Packing Tips and Timeline for a Stress Free Move

Moving house can feel like staring down a mountain of mismatched T-shirts, where do you even begin? Take a deep breath. With a solid plan (and maybe a cuppa nearby), you’ll shift from stressed to sorted in no time.

This guide delivers an eight-week timeline, professional packing techniques, and insider hacks that Aussie movers live by.

Ready to make your move smooth? Let’s get started.

Here’s a week-by-week roadmap to keep you on track. Tick off each item as you go. There’s nothing like that satisfying dopamine hit from a completed list.

Your Guide to Planning Your Move and Packing Your Boxes With a Full Checklist

8 Weeks Before Your Move

• Research removalists and secure at least three quotes (prices spike around school holidays).
• Draft a moving budget, including packing supplies, cleaners, and takeaway for moving day.
• Start decluttering: Sort items into Keep, Sell, Donate, and Toss piles. For beloved pieces that won’t fit in your new space, consider short-term storage.
• Confirm lease or settlement dates to pinpoint exactly when you’ll be between homes.

4 Weeks Before Your Move

• Order sturdy boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers; always buy more than you estimate; you’ll thank yourself later.
• Pack low-use items first: spare doona covers, cricket gear, or that dusty slow cooker.
• Lodge a change-of-address form with Australia Post to ensure your mail doesn’t go astray.
• Book a secure storage unit if your “keep” pile is substantial. Roomia’s unit size guide makes it easy to choose the right one.

1–2 Weeks Before Your Move

• Pack room by room, labelling boxes clearly (details ahead).
• Confirm arrival times with your movers, account for traffic on busy routes like the Monash.
• Assemble a “first-night” essentials box: kettle, mugs, sheets, phone chargers, and toilet paper; your future self will be grateful.

The Day Before Moving

• Defrost and clean the fridge-freezer; no one wants the aroma of soggy peas.
• Charge all devices: laptops, tablets, and power tools.
• Do a final walkthrough: Check cupboards, the garden shed, and garage rafters for hidden items.

Hidden Costs and Budgeting Deep Dive: Don’t Get Caught Out

That initial budget looks solid, but sneaky extras can add up faster than you think. Pad it by at least 20% for peace of mind. Here’s what to watch for in 2025:

• Utilities and connections: Setup fees for power, gas, and NBN can sting, expect $50-200 per service, plus any disconnection charges from the old place.
• Cleaning and repairs: End-of-lease cleans average $300-500, and don’t forget potential fixes like patching walls or garden tidy-ups.
• Insurance and extras: Moving insurance, pet boarding, or last-minute supplies. If DIY-ing, factor in truck fuel and tolls.
• Pro hack: Declutter to slim down your load and cut removalist fees. For overflow, Roomia’s transparent pricing keeps costs predictable without nasty surprises.

Post-Move Week: Settling In Smoothly

You’ve made it! But the real fun starts now, unpacking and turning your new digs into a home. Here’s a quick guide to keep things rolling without the overwhelm.

• Unpack essentials first: Start with the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathroom so you can eat, sleep, and freshen up right away. Tackle one room at a time to avoid that post-move chaos.
• Connect utilities and services: Double-check that energy, internet, and water are hooked up, and don’t forget to update your address with banks, Medicare, and streaming services to avoid any hiccups.
• Do a deep clean and safety check: Wipe down surfaces, test smoke alarms, and scope out any dodgy spots. If you’ve got extras in storage, Roomia’s easy access means you can grab them without the hassle.
• Dispose of packing materials responsibly: Break down boxes and recycle where possible, and bonus points if you offer them on Gumtree for free to keep things eco-friendly.

Ready to put this plan into action?

You’ve got the blueprint, now let’s make it effortless to execute. Our free interactive Moving House Checklist transforms this guide into your moving assistant. Track your progress in real-time, get timely reminders sent straight to your phone, and enjoy the satisfaction of ticking off each milestone as you conquer your move. Because while moving is complicated enough, staying organised shouldn’t be.

How to Pack Boxes When Moving House 

Use the Right Supplies

Skip flimsy supermarket boxes, they’re a false economy. Opt for fresh, double-walled cartons, high-tack tape, and thick, water-resistant markers. You don’t want smudged labels in a Melbourne downpour.

The Room-by-Room Method

Trying to cook while half the kitchen is packed? Pure chaos. Tackle one room at a time to maintain morale and minimise clutter.

Create a Smart Labelling System

On the top and two sides of each box, note the destination room, a brief contents list, and “Fragile” if applicable. Colour-coding stickers are a game-changer for quick unloading, blue for bedrooms, green for the kitchen, and so on.

Avoid Overpacking Boxes

Aim to keep each box under ~20 kg. Place heavy items (books, tools) in small cartons and lighter ones (doonas, soft toys) in larger ones. If it takes two people to lift, split it up, no drama.

Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all been there, learning the hard way. Sidestep these pitfalls to save your back and your sanity.

• Leaving it to the last minute: Procrastination leads to rushed jobs and forgotten items. Start early with that eight-week plan to keep stress low.
• Not decluttering first: Packing junk you don’t need? That’s just moving clutter. Sort ruthlessly before boxing up.
• Sloppy labelling or overfilling: Smudged labels in the rain or boxes too heavy to lift? No thanks—stick to clear systems and that 20kg rule.
• Forgetting to protect valuables: Skipping bubble wrap on fragile items or leaving gaps in boxes can mean breakages. Fill voids with towels or paper for stability.

Best Ways to Pack Fragile Items

• Plates upright, not flat: Stack them like vinyl records with padding between each.
• Glasses individually wrapped: Use dividers or corrugated inserts for extra protection, she’ll be right.
• Electronics in bubble wrap: Remove batteries, coil cables, and label them clearly.
• Irreplaceable heirlooms? Opt for a small, climate-controlled storage unit during the move, ideal for humid Brisbane summers.

Where to Store Items You’re Not Ready to Move

Decluttering often uncovers treasures you can’t part with: Nana’s cedar chest, the kids’ LEGO collection, or excess stock before EOFY. That’s where flexible storage comes in handy.

Roomia’s modern facilities fit seamlessly into your moving plan:

Unsure about space? Check our unit size guide or visit in person. Seeing those clean, bright corridors can ease pre-move jitters.

Looking for convenience? Find your nearest Roomia location – from Chirnside to Sunshine, we’re expanding faster than a kid’s shoe size.

Declutter Like a Legend (and Feel Good About It)

• Sell quality items on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, pocket some extra cash for the move.
• Donate usable clothes and furniture through the Salvos, good on ya for giving back.
• Recycle e-waste responsibly at your local council depot.
• Store sentimental keepsakes long-term; Roomia’s humidity-controlled units outshine a dusty garage.

Seasonal and Regional Packing Tips

• Summer heat: Tape silica-gel sachets into boxes with photos or vinyl.
• Bushfire season: Prepare a “grab-and-go” fire-safe box for essentials like birth certificates and USB backups.
• Wet winters: Wrap fabric furniture in plastic before loading.
• Footy finals: Book removalists early in September, weekends book out faster than grand final tickets.

And while you’re prepping for the elements, why not go green? In 2025, sustainable packaging will be easier than ever. You can opt for reusable crates or biodegradable bubble wrap alternatives to cut down on waste. For those humid summers, swap single-use silica packets for reusable desiccants, and always recycle your materials post-move. It’s kinder to the planet and aligns perfectly with Roomia’s eco-conscious facilities.

Are you a Business Mover? We’ve Got You Covered

Tradies, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and sales reps with sample-stuffed boots: Extra space means smoother operations. Our drive-up units and pallet-friendly aisles make loading stock a breeze, quicker than a Friday arvo snag. With no lock-in contracts, scale up post-Christmas or down after stocktake without hassle.

Moving with Pets or Kids: Keeping the Whole Family Happy

Moves aren’t just tough on you; they can ruffle feathers (or fur) for the little ones and four-legged mates, too. Here’s how to make it smoother for everyone.

Tips for Pets

• Prep early: Book a vet check-up for vaccinations and a referral to a new clinic. Pack a pet essentials kit with food, toys, meds, and their fave blanket to keep things familiar.
• On moving day: Keep them secure in a quiet room or with a sitter to avoid the chaos. For dogs, amp up walks beforehand to burn off stress; for cats, a pheromone spray can calm their nerves.
• Settling in: Update microchip details and explore the new neighbourhood slowly.

Tips for Kids

• Involve them: Chat openly about the move, let them pack their own box of treasures or pick room colours to build excitement. For school-age kids, visit the new area beforehand if possible.
• During the move: Pack a fun bag with snacks, games, and chargers. If it’s interstate, plan rest stops or games to keep boredom at bay.
• After arrival: Set up their space first for a sense of normalcy. Encourage new friendships through local clubs or parks, and good on ya for turning it into an adventure!

Final Thoughts

Moving house isn’t just about shifting stuff, it’s closing one chapter and starting another. Plan, pack wisely, and declutter without mercy. If your belongings need a secure pit stop between homes, a modern, friendly storage solution is just around the corner.

Need storage during your move? Find your closest Roomia location today! Our team is here to help Make your Life, Roomia.