Make moving a breeze: Learn how to pack boxes like a pro

Moving day can be a bit of a hassle for many. It’s a time-consuming and stressful process, especially if you’re not getting the help of professional removalists. But don’t stress, as proper packing can make things a lot more efficient and less of a headache. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to pack your boxes for moving. With this guide, you can rest easy knowing your belongings will be safe and protected during the journey. Whether you’re moving just down the road or across the country, our guide will help you pack like a pro and make your move a breeze.

What you’ll need

• Boxes of different sizes

• Packing tape 

• Packing paper

• Bubble wrap

• Markers

• Labels

• Scissors

• Box cutter

• Dolly

• Gloves

Packing boxes for moving tips and completion time

Packing for a move can differ from one household to another. The duration required to pack boxes depends on the size of your house, the number of your belongings, and your level of organisation.  

One-bedroom homes take the shortest amount of time to pack. You can dedicate two whole days of packing to get it done. Those with two-bedroom homes should allow an extra day for packing. 

However, it’s understandable that you sometimes can’t dedicate an entire day to just packing. Instead, you can devote two to three hours daily to the task. When you do this, expect the whole process to take up to three to five weeks since you’ll probably pack one room at a time. 

If you’re in a pinch, you can always turn to a reputable removalist for moving boxes to ensure that your belongings are transported safely.  

A step-by-step guide to packing moving boxes

Step 1: Make sure you have the right packing materials

Don't leave it to the last minute to run to a store for supplies. Check out the list above to see what you need to pack your boxes properly. It's essential to use quality packing materials to keep your belongings safe during transportation.

Step 2: Sort your belongings

Start by getting rid of any unwanted items to reduce the amount of packing you need to do. Take a good look around each room in your house and decide which items you’ll keep, donate, or throw away. 

Get your label makers or markers ready for this step. As early as now, you can take out some boxes and label them with “Keep,” “Donate,” or “Throw”. This will help keep things organised from the very beginning.  

Once you’ve done that, you’ll have a better idea of which valuables you’ll take to your new place and the quantity and sizes of boxes you’ll need for the task. Getting organised is important before you start grouping the boxes for loading.

Step 3: Pack room by room

It's advisable to pack your belongings one room at a time. This approach will simplify the unpacking process later on. Start with the items you use the least and gradually progress to the ones you use more frequently.

Use markers and labels to tag each box with its respective room and category. You can also include a brief description of its content, such as "bath towels, hand towels, and floor mats" for the bathroom. This labelling system will aid in your items when unpacking.

While packing, reserve essential items like documents, jewellery, and valuables. Transporting these items in your car is preferable for peace of mind. This way, you’ll feel secure knowing they’re with you and won’t be lost or damaged during transit. You can take out separate boxes for this and label them with the proper tags. 

Step 4: Pack heavy items in the bottom

Place heavier items at the bottom of your moving boxes to distribute the weight evenly. This makes carrying the boxes easier and reduces the risk of them breaking or collapsing during the move. 

If you’re still not quite sure about what to do, you may contact reliable packers and movers to help you box up your things, especially fragile items. 

Step 5: Use padding materials when necessary

Using padding materials like bubble wrap, crumpled papers, and old towels or clothing, ensure you fill any gaps in the box to prevent items from moving on the drive.

The boxes should feel sturdy enough to protect what’s inside, even if the bottom gets accidentally wet. Remember that prepping the boxes properly is essential to prevent damage during transport, so do not overlook this step! 

Step 6: Seal your boxes properly 

When it comes to how to tape moving boxes, it's crucial to use strong tape and reinforce the seams of the box. Many people use the "H" pattern to tape along the sides of the box. It’s important to get high-quality packing tape to ensure that your boxes don’t open by accident during the move. 

Make sure to check that you haven't overpacked your boxes. You can tell if you have if the boxes are too heavy or if it’s not easy to seal them properly. Overpacking increases the risk of boxes breaking or collapsing during the move.

Step 7: Label your boxes

After packing your boxes, use a marker or label maker to label each box with the room it belongs in and a brief description of its contents. Be sure to label the top and at least one side of each box so that both you and your movers can easily identify its contents.

Once your boxes are labelled, ready your boxes for loading. Are you sensing your hands will be full on the big day? You can contact professional house removal experts to assist on your moving day!  

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Make packing (and unpacking) easier! 

Whether you’re moving across the city or country, properly packing your belongings is crucial to ensuring a smooth move. After reading this guide on how to pack boxes for moving, you can avoid common moving mishaps like broken items and lost valuables. 

With a little planning and organisation, you can make your next move a success!

However, if you find daily life getting in the way of your packing schedule, don’t hesitate to ask experts for a helping hand. All you need to do is post a task on Airtasker! We have many Taskers, waiting to lend their expertise on moving.