If moving house is one of life’s most stressful events, packing is the reason why. It is physically demanding, mentally exhausting, and often takes twice as long as you expect.

But packing isn't just about putting things in boxes; it is about engineering. A well-packed box protects your valuables from the vibrations of the truck, the bumps in the road, and the weight of other boxes stacked on top.

Poor packing leads to broken heirlooms and crushed cartons. This guide covers the industry’s best practices to help you avoid common mistakes. Here is how to pack like a pro.

1. Preparation: The "Before You Box" Phase

Do not start taping boxes yet. Preparation is 80% of the battle.

Declutter Ruthlessly

Moving is charged by volume (cubic metres) or time. Every box of "junk" you move costs you money.

  • The Rule: If you haven't used it in 12 months, don't pay to move it.
  • Action: Donate usable goods to The Salvation Army or sell them on Gumtree.

Gather the Right Materials

Using supermarket fruit boxes is a gamble. For a safe move, you need standard removalist cartons.

  • Tea Chests (Large): For light, bulky items (linen, pillows, toys).
  • Book Boxes (Small): For heavy items (books, wine, crockery).
  • Butcher’s Paper: For wrapping. (Avoid newspaper; the ink stains).
  • Tape: High-quality rubber solvent tape, not cheap acrylic stationery tape.

2. The Golden Rules of Packing

Follow these three rules to prevent 90% of common breakages.

Rule #1: Heavy = Small

It is a common instinct to put heavy items in big boxes. Do not do this.

  • A large box filled with books will weigh 50kg. It will likely break, and your removalist may refuse to lift it for OHS reasons.
  • Strategy: Put heavy items (books, canned food) in small Book Boxes. Put light items (doonas, Tupperware) in large Tea Chests.

Rule #2: No Air Gaps

Movement causes damage. If items can rattle around inside a box, they will break.

  • Strategy: Fill every gap. If you have packed a lamp and there is empty space in the corners, fill it with scrunched-up paper, tea towels, or socks. The box should feel solid, not hollow.

Rule #3: The "H" Tape Method

Don't just run one strip of tape across the middle.

  • Strategy: Tape along the centre seam, then tape along the two side seams where the flaps meet the box edge. This creates an 'H' shape and significantly reinforces the structure.

3. Room-by-Room Packing Strategies

The Kitchen (The Danger Zone)

The kitchen takes the longest to pack. Start here.

  • Plates: Never lay them flat. Wrap each plate in butcher's paper, then stack them vertically in the box (standing on their edges), just like records in a crate. They can take much more weight this way.
  • Glasses: Stuff the inside of the glass with paper first, then wrap the outside. Place them upright in the box.
  • Pantry: Tape shut the lids of spice jars and oil bottles. Use plastic bags for anything that might leak.

The Wardrobe

  • Hanging Clothes: Use "Port-a-Robe" boxes (cardboard wardrobes). You can transfer clothes directly from the rail to the box on their hangers. This saves hours of ironing later.
  • Drawers: You can often leave lightweight clothes (socks, undies) inside chest-of-drawer units if the unit is sturdy. However, remove heavy items like jeans or jumpers.

Electronics

  • Cables: Before you unplug your TV or computer, take a photo of the back. This will save you a headache when you try to reconnect it.
  • Screens: Large TVs must be boxed. If you threw away the original box, buy a heavy-duty TV carton with foam corners. Never transport a TV unboxed; the screen is too fragile.

4. Labelling for Sanity

When you arrive at the new house, you don't want to be asked "Where does this go?" 500 times.

  • Colour Coding: Buy a pack of coloured stickers. Assign Blue to the Kitchen, Red to the Master Bedroom, etc. Stick a colour on the door frame of the new room so the movers can match the box to the room without asking.
  • Side Labelling: Write the contents on the side of the box, not the top. When boxes are stacked 4-high, you can't read the top.
  • "Fragile" Tape: Use it, but don't overuse it. If every box says "Fragile," the movers won't know which ones are actually delicate.

5. The "First Night" Survival Box

Pack one clear plastic tub with everything you need for the first 24 hours. This should travel in your own car.

  • Toilet paper and hand soap.
  • Kettle, mugs, coffee/tea.
  • Phone chargers.
  • Pyjamas and a change of clothes.
  • A box cutter (to open the other boxes!).

6. DIY vs. Professional Packing

Finally, consider the value of your time.

  • DIY Packing: It is cheaper, but generally takes 2–4 weeks of living in clutter. Remember, insurance often covers "Packed by Owner" boxes only for total loss (crushed/lost), not accidental breakage inside.
  • Professional Packing: A team can pack your entire house in one day. It costs more, but it usually guarantees full insurance coverage for breakages.