1. Start Packing Early

One of the most common mistakes people make when moving is waiting until the last minute to pack. Moving is a process, and packing requires time and attention to detail. The earlier you start, the easier and less stressful the entire process will be.

Tip: Start by packing non-essential items first—things you won’t need until after the move, like seasonal clothing, extra kitchenware, or decorative items. As moving day approaches, gradually pack up more essential items.

Timeframe: Ideally, start packing at least 2–4 weeks before your move. This gives you ample time to go through your belongings, pack them carefully, and avoid rushing at the last minute.

2. Declutter Before You Pack

A move is the perfect time to sort through your belongings and get rid of things you no longer need. Not only will this make packing easier, but it will also save you money on moving costs, as fewer items mean less weight and fewer boxes.

Tip: Sort through each room in your home and ask yourself whether you’ve used or needed certain items in the past year. If the answer is no, donate, sell, or dispose of them.

How to Declutter:

• Start with easy areas like clothing, books, and kitchenware.
• For sentimental items, take a moment to reflect. If you haven't used or seen them in years, they might not be worth the effort to pack and move.

3. Invest in Quality Packing Materials

The quality of your packing materials can significantly affect the safety of your belongings during the move. Using sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and protective covers ensures that your items are well-protected.

Tip: Invest in moving boxes designed specifically for relocation, as they are more durable than grocery boxes or used boxes from stores. You can find these boxes at moving supply stores or online.

Essential Packing Materials:

• Sturdy boxes: Use boxes of various sizes to accommodate different items. Avoid overloading boxes with too many heavy items.
• Bubble wrap and packing paper: Perfect for protecting fragile items like glassware, electronics, and breakables.
• Packing tape: Use high-quality, strong packing tape to secure boxes and ensure they don’t open during the move.
• Labels and markers: Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs in. This makes it easier to unpack later.

4. Use the Right Technique for Fragile Items

Packing fragile items like dishes, glassware, and electronics requires extra care. The last thing you want is to open a box at your new home only to find broken or damaged items.

Tip: Wrap fragile items individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. For extra protection, place them in boxes with cushioning (packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or towels) around them. Avoid packing too many fragile items in one box—spread them out to reduce the risk of damage.

Specific Tips for Fragile Items:

• Dishes: Place plates vertically like records inside a box, and separate each with bubble wrap or packing paper.
• Glasses and cups: Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap, and fill the empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent shifting.
• Electronics: If you still have the original packaging for electronics like TVs, computers, or gaming consoles, use them to ensure the items are properly cushioned.

5. Pack by Room, Not by Type

When you start packing, consider packing by room rather than by item type. Packing everything from one room together makes unpacking easier because all the items will be in the same place when you arrive at your new home.

Tip: Label each box with the room it belongs to (e.g., "Kitchen," "Living Room," or "Bedroom") and give a brief description of the contents. This will save you time when you start unpacking, and it will also help your removalists know exactly where each box should go.

Bonus Tip: For items that belong in multiple rooms (e.g., bathroom products or cleaning supplies), create a “miscellaneous” box and label it accordingly.

6. Maximise Space in Boxes

Properly packing your boxes will help maximize space and reduce the number of boxes you need to move. Packing efficiently also ensures your items are secure during the move and prevents them from shifting around.

Tip: Use every inch of space inside the box. Fill empty spaces with packing materials to prevent items from shifting during transit. Try to pack heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.

How to Maximise Box Space:

• Use small items like shoes, towels, or clothing to fill gaps in boxes.
• For clothes, consider using wardrobe boxes to hang items directly from the hangers, or simply pack them in suitcases and bags.
• Stack books flat rather than upright to save space and reduce the risk of damage.

7. Label Boxes Clearly and Consistently

Labeling boxes is one of the most important steps in the packing process. Without clear labels, unpacking can become a nightmare, and you might end up wasting time searching for essential items.

Tip: Label boxes on all sides, so they’re visible no matter how they’re stacked. Be specific with labels—don’t just write “Kitchen,” for example. Instead, write “Kitchen – Plates and Glasses” to give an idea of the contents.

Color Coding System: Consider using different colored markers or stickers for each room in your new home. This makes it easier for both you and your removalists to know where each box should go.

8. Pack Essential Items Separately

When packing, don’t forget to create an “essentials” box or bag with the items you’ll need right away once you arrive at your new home. This box will be your lifesaver on moving day when you need toiletries, a change of clothes, or important documents.

Tip: Pack things like toiletries, a first-aid kit, chargers, snacks, medications, a few sets of clothing, and any important documents in a separate box or bag.

9. Disassemble Large Furniture

Large furniture pieces like beds, tables, and wardrobes can take up a lot of space and may not fit easily into a moving truck unless they are disassembled.

Tip: Disassemble furniture wherever possible. Keep screws and parts in labeled bags, and tape them to the corresponding furniture pieces to ensure they don’t get lost during the move.

Pro Tip: If you aren’t sure how to disassemble certain furniture, consider hiring a professional removalist who can handle this for you. They have the tools and experience to disassemble and reassemble furniture safely.

10. Hire Professional Removalists for the Heavy Lifting

While packing is essential, hiring professional removalists is just as important. They are trained to handle heavy, awkward, and fragile items with care. They also come with the right equipment to ensure your belongings are transported safely and efficiently.

Tip: Reach out to Melbourne’s trusted removalists like Melbourne Central Movers for expert packing, furniture disassembly, and careful transportation of your belongings.

Conclusion

Packing doesn’t have to be stressful or chaotic. With the right preparation and tips from Melbourne’s best removalists, you can make your move as smooth and efficient as possible. Start early, declutter, invest in good packing materials, and follow the packing strategies outlined in this guide to ensure your belongings are protected during the move.

By packing strategically and considering professional help for the heavy lifting, you’ll be well on your way to a seamless and stress-free relocation. Best of luck with your move!

Looking for reliable Melbourne removalists? Choose Melbourne Central Movers for a fast, friendly, and affordable moving experience. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote!     

address:-M93, Bentleigh VIC 3204, Australia