Moving house is exciting, but packing rarely feels that way.
For many Australians, the most stressful part of moving isn’t the moving day itself. It’s the weeks leading up to it, when boxes start piling up, important items go missing, and time suddenly feels very limited.
The good news? Packing doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
WHY MOST PACKING PROBLEMS START TOO LATE
One of the biggest mistakes people make is underestimating how long packing takes.
As a general rule:
• Studio or one-bedroom home: Start 1 week before moving day
• Two to three-bedroom home: Start 2 weeks before moving day
• Four-bedroom home or larger: Start 3 to 4 weeks before moving day
STEP 1: REDUCE WHAT YOU NEED TO MOVE
Before packing your first box, take the opportunity to declutter.
• Packing time
• Moving costs
• Unpacking effort
• Storage space
Create four categories:
• Keep
• Donate
• Sell
• Recycle or Dispose
STEP 2: GATHER THE RIGHT PACKING SUPPLIES
Recommended supplies include:
• Small boxes for heavy items
• Medium and large boxes for lighter items
• Packing tape
• Bubble wrap
• Packing paper
• Permanent markers
• Labels or colour-coded stickers
STEP 3: PACK BY PRIORITY, NOT BY ROOM
Start with items you rarely use:
• Seasonal clothing
• Decorative items
• Books
• Spare linens
• Guest room belongings
STEP 4: PROTECT FRAGILE ITEMS PROPERLY
• Wrap each item individually
• Fill empty spaces inside boxes
• Avoid stacking excessive weight on top
• Clearly label boxes as Fragile
STEP 5: CREATE AN ESSENTIALS BOX
Include:
• Phone chargers
• Basic toiletries
• Medication
• Important documents
• Snacks and water
• Change of clothes
• Cleaning supplies
STEP 6: LABEL EVERYTHING CLEARLY
Every box should include:
• Destination room
• General contents
• Fragile status
STEP 7: PREPARE FURNITURE BEFORE MOVING DAY
• Disassemble beds
• Remove table legs
• Empty drawers
• Secure loose components
COMMON PACKING MISTAKES TO AVOID
• Leaving packing until the final days
• Mixing items from multiple rooms
• Using weak or damaged boxes
• Forgetting to label boxes
• Overpacking large boxes
• Failing to separate essential items
FINAL THOUGHTS
By starting early, reducing clutter, staying organised, and packing strategically, you can make moving day far more manageable.