Top Tips for Packing Like a Pro Before Your Removalist Arrives

Moving house can feel overwhelming, but with the right techniques, you can reduce stress and keep things running smoothly. Whether you’re moving across town or to a new state, being organised and strategic will help you protect your belongings, save time and get off to a good start in your new home. A major part of a successful move involves knowing how to prepare before your removalists arrive.

According to Australia Post, approximately 1.14 million Australians relocate each year, highlighting just how common and often stressful the moving experience can be. With that in mind, packing like a professional can make all the difference. This guide walks you through top tips to get your home ready for moving day.

Start Planning Early

Create a moving schedule well in advance of your moving day. Begin by listing tasks room by room and setting dates for each stage of the packing process. Focus first on storage areas or less-used spaces such as the garage, guest room or shed.

Gather quality packing supplies to keep your belongings safe. Stock up on sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, strong tape, labels and permanent markers. Use original boxes for electronics where possible, or purchase speciality boxes for fragile items.

Declutter your home by sorting through your possessions and donating or discarding things you no longer use. This not only lightens your load but also cuts down on moving costs, as removalists often charge based on time or volume.

Label and Organise Everything

Label each box clearly, noting its contents and destination room. This step simplifies unpacking and helps your removalists know exactly where each box belongs.

Categorise your belongings by grouping similar items together – for instance, keeping kitchenware with kitchenware or electronics with other tech gear. For further organisation, consider keeping an inventory list of each box’s contents.

Prepare an essentials box with toiletries, medications, chargers, basic cookware and a change of clothes. Label it clearly and keep it with you on moving day, so you’re not digging through boxes for the necessities.

Pack Room by Room

Start with rarely used rooms like guest bedrooms, formal dining areas or outdoor storage. Packing these early helps build momentum and reduces last-minute stress.

Handle fragile items carefully using plenty of padding like bubble wrap or towels. Mark these boxes as “fragile” to alert your removalists and reduce the risk of breakage.

Use a colour-coding system by assigning different coloured stickers or tape for each room. This makes it easy to track progress and guide your removalists when unloading.

Keep Things Manageable

Group similar items together to make packing and unpacking more efficient. It also ensures you can easily find what you need once you arrive at your new home.

Limit the weight of boxes to prevent injury and protect your belongings. Aim for boxes under 20kg, and mix heavy and light items to balance the load.

Utilise suitcases to pack clothing, linens or even books. They’re designed to carry weight and often have wheels, making them easy to transport.

Pack Electronics Safely

Backup all important files on your computers and mobile devices using cloud storage or external drives. This way, if a device is damaged in transit, your data stays safe.

Use original packaging for electronics if available. Otherwise, choose boxes with sufficient padding to avoid movement and protect sensitive parts.

Label cords and secure cables using rubber bands or twist ties. Pack them with their corresponding devices to avoid confusion when setting up in your new home.

Use anti-static materials like bubble wrap or bags to shield devices from static electricity that can cause internal damage.

Remove batteries from remote controls, clocks and toys to prevent leaks or corrosion. Pack them separately in sealed plastic bags and keep them in a clearly labelled container.

Organise Clothing and Linens

Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. These tall boxes include a built-in hanging rail, allowing clothes to remain wrinkle-free and ready to wear.

Vacuum-seal bulky items like doonas, pillows and winter jackets to reduce their volume and save space. Vacuum sealing also protects items from moisture and dirt.

Sort clothing by season to simplify unpacking. You’ll know what to access first based on the weather and what can go straight into storage.

Wrap delicates in tissue paper to prevent snags and stains. Line boxes with soft cloth or extra layers of paper for added protection.

Tackle the Kitchen With Care

Purge your pantry by discarding expired items and donating non-perishables. This lightens your load and cuts costs.

Wrap each dish individually using packing paper or bubble wrap, not newspaper. Place plates vertically rather than stacking them flat to better absorb impact.

Use dish barrels and dividers for crockery and glassware. These reinforced boxes offer greater protection and keep fragile items from shifting during transport.

Seal liquids tightly and place them in zip-lock bags before packing them with other pantry items. This step prevents spills and sticky messes.

Keep small appliances like kettles or blenders in their original boxes if possible, or use ample padding to prevent damage.

Maximise Moving Day Efficiency

Communicate with your removalists in advance to confirm the schedule, parking availability and access points. The more they know ahead of time, the faster they can get to work.

Keep pets and kids occupied by arranging a sitter or confining them to a safe area. This makes moving day smoother and less stressful for everyone.

Ensure clear pathways through your home so removalists can move furniture and boxes safely without tripping hazards.

Take photos of furniture setups or electronics connections to make reassembly easier at your new home. It’s a helpful trick that saves time while unpacking.

Think About What Comes Next

Clean as you go to avoid one massive job at the end. Wipe down empty shelves, sweep floors and leave your space in good condition.

Check every room twice before your removalists depart. Look inside cupboards, drawers and sheds to ensure nothing is left behind.

Unpack methodically, starting with bedrooms and the kitchen. These are the areas you’ll need functional first. Save garage or decorative items for later.

Recycle packing materials once you’re done. Many boxes and bubble wrap sheets can be reused or given to someone else moving soon.

Trust Experts to Handle the Heavy Lifting

Even with excellent planning, hiring professional removalists is one of the most valuable decisions you can make for a hassle-free move. Experienced removalists know how to protect fragile items, manage large furniture and handle logistics like navigating tight hallways or loading heavy boxes. With skilled help, you’re less likely to suffer breakages, delays or injuries on moving day.

Look for removalists who offer packing and unpacking services if you’re short on time. Some even provide temporary storage solutions if there’s a delay in moving into your new place. It’s worth discussing these options during the booking process to find a tailored service that suits your situation.

Also, don’t forget to compare quotes and check reviews to ensure you’re choosing trustworthy removalists. Companies that are licensed and insured offer an added layer of security for your valuable belongings.

When you’re ready to move, trust the experts at Caloundra Removals & Storage. With years of experience and a reputation for reliability, we offer complete removal services that make relocating simple. Whether you need help packing, transporting or storing your belongings, our professional team ensures every detail is handled with care.

Make your move easier and more efficient by relying on experienced removalists who understand the challenges of relocation. Contact Caloundra Removals & Storage today and take the first step towards a stress-free transition to your new home.