Of all the tasks involved in a move, packing is the one that catches most people off guard. What seems like a simple job of putting things in boxes quickly becomes an overwhelming, back-aching marathon that eats up entire weekends. Poor packing also leads to damaged items, lost essentials, and a chaotic unpack at the other end.
Whether you’re tackling it yourself or considering professional packing and unpacking services, this guide gives you everything you need to pack smarter, protect your belongings, and arrive at your new home ready to settle in.
Start Earlier Than You Think You Need To
This is the single piece of advice every removalist will give you. Packing always takes two to three times longer than expected. A good rule of thumb is to begin packing non-essential items at least three to four weeks before your moving date.
Start with rooms and items you use least often. Seasonal decorations, spare linen, books, and memorabilia are perfect candidates for early packing. Leave everyday essentials like kitchenware, toiletries, and clothing until the final few days.
The Right Supplies Make All the Difference
Using the wrong packing materials is one of the most common and costly mistakes movers make. Here is what you actually need:
- Double-walled cardboard boxes for heavy items like books and kitchen appliances
- Wardrobe boxes with hanging rails to transport clothes crease-free
- Bubble wrap and packing paper for fragile items such as glassware, ceramics, and picture frames
- Stretch wrap for furniture legs, drawers, and items that could scratch
- Strong packing tape and a good tape dispenser
- Coloured labels or a marker to clearly mark box contents and destination room
At Aussie Move Masters, we supply quality packing materials so you are never left scrambling to find the right box at the last minute.
Pack Room by Room, Not Category by Category
A common packing mistake is grouping items by category across the whole house. Packing room by room keeps things organised, makes labelling clear, and speeds up the unpack dramatically. When each box belongs to one room, your removalists can place it directly where it needs to go.
Label every box on the side, not the top. When boxes are stacked, you will only see the sides. Write the destination room and a brief list of contents on at least two sides of every box.
How to Pack the Trickiest Items
Fragile Items
Wrap each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top. Fill any empty space with crumpled paper or foam peanuts to prevent shifting. Mark the box clearly as fragile on all sides.
Flat Screen TVs and Monitors
Always use the original packaging where possible. If you no longer have it, use a purpose-made TV box. Never lay a flat screen face down without proper support as the panel can crack under its own weight.
Clothing and Wardrobes
Wardrobe boxes allow you to transfer clothes straight from the rail to the box and back again at your destination without folding or creasing. For folded items, vacuum storage bags are ideal for bulky jumpers, donas, and pillows.
Kitchen and Glassware
Dishes should be packed vertically like records in a crate rather than stacked flat. This dramatically reduces breakage. Wrap each glass individually and use cell divider boxes designed for glassware if possible.
Create a Moving Day Essentials Box
Pack a separate clearly labelled box that travels with you rather than on the truck. Include items you will need immediately on arrival such as phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, snacks, important documents, and children’s essentials. This one box can save you enormous frustration when everything else is buried under a mountain of cardboard.
When Professional Packing Makes Sense
Packing yourself can save money but there are situations where professional packing is genuinely worth the investment:
- You have a large volume of fragile, valuable, or antique items
- You are short on time due to work, family commitments, or a fast settlement date
- You have back, knee, or mobility issues that make physical packing difficult
- You are managing a last minute or urgent relocation
- You simply want the move done right without the stress
Our packing and unpacking team is trained to pack entire homes quickly, securely, and systematically. We bring the materials, we do the work, and everything arrives at your new home organised and intact. For
last minute moves in particular, having a professional packing crew can be the difference between a chaotic rush and a calm, controlled move.
Unpacking Strategically at Your New Home
The unpack is just as important as the pack. Rather than opening every box at once, follow a priority order. Set up bedrooms first so everyone has somewhere to sleep on night one. Then focus on the kitchen and bathrooms. Living areas can wait a few days while the essentials are sorted.
If you booked unpacking services with Aussie Move Masters, our team will place every item according to your instructions so your new home feels settled faster than you ever expected.
Ready to Make Your Move Easier?
Packing does not have to be the most stressful part of moving. With the right approach and the right team behind you, it can actually be straightforward. Contact Aussie Move Masters today for a free quote on our packing and unpacking services across Perth and beyond.
We service locations across Perth including Ellenbrook, Rockingham, Fremantle, Mandurah and many more. Wherever you are moving to or from, we are ready to help.