Moving homes? You’re not alone in dreading the packing part. Between the endless bubble wrap, mystery boxes, and last-minute chaos, it’s easy to see why packing is the most stressful stage of any move. But what if packing didn’t have to feel like a nightmare?
At Shift buddies, we’ve helped thousands of locals relocate stress-free—and we’ve seen it all: cracked TVs, tangled cords, and boxes labeled “misc.” that are anything but. So, we asked our expert Brisbane Removalists to share their best-kept packing secrets.
This guide isn’t just a bunch of generic tips like “don’t forget tape.” It’s a blueprint designed by professionals who pack every single day. If you want to save time, avoid costly damage, and maybe even enjoy the process (yes, it’s possible), keep reading.
1. Start Early and Create a Packing Plan
One of the biggest mistakes first-time movers make is underestimating the time it takes to pack. Our Brisbane Removalists recommend starting at least 3–4 weeks before your moving day. Create a room-by-room plan with deadlines so you can pace yourself—and avoid burnout the night before.
Use a packing calendar. Assign specific days to specific rooms and stick to the plan. This not only makes the process manageable but gives you momentum.
2. Declutter Ruthlessly Before You Pack
Don’t pay to move what you don’t love or use. Decluttering before packing saves time, money, and moving truck space. Ask yourself: “Would I buy this again?” If not, donate or discard it.
Create three piles: Keep, Donate, Toss. Be ruthless—every item you let go of is one less thing to bubble wrap.
3. Pack One Room at a Time (And Label Everything)
This keeps things organized and helps with smoother unpacking. Each box should be clearly labeled with the room it belongs to and a short summary of contents. Number your boxes too—it makes tracking easier and reduces loss.
Use color-coded labels or tapes for each room. Red for kitchen, blue for bedroom, green for living room, etc. Easy to spot and unpack.
4. Use the Right Packing Materials
Not all boxes are created equal. Reusing old liquor boxes might seem thrifty, but flimsy boxes increase the risk of damage. Invest in quality materials—your valuables deserve it.
Essentials Include:
- Double-walled cardboard boxes
- Bubble wrap and foam
- Heavy-duty packing tape
- Packing paper or butcher paper
- Stretch wrap for furniture
- Ziplock bags for screws and small parts
Don’t forget mattress covers and TV boxes—two of the most commonly damaged items during moves.
5. Master the Art of Box Packing
Overpacking is as bad as under packing. Heavy boxes break, and half-empty ones collapse. The rule of thumb from Brisbane Removalists: heavy items in small boxes, light items in big boxes.
Fill gaps with crumpled paper to prevent items from shifting.
Always place heavier items at the bottom.
6. Protect Fragile Items Like a Pro
Plates, glassware, electronics, and mirrors require extra attention. Wrap each item individually, use padded dividers, and reinforce the bottom of each box.
Use your soft belongings (like towels, socks, and linens) as cushioning. It’s a smart way to pack — doubling up on purpose while saving precious space.
7. Disassemble Furniture Properly (and Don’t Lose the Screws)
When taking apart furniture, always keep screws, bolts, and fittings in labeled ziplock bags. Tape these bags to the underside of the furniture or pack them in a clearly marked box.
Take photos during disassembly. They’ll be lifesavers when it’s time to put everything back together.
8. Set Aside a ‘First Night’ Essentials Box
Because no one wants to open a mountain of boxes just to rescue a single toothbrush. Pack a clearly labeled box or suitcase with must-haves for the first 24–48 hours.
What to include:
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Phone chargers
- Bed linens
- A couple of changes of clothes
- Snacks and coffee (you’ll thank us later)
9. Avoid These Common Packing Mistakes
Even with the best intentions, people often fall into classic moving traps. Here are the ones Brisbane Removalists see most:
- Leaving drawers full during transport
- Skipping labels
- Forgetting to back up electronics
- Packing flammable or restricted items
- Using newspaper (ink can stain valuables)
10. Consider Professional Packing Services
If time is tight or you’re moving fragile, high-value, or bulky items, hiring a professional packing service can be a game-changer. Brisbane Removalists offer full or partial packing help, which can reduce your stress and save hours of time.
Always check if your removalist offers packing insurance. It’s worth the peace of mind.
Final Words
Packing doesn’t have to feel like you’re wrestling a tornado. With the right approach, quality materials, and expert tips from seasoned Brisbane Removalists, your move can actually feel organized—and even empowering.
Remember: a well-packed home is the foundation for a smooth move and a fresh new start. So roll up your sleeves, follow this guide, and pack like a pro.
Still feeling overwhelmed? Our team at Shift Buddies is just a call away. Whether you need full-service help or just expert advice, we’re here to make your move smooth from start to finish.
Abhay is a Digital Marketing Guru and an accomplished entrepreneur with an experience of a decade working with various businesses varying from startups to established brands. He co-founded many companies like Logicsofts, PrintYo, CrazyRise and more. He is passionate about SEO and Online Data Analytics, which plays a vital role in any business to grow and mutate as per the data results.
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