How to pack your belongings like a pro when moving house in Brisbane
Quick moving tips for moving house like a pro in Brisbane:
- Start early and declutter first
- Use the right moving boxes for heavy and lighter items
- Fill empty spaces to prevent breakage
- Label boxes clearly and consider dry cleaning before packing clothes
- Separate your ‘must haves’ and take special care with valuables
- Seek guidance from Brisbane’s moving experts – professional movers like us!
Ben's way of moving house
Moving house in Brisbane isn’t always straightforward. Queenslander homes come with tight staircases. Apartment moves often mean tricky lifts or street parking. And then there’s the subtropical weather – one minute it’s sunny, the next, you’re packing boxes in a thunderstorm.
But with the right preparation (and a little local knowledge), it doesn’t have to be stressful. At Ben Moves Brisbane, we’ve helped hundreds of locals move all over the city and beyond. Whether it’s northside, southside or somewhere in between, here are our top packing tips and moving tips to pack smart and move with confidence.
Why packing like a pro matters when moving house
Poor packing leads to broken belongings, last-minute panic and a much longer unpack on the other end. And in Brisbane, things like humidity, summer storms and multi-level homes can make it harder.
A proper packing plan can help you:
- Protect fragile or valuable items
- Save time when unpacking
- Avoid injuries from overloaded or broken boxes
- Reduce stress on moving day
- Ensure a smooth transition into your new home
Packing also allows you to spot and deal with tasks that are easy to forget – like arranging final readings for your gas and electricity meters, updating your car registration, or contacting the electoral office with your new address. Little things like this can pile up if left to the last minute, so building them into your packing process means fewer surprises at the other end.
The more efficiently you pack, the faster your movers can load and unload the truck – and the less time you spend hunting for toilet paper rolls, pet medical records, or phone chargers in a sea of boxes. It’s all about making moving house feel less like chaos, and more like a well-organised adventure.
Start early and declutter before packing
Timeline tip: Start packing non-essentials around 6–8 weeks out from your move.
The earlier you begin, the easier it is to declutter along the way. And the fewer boxes you have to move, the cheaper and quicker your moving process will be.
Choosing the right moving boxes for lighter items and heavy items
- Out-of-season clothes
- Old appliances or electronics
- Duplicate kitchen items
- Books you’ll never read again
- Toys, games or hobby supplies
Things to consider donating, selling or tossing:
Boxes aren’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, the right type of box can make your move easier and safer.
- Use book boxes (small and sturdy) for heavy items like books or pantry goods
- Use tea chest boxes (larger and lighter) for clothes, pillows or soft furnishings
Never overfill a box – especially large boxes. If it’s too heavy to lift safely, it’s too full. And don’t skimp on quality – Brisbane’s humidity can weaken cheap moving boxes, leading to splits and spills.
Filling empty spaces to prevent damage
A half-filled box is an accident waiting to happen. Items can shift in the extra room and break during transport.
What to use as fillers:
- Towels and linens
- Socks or scarves
- Bubble wrap or butcher’s paper
Wrap fragile items individually and fill all gaps. Using masking tape, seal the top and bottom securely, and label which side is up.
Protecting your wardrobe: dry cleaning and wardrobe boxes
If you’ve got clothes you want to keep fresh, consider a dry clean before packing – especially if they’ll be sitting in boxes for a while.
Best options for packing clothes:
- Use wardrobe boxes for suits, dresses or delicate fabrics
- Roll casual items to save space
- Use vacuum-seal bags for seasonal gear
In summer, pack clothes in breathable bags to avoid mould or mildew.
Packing must-haves and essentials separately
You don’t want to be digging through 20 boxes looking for your toothbrush.
Essentials to pack separately:
- Medications
- Chargers and electronics
- Snacks, water bottles, and toilet paper rolls
- Keys and documents (include pet medical records and car registration)
- First aid kit
- Change of clothes and toiletries
If you’re moving with kids or pets, one of the most useful packing tips is to pack a small bag for them too. Keep your essentials box in your car or somewhere clearly marked in an obvious location.
Handling fragile and special care items
When it comes to moving tips, nothing is simpler than acknowledging that some things need a little extra TLC.
Pack these with care:
- Glassware and crockery
- Antiques or collectibles
- Artwork and mirrors
- Laptops, tablets and cameras
Use bubble wrap, cardboard dividers and towels to cushion fragile items. Photograph valuables before packing and check your insurance coverage.
“After 10 years moving families across Brisbane, I always tell my clients one golden rule for fragile items – if it’s precious enough to wrap twice, it’s precious enough to move yourself.”
Moving day tips from travel experts (your movers!)
We’re not just a removal company – we’re your travel agents for belongings.
Last-minute tips:
- Defrost the fridge the night before and empty your freezer
- Keep tools handy for furniture disassembly (and tape screws to the item)
- Take photos of how cords are plugged in
- Use suitcases for last-minute bits and pieces
How to work with your movers:
- Clearly label boxes by room
- Have a floor plan or room list and create an inventory list
- Let us know which items are fragile or high priority
Need packing help? We offer full and partial home moving services and work closely with professional packers.
After the move: unpacking and recycling moving boxes
Don’t rush the unpacking. Start with essentials, then go room by room.
What to do with your boxes:
- Offer them up on Facebook Marketplace or Buy Nothing groups
- Flatten and store for future moves
- Recycle responsibly through Brisbane City Council
Also remember to:
- Arrange final readings for gas and electricity meters
- Update your address with the electoral office and other essential services
- Have your mail held or redirected to your new home
- Book cleaners if needed
Bonus checklist: must-haves for a stress-free Brisbane move
Moving day can be chaotic, so it helps to have a small bag or box of must-haves packed and ready to go with you – not in the moving company truck. These essentials can get you through the first few hours (or day) in your new place without scrambling through boxes.
Essentials for the car:
- Water bottles
- Wipes and sanitiser
- Charging cables and power banks
- Easy snacks
- Important documents and ID
Other helpful local info:
- Council bin collection day for the new address
- Nearest GP or pharmacy
- Emergency contacts in Brisbane
Conclusion: moving house doesn’t have to be hard
Packing like a pro is all about planning ahead, knowing what to prioritise, and getting the right help when you need it.
Whether you’re heading across the river or out to the coast, Ben Moves Brisbane is here to make moving house a little less stressful – and a lot more seamless.
Ready to make your move?