keep items in place and save you using extra boxes. Just be careful not to pack breakable items too tightly as this may break them and it may also make boxes too heavy.
- For all those little items that sit in the bottoms of draws, in pen holders or other areas where small items accumulate, put these into resealable bags to keep them all together and not have them floating around in the bottom of boxes.
Packing Large Items
- Cover “scratch-able” surfaces with blankets and linen to keep them safe. Removalists will have packing blankets but it’s always good to prepare.
- Use linen to wrap bigger breakable items – you need to pack the linen anyway and it saves you using all your bubble wrap on bigger breakable items. Obviously be careful of items that could dirty up expensive linen.
- If you are using a removalist they will have hand-carts (dollies) to move large items but if not you should definitely look at hiring one for your move. It’ll save your back and a lot of swearing and sweating.
More Useful Moving Information
We have also included these handy guides on moving to Brisbane, Sydney or the Gold Coast:
Handy Moving Tips
As Brisbane removalists, we’ve learnt a few things about moving over the years so we thought we’d share some friendly advice with you.
We’ve put together a list of helpful hints to help your next move run smoothly and make sure you don’t forget to do those important things that are so easy to forget.
If you find these tips are helpful, make sure you check out our handy packing tips page for lots of useful advice on packing up your home for a move.
Junk Items
Moving home is an excellent opportunity to get rid of those items lying around the house that aren’t being used anymore and just taking up space. Getting rid of them before your move won’t just save you space in the new house, but it will also reduce the number of items you need to pack.
Important Documents
Be sure to keep any important documents that you’ll need close at hand or in a spot you will remember. The last thing you want to be doing is rummaging around through endless amounts of boxes for important documents or information.
Change of Address
When moving home you will have to consider sending your change of address notices to places such as your doctor, dentist, bank accounts, Medicare, insurance, memberships and Vehicle Registration branches and so forth. Failing to inform relevant parties about your change of address or phone number could mean missing out on important documents that will be sent to your old address. You can get more information about redirecting mail from Australia Post – a cost-effective way of making sure you get your mail in between moves.
Discontinue Utilities and Services
Be sure to discontinue any services connected to your old address including gas and energy supplies, a telephone connection or Foxtel/Austar and have them transferred to your new address ready for your arrival. If you’re connected to the internet then this will also be something you will have to consider.
Discontinue Deliveries
If you subscribe to any newspapers or magazines, be sure to either discontinue your subscription or have it transferred to your new address. Failing to do this will mean you’re paying for something you’re not going to receive!
Pets
If you own any pets then you should prepare a new identity tag for your cat or dog’s collar, update their electronic ID tag and register them with the new local council. It’s also a good idea to take them for a walk around the new area as soon as possible to get them familiar with their new surroundings.
Children
If you have young children it can sometimes be daunting for them to move to an unknown area and home. Treat the move as a fun adventure and make sure they have something to keep themselves entertained. Explore the new neighbourhood with them as soon as possible so they can develop a sense of familiarity with it and help them feel more relaxed. If your child is moving schools you will also have to take this into consideration.
Last Day in your Old Home
Remember to collect all of the spare keys you had made and put them with your main key. Lock all of the doors and windows before leaving the house and pass on your keys to the appropriate person.
First Night in the New Home
Plan ahead with things you will need on your first night in the new home. Keep them easily accessible and make sure they are marked clearly. You should think about toiletries, a change of clothes, food, drink and bedding. You’re going to be very tired from moving all day and these are the last things you will want to worry about.
Consider Changing the Locks
It’s always a good idea to consider changing the locks in your new home. You never know how many spare keys have been made and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
More Useful Moving Information
We have also included these handy guides on moving to Brisbane, Sydney or the Gold Coast: