Learn to pack efficiently, stay organised, and reduce moving hassles
A lot of components are involved when you’re organising a move from your old home - and packing can be the most time-consuming task of all. In the spirit of a good move, we’ve constructed a list of packing tips for each of the different areas of your home.
However, before you start filling up boxes, we strongly recommend that you first read through everything here, as well as “Who to Notify when Moving Home”, and then our “Ultimate Guide to Moving Home.” After that – you'll be properly prepared to tackle most any moving challenge that arises.
Nectr’s general moving tips
Before you pack, you’ll need to have a few things on hand.
- Permanent markers.
- Old newspapers or tissue paper for scrunching.
- Cling wrap for fortifying your goods in transit.
Markers are your best friend. Use them to detail which boxes have fragile and delicate items. This will save you time when you’re sorting on the big day. And when you’re packing cups and glasses, individually wrap them with tissue paper, then newspaper to add an extra layer of protection in the box.
- Order different eco-boxes for the items in your home – we love sustainability!
- Store some boxes for your most precious valuables, these will come with you on the day of your move if you’re using a removalist.
- Pack one room at a time. If you have a multi-storey home, then you should label each box and its contents and leave them in the room you packed them.
- If possible, vacuum seal as many items as you can. It will save space and ensure they are clean for transit.
- Any important physical documents that you can’t transfer over to a digital format should come with you.
- Don’t overpack boxes – this will create problems in transit and in lifting.
How to pack electronics for your move
Home electronics can be fragile, expensive, and sometimes finicky. The best way to prepare yourself is by doing the following:
- Take photos of all your electronics and their components. It will help you with sorting and reconnecting them later.
- Cable management is key. Use zip ties or velcro strapping to organise your cables for each electronic item. If there are screws and small components, then put them in zip-lock bags and label where they came from
- It’s good practice to keep the original boxes of your electronics. It will come in handy in time for a move
- Cushion your items with styrofoam, scrunched up newspaper, or bubble wrap, to help avoid damage in transit.
How to pack your clothes for moving home
Packing clothes can be a giant task - if not done properly.
Firstly, you’ll need to arrange which items you want to keep, which items you want to get rid of, and which items you intend to give away. Work room-by-room to avoid confusion, and to better help you assess what you need to pack.
Here’s what to do next.
- Set aside some clothes to wear on your moving day!
- Consider purchasing one or two port-a-robe boxes. They can be set up so you just transfer your clothes from the wardrobe to the box. This saves heaps of time on the day, plus it allows you to store your clothes in a handy location at your new house until you sort out your cupboard space.
- Alternatively, cut a hole in the top of large garbage bags for a coat hanger hook, and you can create a great cover for your hanging clothes.
- Sort your clothes into 8-10 items on hangers. Then, zip-tie the hangers together, so they don’t slip out of the garbage bag cover.
- If you have sports bags or larger duffle bags, fill them with your shoes. Tissue paper in the toes works as cushioning.
- If you can, vacuum seal larger coats, dresses, and delicate items in a sealed bag.
- Use your luggage to handle more delicate items. This will help add a layer of cushioning.
- Alternate the direction in which you pack your shoes to save space.
- Use cling wrap to pack and protect your jewellery, then store them in their original boxes (if you still have them).
How to pack your books for moving
If you’re an avid reader and like to immerse yourself in a good book, then you probably have a fair collection of books that need to be packed. But what can you do to make sure that your beloved novels arrive in a good condition ready for their new home?
Here are some tips to help you bring your books.
- Decide which books could be donated. This will help to save space and ensure that only your favourite books have to come with you.
- Don’t overstack!
- Always pack books flat rather than via their spine, it will create a better weight distribution in the box and will prevent the box from falling out from underneath.
- If there is any empty space inside the box, then stuff it with tissue paper to create cushioning.
- Reinforce the box with heavy-duty tape to make sure it is sturdy when you carry it.
- If you have a longer move than usual, take a book with you for the car ride.
How to pack your kitchen for moving house
For many, a lot of memories are made in a kitchen. So, it may not come as a surprise to know that some items may hold a great deal of sentimentality (especially if they’re passed down from older generations).
The key is making sure that these items travel safely and arrive at your new home in good condition. The list below is designed to make sure that happens.
- Ensure all your kitchenware is clean and ready to be wrapped. We recommend layering each individual item with tissue paper, not newspaper as it can mark your white goods.
- For larger items (blenders, toaster, microwaves etc.) we recommend using the original boxing if you have it handy. If not, use eco-friendly medium sized boxes and cushion them with balls of newspaper or bubble wrap.
- Keep your fine China, silverware, and delicate items away from your general items. These will need to be cushioned with bubble wrap and safely placed in an appropriately sized box.
- Don’t stack your pots and pans too heavily in each box. It will limit your carrying ability and will create a higher risk of your box breaking.
- Don’t pack dirty or greasy pans – first, make sure they are all clean.
- Make sure to mark all fragile items in permanent marker, so you or your removalist know what is in each box.
- Read the use-by dates on all your food items. You may be amazed at the age of some items that have been hiding at the back of your cupboard!
- Pack any perishable items in a cooler bag on the day of your trip. Try to minimise the amount of food needed in the week leading up to your move (because the refrigerator will need to be disconnected and cleaned).
How to pack your bathroom for moving home
We like to think of packing your bathroom as how you’d pack for a trip overseas – essential toiletries and items only. That means that the 15 half-bottles of shampoo need to go.
Get your bathroom ready with these essential tips.
- Declutter, declutter, declutter! Bathrooms are smaller areas of your home that can be packed quickly. So, identify what you don’t need or don’t want, as well as any items that are out of date, and dispose of them properly.
- If you have near-empty containers that you’re currently using, then do you best to use them completely before you go.
- To help prevent leakage, unscrew your bottle lids and cling wrap them to contain any liquids, then screw the caps back on.
- If you have essential medicines and items that need cooling, then store them in a cooler bag along with an overnight toiletries bag. These will go with you on your big day
- Mark your boxes properly so that you know where they need to go once you arrive at your new home.
