How to Pack Moving Boxes When Moving House

How to Pack Moving Boxes When Moving House

Moving day doesn’t have to be a scramble. With the right supplies, a clear plan, and a few insider tricks, you’ll slide from “Where do I start?” to “Bob’s your uncle” in record time.

Below you’ll find an eight‑week countdown, pro packing tactics, and clever ways to use Roomia’s secure, no‑lock‑in storage when the lounge won’t fit (yet). This is your no-nonsense guide to a fast, stress-free move, without costing you a small fortune.

Your 8‑Week Moving House Checklist

Tick tasks off as you go – your future self will thank you. Want the full play‑by‑play? Grab our  Moving House Checklist  for a printable, step‑by‑step roadmap. For now, here’s the quick‑fire plan before you crack open the packing tape.

8 Weeks Out

• Compare removalists and lock in dates before school‑holiday price hikes.
• Draft a budget: boxes, cleaners, dog‑sitters – the lot.
• Declutter: Keep / Sell / Donate unwanted items / Toss piles.
• Flag “store later” items – Roomia’s on‑site manager can size a unit on the spot.

4 Weeks Out

• Order supplies: double‑walled cartons, bubble wrap, tape.
• Start packing non‑essentials (spare linen, out‑of‑season gear).
• Change the address with Australia Post.
• Book a unit if the “keep but don’t move yet” pile keeps growing – see Roomia’s unit size guide.

1‑2 Weeks Out

• Pack room by room, labelling top and sides.
• Confirm movers and reserve the lift if you’re in an apartment block.
• Prep a first‑night box: kettle, chargers, doona, loo roll.

The Day Before

• Defrost the fridge‑freezer.
• Charge every device.
• Quick sweep of cupboards, shed, and car boot.

The Gear You’ll Need (And Why Quality Matters)

Supply – Why It’s Worth It

• Double‑Walled Boxes – Won’t cave in under books.
• Bubble Wrap / Butcher’s Paper – Cushions glass and china; reusable options keep it green.
• Vacuum Bags – Shrink doonas and winter coat to save space and keep everything mould free.
• High‑Tack Tape & Waterproof Markers – Tape stays stuck; labels stay legible.
• Padlocks (including Bluetooth models) – Extra layer on valuables or your storage unit paired with CCTV and individual alarms for fortress‑level security.

Save a buck: Roomia’s value packs – small, medium, or large – bundle the lot up to $60 cheaper than buying piecemeal.

Step-by-Step: How to Pack Moving Boxes Like a Legend 

1. Gather Early Avoid frantic Bunnings runs. Stock up weeks out; Click‑and‑Collect at Roomia with easy parking.
2. Declutter Ruthlessly Sell on Gumtree, donate to Salvos, or store sentimental extras in humidity‑controlled units. Less to move, less to pay.
3. Pick the Right Box for the Job • Medium (about 45 × 40 × 38 cm): appliances, kids’ toys.• Large (about 60 × 45 × 45 cm): pillows, lampshades.• Keep each under 20 kg – your back will thank you.
4. Reinforce and Line Cross‑tape the base, pad corners, drop in a silica sachet for humid zones.
5. Pack Heavy to Light Books at the bottom, towels up top. Plates upright like records, not stacked. Fill gaps with scrunched paper.
6. Seal and Label Like a Pro Three strips of tape on the base, two on top. Colour‑code by room, list contents, write “Fragile” plus your surname.
7. Final Lift Test and Stacking If it’s a struggle, split it. Stack the heaviest at the van’s front. Need interim space? Find your closest Roomia storage location—drive‑up bays mean no awkward trolley dances.

Where to Stash the Stuff You’re Not Ready to Move

Decluttering always turns up things you can’t let go – Grandad’s cedar chest, the kids’ LEGO empire, or that pallet of EOFY stock that hasn’t sold yet. Parking those items with Roomia keeps your hallways clear and your schedule on track.

Not sure how much square metreage suits? Swing by for a look or check the unit size guide online – seeing those bright corridors in person calms the pre‑move jitters. Need something close? Find your nearest Roomia from Chirnside to Sunshine, new sites are popping up quicker than a growth‑spurt kid’s shoe size.

Packing Fragile or Bulky Items

• Glasses: wrap stems, slot into a divided box.
• TVs: Use the original box if you kept it, or a padded specialty carton.
• Mattresses: slip into a vacuum bag to keep out dust during renovation detours.
• Heirlooms and valuables: store in a small, secure Roomia unit with Bluetooth‑enabled locks and 24 / 7 CCTV.

Frequently Asked Questions to Consider Before Your Big Move

How many boxes will I need for a 2-bedroom move?

For most 2-bedroom homes, budget for 30–50 cartons:

• 10 small – books, tools, pantry staples
• 20 medium – kitchenware, decor, small appliances
• 5–10 large – linen, lampshades, bulkier items

If you’ve got a garage, wardrobes, or extra storage nooks, add another 5 cartons to be safe.

Do I need insurance for items in my storage unit?

If you’d want them replaced, it’s recommended to protect them.  Many home-contents policies don’t cover belongings stored in self storage facilities however Roomia offers StoreProtect a simple, low-cost way, specific for self storage, to protect your stored belongings from incidents like fires or storms.

Can I get to my boxes while they’re in storage?

Absolutely. Standard access is 6 a.m.–9 p.m., and 24/7 access is available on request.

Why Movers Choose Roomia Mid‑Transition

• No Lock‑In Contracts – Flex storage by the week.
• On‑Site Manager – Real human advice, spare trolley, extra tape – sorted.
• Modern, Purpose‑Built Facilities – Wide driveways fit removal trucks; covered bays keep gear dry.
• Top‑Tier Security – Individual alarms, CCTV, and secure, gated access.
• Unit Sizes for Days – From locker to warehouse, upgrade or downsize anytime.

Grab Our Free Moving Checklist

Download the full timeline at Roomia Moving House Checklist print it, stick it on the fridge, tick away. It’ll save you from tearing your hair out in your next move.

Final Thoughts

Packing moving boxes isn’t rocket science – just smart gear, clear labelling, and a dose of elbow grease. Follow the steps above and you’ll roll into the new place with un‑crushed crockery and un‑strained shoulders.

Need secure, flexible space during the shuffle?

Find your closest Roomia location, and our team will happily help you Make your life Roomia.