The Best Way to Pack for Moving: A Step-by-Step Guide from Nifty Moving

1. Start Early

Don't wait until the last minute! Give yourself enough time to pack up without the panic. A good rule of thumb is to start packing non-essential items at least two weeks before your move. Think books, out-of-season clothes, and décor—items you won’t miss in the short term. The more time you give yourself, the less stressful it’ll be.

2. Declutter First

Before you even touch a moving box, take the opportunity to declutter. Do you really need that old blender you haven’t used in three years? Donate, sell, or toss anything you no longer need. Facebook marketplace and The Sallies or red Cross are great places to start! This will save you space, reduce moving costs, and make unpacking so much easier on the other end.

3. Use Quality Packing Materials**

This is a big one! Don’t skimp on packing supplies. Strong, sturdy boxes are your best friends here. You’ll need a variety of sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and plenty of labels. We recommend using proper packing paper instead of newspaper to avoid ink smudges on your items. And don't forget the fragile stickers for your delicate pieces! This can all be purchased from your local bunnings, office works etc.

4. Pack Room by Room

The most efficient way to pack is to go one room at a time. Start with the rooms you use the least, like the guest bedroom or storage areas. Label each box with the room it’s destined for and a brief description of what’s inside. This will save you time when you’re unpacking later. Plus, it keeps everything organised—no hunting through a dozen boxes to find your coffee maker!

When you are packing boxes make sure they aren't overloaded (they tear apart) or too empty (as they can get crushed).Use bubble wrap or old newspapers when packing delicate items and mark fragile boxes.

5. Protect Your Fragile Items

For breakables like glassware, plates, and electronics, make sure to wrap them carefully. Use bubble wrap or crumpled packing paper, and consider double-boxing extra fragile items. Plates should be packed vertically (like records) to reduce the risk of breakage. Trust us—it works!

6. Don't Overpack Boxes

It’s tempting to fill each box to the brim, but resist the urge. Heavy boxes are harder to move and more likely to break. Aim to keep each box under 20kg, and fill empty spaces with padding materials to prevent items from shifting during transport. A balanced, lighter box makes your move faster and safer!

7. Label Everything

Labelling is key to a smooth move. Be specific! Instead of just writing "kitchen" on a box, try "kitchen - plates and mugs" so you know exactly what’s inside. Trust us—your future self will thank you when it comes time to unpack. Bonus tip: Label each side of the box so it’s visible from any angle.

8. Pack an Essentials Box

Pack a separate “essentials” box with the things you’ll need right away—think phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents. This will keep you from frantically searching through boxes when you first arrive at your new place.

9. Seal Boxes Properly

Seal every box tightly with high-quality packing tape. Be sure to tape along the seams and add extra strips for reinforcement if the box is heavy. Don’t leave it to chance—properly sealed boxes will keep your items safe and secure during transit.

10. Consider Professional Packing Services

If this all sounds like a lot, we’re here to help! At Nifty Moving, we offer professional packing services for homes and businesses across Melbourne. Our team will handle everything, from packing your fragile items with care to organising and labelling each box. Let us do the heavy lifting—literally!

At Nifty Moving, we believe in making your move as smooth and efficient as possible. Follow these packing tips, and you’ll be well on your way to an organised, stress-free move. And if you need an extra hand or just don’t have the time, give us a call! Our expert team is always ready to help with packing, moving, and everything in between.