Moving Soon? 10 Packing Tips You Didn’t Know

I’m Facundo Soto, the owner of NorthBox, and I’ve spent over a decade working in the packing and moving industry here in Australia. In that time, I’ve helped people pack their homes and businesses and learned what makes a move smooth instead of stressful. Now I’m excited to share some of my best packing tips with you in this article. By the end, I hope you’ll feel like a packing pro too.

After packing countless homes and offices, I know first-hand the difference a few smart techniques can make. Packing isn’t just about putting items in boxes; it’s about planning ahead, protecting your belongings, and saving yourself stress. I’ve seen simple tricks save people hours of work and prevent broken valuables. The tips I’m sharing are all about making the process easier and ensuring everything arrives safe and sound.

In this article, I’ll walk you through practical packing tips that I wish more people knew before their big move. Each tip comes from lessons I’ve learned on the job, and they’re all aimed at helping you pack smarter and move with confidence. Whether you’re moving house or helping a friend, I hope you find these insights as useful as my clients have.

If you need help making decluttering decisions and rehoming your unwanted belongings, we recommend The Decluttering Co who are experts at it.

2. Start Packing Three Weeks Before the Move

 Avoid last-minute stress by packing rarely used items early. Box seasonal clothing, spare linens, or rarely-used kitchen gadgets first, and use proper wrapping techniques, such as those described in our how to pack plates guide.

Detailed Breakdown

• Identify rarely used items: Think seasonal decorations, out-of-season clothing, spare linens, or kitchen gadgets you hardly touch. You can safely box these without messing with your day-to-day life.
  
• Proper wrapping techniques: Shield fragile things with bubble wrap or packing paper, and stuff any gaps with towels, socks, or scrunched-up paper so nothing rattles around.
  
• Stay systematic: Label each box with the room name and a quick rundown of the contents. That way, unpacking goes a whole lot smoother.

Key Insight: The bigger the home, the more boxes you’ll need – a modest 2-bedroom unit might require around 60 boxes, while a large 4-bedroom house could need 100+ boxes. Always err on having a few more boxes than you think ( If unsure, grabbing something like our Large Moving Pack will keep you covered.), so you’re not scrambling for spares at 11 pm before moving day.

3. Safeguard Picture Frames and Furniture Hardware

 Artwork and frames can get dinged in transit, so giving them the right protection is crucial. Plus, clearly marking your furniture hardware means reassembling later is a breeze.

Detailed Breakdown

• Vertical stacking method: Keep picture frames and art upright (vertically) instead of flat. This cuts down the chance of cracks or scratches.
  
• Layer with soft materials: Put towels, paper, or bubble wrap between each piece. Wrapping them tight (cling film works nicely) keeps everything snug.
  
• Label and secure hardware: If you remove screws or small parts from furniture, seal them in a labeled Ziploc bag. Then tape that bag to the furniture so you can spot it quickly when putting everything back together.

4. Consolidate Kitchen Utensils and Maximise Space

 The kitchen can be one of the trickiest spots to pack. Group utensils, nest plates inside pots or pans (with towels or paper as padding), and wrap utensils tightly. Check our how to pack kitchen appliances article for more kitchen tips.

Detailed Breakdown

• Wrap utensils in cling film: This keeps them together (too easy!) so they don’t rattle around or get misplaced.
  
• Nest plates and cookware: Slip plates inside bigger pots or pans, with towels or packing paper as padding. It saves space and cushions your dishes.
  
• Smart sealing: If you’re packing food or liquids, ensure everything’s tightly sealed to avoid nasty spills or smells mid-move.

5. Protect Clothing and Bedding

Why this step matters

Use vacuum bags or bin bags to compress clothes and linens. Separate clothes by season to easily unpack essentials first. See more details on how to pack bedding.

Detailed Breakdown

Bin bag garment covers: Slide large bin bags over sections of hanging clothes, leaving a little gap for the hangers on top. This keeps them bunched together and dirt-free.

Vacuum bags: For folded clothes, bedding, or seasonal gear, vacuum bags save space while also guarding against dust and moisture.

Organise by season: Separating clothes by season can help you figure out what to unpack first when you land in your new digs.

6. Utilise Suitcases for Heavy or Fragile Items

Suitcases are perfect for books or electronics. Label clearly with “fragile” or “heavy,” and utilise extra compartments for small items. Packing books safely? Check our how to pack books guide.

Detailed Breakdown

• Select items carefully: Reserve your suitcases for books, electronics, or other heavy gear. The wheels let you move them around without breaking a sweat.
  
• Label them properly: Mark suitcases with “fragile” or “heavy” so folks know to go gentle. Also jot down the room it belongs to (like “office” or “bedroom”) for straightforward unloading.
  
• Leverage every compartment: Suitcases usually have loads of pockets—ideal for cables, accessories, or key documents you don’t want getting lost.

7- Prepare Essential Bags and “First to Unload” Boxes

Pack an overnight essentials bag and a “first to unload” box containing necessities like toiletries, chargers, and snacks. Use our moving essentials checklist for guidance.

Detailed Breakdown

• Overnight bag: Pack a change of clothes, toiletries, meds, chargers—anything you’ll need in the first 24 hours.
  
• “First to unload” box: Throw in cleaning supplies, basic kitchen gear (a kettle, coffee maker—essential for a cuppa, right?), toilet paper, and any must-haves. Load it onto the truck last, so it comes off first.
  
• Temperature-sensitive bag: If you’ve got perishables, candles, or items that don’t like extreme temps, stash them in a separate bag. That way, you can handle them properly once you arrive.

8- Document Furniture and Electronics Before Disassembly

 Taking things apart without a plan can lead to confusion later. A few quick snaps and labels now can save you big-time headaches when you set up your new place.

Detailed Breakdown

• Photograph connections: Before unplugging cables or taking gadgets apart, snap some clear photos. These reference pics are a lifesaver for reassembling everything correctly.
  
• Label screws and parts: Pop them in small, clearly labeled bags or containers and tape them to the item they belong to. That way, you’re not hunting around for missing bits.
  
• Keep tools handy: Store a simple toolkit (screwdrivers, Allen keys, a small hammer) somewhere easy to reach on moving day, so you can tackle any reassembly straight away.

9- Wipe Down Your Belongings and Keep a Mobile Packing Kit

Why this step matters

Giving items a quick wipe before boxing them up means less dust traveling with you. A mobile packing kit keeps you prepared wherever you’re packing.

Detailed Breakdown

Quick cleaning session: A quick dust or damp cloth wipe stops you from bringing dirt into your fresh new space.

Assemble a mobile packing kit: Fill a caddy or small box with markers, tape, scissors, box cutters, and bubble wrap. Having everything in one spot helps you stay in the zone.

Stay consistent with labelling: Stick to your labelling system so every box lists the right room and a hint of what’s inside.

10- Use Simple Solutions for Dishes and Glassware

Why this step matters

Fragile kitchenware can be tricky to protect. But you can shield your plates and glasses with everyday household items—no need to buy fancy packaging. Use household items for protection: slide paper plates between dishes and socks around glasses. For detailed tips, see how to pack wine glasses.

Detailed Breakdown

• Layer paper plates between dish ware: Slide a single paper plate or packing paper between each dish. Easy cushioning that doesn’t hog space.
  
• Protect glassware with socks: Slip each glass into a clean sock—an easy (and zero-waste!) way to keep them safe.
  
• Utilise existing packing materials: Towels, cloth napkins, or other soft bits around the house can lend extra padding where it’s needed most.

Your Easy Road to a Smooth Move Starts with NorthBox

By now, you’ve seen how a little planning and a few clever tricks can make a big difference when you’re packing for a move. From decluttering early and using the right size boxes to labelling everything clearly, these packing tips cover all the essentials. The bottom line is that packing smartly protects your belongings and saves you time, ensuring your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

I recall helping a family in Melbourne who felt completely overwhelmed leading up to moving day. My team and I stepped in and used the same smart techniques I’ve shared in this article. In the end, their entire house was packed neatly and ready to go well before the truck arrived. Seeing their stress turn into relief was a rewarding reminder of why smart packing is so important.

If you’re moving in Melbourne, remember you don’t have to do it all on your own. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to save time, I’m here to help. Book our professional packing services and let us handle all the packing. Ready for an easier move? Buy our Melbourne based moving boxes and see how we can transform your moving day into something stress-free.