How to Pack Moving Boxes the Right Way
Room-by-room, item-by-item guidance from professional removalists — so your things arrive safely and moving day feels manageable.
Moving house is one of life's genuinely big moments. And if there's one thing that makes it go smoothly — or spectacularly sideways — it's how well you pack your boxes.
Most broken items, most back injuries, and most "I can't find the kettle" moments at the other end could have been avoided with a little more know-how before move day. That's exactly what this guide is for.
Between Hire A Box and Hire A Packer, our teams have helped pack and move over 42,000 Australian homes. Everything in this guide comes directly from what we see working — and what we see going wrong — on jobs every single week.
What We See on the Job Every Week
Before we get into technique, a quick reality check — the things our packers encounter most often.
What our packers see most often when they arrive on a job
- Boxes packed so heavy they split on the truck. The number one offender is books in large boxes. A large box of books can hit 30–35kg — the bottom gives out mid-carry. Use medium boxes for books, packed no more than three quarters full. Every time.
- Plates packed flat and cracked. We find cracked plates in roughly one in three kitchens packed by the homeowner. Almost always the same cause: plates stacked horizontally instead of on edge. The fix is simple — see the plates section below.
- Boxes labelled "stuff" or nothing at all. This delays unpacking by hours. Our record was a three-bedroom home where every single box was labelled "things." The owner spent two days hunting for the coffee machine.
- Glasses wrapped in newspaper. The ink transfers, the glasses come out grey, and everything needs rewashing. Butcher's paper costs a few dollars — the difference is immediate.
- The mystery garage box. Almost every home has one. Random tools, half a candle, old batteries, a charger from 2015. These get rushed into a box at the last minute with no wrapping and no label. Slow down for the garage.
- Important documents in random boxes. Passports, birth certificates and Medicare cards packed into a box that ends up at the bottom of a stack. Always move documents personally — never on the truck.
Before You Start Packing
Good packing is mostly preparation. A little time here makes everything else faster and less stressful.
Choose the right box sizes
The single most important rule: heavy items go in medium boxes, packed no more than three quarters full; light bulky items go in large boxes. A large box full of books becomes unliftable and often splits. A large box of linen is perfectly manageable.
| Box Size | Best For | Avoid Packing | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | Books (three quarters full max), pots, small appliances, shoes, folded clothes, pantry tins, wine bottles, heavy ornaments, children's toys | Filling to the brim with heavy items — keep heavy boxes to three quarters full or less | Medium boxes → |
| Large | Linen, pillows, cushions, towels, lampshades, soft toys, folded clothes | Books, bottles, tools — too heavy at large volume | Large boxes → |
| Wardrobe | Hanging clothes — no folding, no wrinkling | N/A — purpose-specific | Wardrobe boxes → |
| Picture / TV | Framed artwork, mirrors, flat-screen TVs | N/A — purpose-specific | Picture boxes → |
Your supplies checklist
- Medium and large moving boxes — more than you think you need
- Heavy-duty packing tape and a tape gun
- Butcher's paper — preferred over newspaper (no ink transfer)
- Bubble wrap for fragile items
- Permanent markers — at least two
- Labels or sticky notes
- Scissors or a box cutter
- Cardboard dividers for glasses and stemware
- Zip-lock bags for screws, bolts and cables
- Stretch wrap for furniture
Your labelling system
Every box needs: the room it belongs to, brief contents, FRAGILE if anything breakable is inside, and THIS WAY UP ↑ if orientation matters. Label on at least two sides of every box.
The Golden Rules of Packing Boxes
Heavy items in medium boxes — three quarters full
Books, bottles, tins, tools. If it's dense, use a medium box packed no more than three quarters full.
No box over 20kg
This protects your back, your removalists, and the box itself. If you're straining, split across two boxes.
Tape the base — twice
Two strips crossing the bottom seam, minimum. One strip will not hold books.
Fill every gap
Empty space lets items shift and collide in transit. Crumple packing paper into all gaps until nothing moves.
Heavy at bottom, light on top
Layer heaviest items at the base within each box. This prevents crushing and keeps the box stable.
One room per box — always
Mixing rooms saves a little space now and costs a lot of time unpacking later.
How to Pack Each Type of Item
The most important rule in this entire guide: pack plates vertically — standing on edge like records in a crate. Never flat. Flat-packed plates sit under enormous pressure from boxes stacked above and crack. On edge, they're structurally far stronger.
- Lay a sheet of packing paper flat. Place the first plate in the centre.
- Fold the paper over the plate, then place a second plate on top and fold again.
- Bundle 3–4 plates together in a parcel of paper.
- Stand bundles vertically in the box — like records in a crate.
- Line the box base with crumpled paper before loading.
- Fill all gaps with paper until nothing rattles when you shake the box.
- Mark clearly: FRAGILE — PLATES — THIS WAY UP ↑
- Wrap each glass or mug individually in a large sheet of packing paper.
- Start at one corner, roll the glass in, and tuck the ends as you go.
- For stemware: stuff the inside with crumpled paper first for extra cushioning.
- Pack heavier glasses (pint glasses, mugs) at the bottom of the box.
- Pack wine glasses, champagne flutes and delicate pieces on top.
- Never stack glasses directly on each other without paper between them.
- Mark: FRAGILE — GLASSES — THIS WAY UP ↑
Books are deceptively heavy. Medium boxes, packed no more than three quarters full — no exceptions.
- Use medium boxes only, filled to three quarters capacity at most. A medium box of books packed to the brim can reach 30kg+.
- Pack books upright like they're on a shelf, spines facing down — this protects the binding.
- Alternatively, lay hardcovers flat in neat stacks.
- Never pack books spine-up or at angles — this permanently damages the binding.
- Fill gaps with crumpled paper so nothing shifts.
- Label: Books — HEAVY
- Wrap pot lids individually in packing paper — they chip on the rim easily.
- Nest smaller pots inside larger ones, with a layer of paper between each.
- Small appliances: wrap in paper or bubble wrap, pack in original box if available, or a medium moving box.
- Remove and wrap glass blender bowls, lids and coffee carafes separately.
- Knives: wrap each individually in several layers of paper and tape firmly. No exposed blades.
- Hanging clothes: Use a wardrobe box. Clothes go in on the hanger and arrive ready to hang. No folding, no wrinkling.
- Folded clothes: Large boxes or suitcases — clothes are light and bulky, ideal for large boxes.
- Shoes: Stuff with crumpled paper to maintain shape, pair together, wrap in paper or bag individually.
- Vacuum bags are excellent for bulky winter items — doonas, duvets and heavy jumpers.
- Use original boxes and packaging where possible.
- Without originals: wrap in bubble wrap with padding on all sides. Use a picture/TV box for flat screens.
- Cables: Coil loosely, tie with a cable tie, and put each in a labelled zip-lock bag ("TV HDMI," "Laptop charger"). This saves hours at the other end.
- Take photos of the back of your TV and home theatre before disconnecting anything.
- Remove batteries from remotes — vibration in transit can cause corrosion.
- Never lay a flatscreen TV face-down or on its side. Always move upright.
- Wrap each piece individually — generous amounts of paper or bubble wrap.
- Tall vases: stuff the inside with paper, wrap the outside, and pack standing upright.
- Lamps: remove and wrap lampshades separately (they crush easily). Pack the base standalone with padding.
- Picture frames: tape a large X across the glass with painter's tape. Wrap in paper, pad well.
- Use picture boxes for framed artwork and mirrors.
- Mark FRAGILE — top and at least one side.
- Use medium boxes, packed lightly — tins and jars are far heavier combined than people expect. Keep fills to three quarters at most.
- Wrap glass jars and bottles individually in paper. One broken olive oil bottle ruins everything around it.
- Seal open packets with tape, or transfer into zip-lock bags.
- Consider using up or donating pantry items before the move — one fewer box is a real benefit.
- Do not pack perishables. Consume or donate in the final week.
- Sort first. Moving is a great opportunity to donate toys that haven't been played with in months.
- Small toys (Lego, figures, puzzle pieces): zip-lock bags first, then into a medium box. Keeps sets together.
- Soft toys and stuffed animals: large boxes or bags — light and easy.
- Large toys: remove batteries, disassemble where possible.
- Involve the kids: giving children their own box to pack favourite toys keeps them engaged and reduces moving day anxiety.
Room-by-Room Packing Guide
Every room has its own quirks and timing. Here's what to know before you start each one.
Kitchen
- Pack last — you need it longest
- Plates vertical, glasses individually wrapped
- Wrap glass lids and appliance parts separately
- Pack a "last use" kit for the final night
- Every box: Kitchen — Fragile
Bedroom
- Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- Linen, pillows and blankets in large boxes
- Jewellery and valuables: move personally
- Disassemble bed frame last, reassemble first
- Take photos of furniture arrangement
Bathroom
- Pack a few days before moving
- Stand bottles upright — seal lids with cling wrap
- Keep a small essentials kit for moving morning
- Dispose of expired medicines and products
- Use towels as padding for fragile items
Living Room
- Photo cables before disconnecting everything
- Wrap electronics in bubble wrap, label all cables
- Books in medium boxes, three quarters full max
- Artwork and mirrors: wrap in paper, stand upright
- Coffee table books in medium boxes
Garage & Shed
- Drain petrol from mowers and power tools
- Dispose of paint, chemicals and aerosols responsibly
- Wrap sharp tools individually and tape securely
- Small hardware: labelled zip-lock bags
- Garden pots: empty soil, stack and wrap
Home Office
- Back up all computers first — non-negotiable
- Important documents: sealed folder, move personally
- Label all cables before unplugging
- Shred sensitive documents you no longer need
- Pack a "work essentials" box for day-one access
Laundry
- Drain and clean washing machine before disconnect
- Pack laundry detergent in a sealed plastic bag
- Consolidate cleaning products; dispose of partials
- Check inside the washing machine drum
Outdoors / Garden
- Clean BBQ and check gas connections
- Drain petrol from all equipment
- Wrap garden ornaments and fragile pots
- Bundle garden tools with rubber bands or tape
- Check what plants can cross state borders
How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?
One of the most common questions we get — and one where almost everyone underestimates.
📦 Box Quantity Calculator
Based on averages across thousands of Australian moves.
Estimates are a guide only — order 10–15% more than your estimate. Unused flat-packed boxes can usually be returned.
Guide by home size
| Home Size | Minimalist | Average Household | Heavy Packer / Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | 12–18 | 18–28 | 28–40 |
| 2 bedroom | 20–30 | 30–50 | 50–70 |
| 3 bedroom | 35–50 | 50–75 | 75–100 |
| 4 bedroom | 55–70 | 70–100 | 100–140 |
| 5+ bedroom | 80–100 | 100–140 | 140–200+ |
What actually drives box count on the job
- Years at the address is the biggest variable. A couple who've lived somewhere 15 years will typically need twice the boxes of someone who moved in 18 months ago — regardless of home size.
- The garage and roof cavity are almost always underestimated. Most people forget these spaces can add 20–30 boxes alone.
- Books and kitchen items always need more medium boxes than people expect. A well-stocked kitchen and a decent book collection can account for 20+ medium boxes — keep heavy boxes to three quarters full.
- When in doubt, order more. Unused flat-packed boxes can almost always be returned.
→ View Hire A Box moving bundles by home size — pre-selected packs with the right mix of medium and large boxes.
Common Packing Mistakes We See Every Week
Boxes that are too heavy
The usual culprit: overfilling medium boxes with books or pantry items. Pack to three quarters full max and keep all boxes under 20kg.
Packing plates flat
We find cracked plates in roughly one in three self-packed kitchens. Pack plates vertically — every time, without exception.
No labels, or vague labels
"Stuff," "Misc" and "Things" are not labels. Write the room and a brief description on at least two sides of every box.
Leaving voids inside boxes
Empty space lets items shift and collide during transit. Fill every gap with crumpled paper. Shake-test every box before taping it shut.
Mixing rooms in one box
Mixed boxes are consistently the hardest to unpack. Keep rooms separate, even if it means a partially filled box.
Only one strip of tape on the base
A single strip will fail under heavy loads. Always tape the base with two strips running perpendicular to each other.
Using poor-quality or secondhand boxes
Supermarket or bottle shop boxes are structurally weaker and irregularly sized. Purpose-made moving boxes are worth the small investment.
Packing important documents in moving boxes
Passports, birth certificates, legal documents — these should travel with you personally. They're irreplaceable if a box goes missing.
Your Moving Day Box Strategy
Some boxes aren't about the move itself — they're about surviving the first 48 hours. Pack these with intention, and mark them so they come off the truck first.
🎒 The Essentials Box
- Kettle, coffee, mugs, teabags
- Phone charger + USB hub
- Toilet paper (multiple rolls)
- Hand soap and small towel
- Snacks and water
- Box cutter
- Bin bags
- Pain relief and basic first aid
🌙 First Night Box
- Bed linen for every bed
- Towels for each person
- Pyjamas and a change of clothes
- A pillow per person
- Shower essentials
- Kids' bedtime comfort items
- Torch or battery lantern
👧 Kids' Box
- A few favourite toys
- Books or activity packs
- Favourite snacks
- Stuffed animal / comfort item
- Colouring in or small games
- Tablet + charger
📄 Documents (carry personally)
- Passports and ID
- Birth certificates
- Legal and financial documents
- Insurance policies
- Medicare / health cards
- School records
- Medications
Printable Packing Checklist
📋 Complete Moving Packing Checklist
📦 Supplies — gather before you start
- Medium and large moving boxes
- Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- Heavy-duty packing tape + tape gun
- Butcher's paper / packing paper
- Bubble wrap for fragile items
- Permanent markers (×2)
- Labels and sticky notes
- Scissors or box cutter
- Zip-lock bags for small items / cables
🍳 Kitchen
- Plates wrapped individually, packed vertically
- Glasses wrapped individually in paper or cell kit
- Pots nested with paper between, lids wrapped
- Small appliances wrapped in paper or bubble wrap
- Knives individually wrapped and taped
- Pantry items in medium boxes (three quarters full max), glass jars wrapped
- Every box labelled: Kitchen — Fragile
- Last-use kit set aside for final night
🛏️ Bedrooms
- Hanging clothes in wardrobe boxes
- Folded clothes in large boxes or suitcases
- Linen, pillows and doonas in large boxes
- Shoes stuffed with paper and wrapped
- Jewellery and valuables set aside to carry personally
- Bed frame photo taken before disassembly
🛁 Bathroom
- Bottles stood upright, lids sealed with cling wrap
- Expired products disposed of
- Essentials kit kept out for moving morning
- Towels used as padding for fragile items
🛋️ Living Room
- Cables photographed before unplugging
- All cables labelled and individually bagged
- Electronics wrapped in bubble wrap
- TV packed upright in picture box
- Books in medium boxes, three quarters full max
- Artwork and frames wrapped, standing upright
🔧 Garage & Shed
- Petrol drained from all equipment
- Paint, chemicals and aerosols disposed of
- Sharp tools individually wrapped and taped
- Small hardware sorted into labelled bags
- Garden pots emptied and wrapped
💼 Home Office
- All computers backed up
- Important documents in sealed folder — carry personally
- All cables labelled before unplugging
- Sensitive documents shredded
- Work essentials box packed for day-one
✅ Final checks before the truck arrives
- Every box labelled on at least two sides
- Every box base taped with two strips
- Every box shake-tested — nothing rattles
- Fragile boxes clearly marked
- Essentials and first-night boxes marked and ready
- Documents removed to travel with you
- Walk through every room, garage and roof cavity
- Take meter readings before you leave
What Professional Packers Do Differently
They move without stopping to think. Every decision — box size, how to wrap it, how to pack it — is instinctive after hundreds of jobs. A professional team can pack a 3-bedroom home in a single day because the whole process runs on muscle memory.
They wrap faster and more consistently. More importantly, they wrap every single item — not just the ones that look obviously fragile. Many breakages on self-packed moves come from items that simply weren't padded.
They spot problems before they happen. A professional looks at a box and already knows it'll be too heavy, or that a gap needs filling. That judgment — built over hundreds of jobs — prevents breakages.
They're consistent from first box to last. Packing quality often deteriorates as people get tired. That last hour of a self-pack is usually when things get damaged. Professional teams maintain the same standard throughout.
They bring everything they need. No last-minute hardware store runs for tape. All materials arrive with the team.
Ready to hand it over to the professionals?
Hire A Packer's teams operate across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. We supply all the materials, pack your entire home, label everything clearly, and leave it ready for the truck.