Start early and declutter
Start packing non-essential belongings around six to eight weeks before your move where possible. Leave frequently used items until later, and use the time to decide what you will take, donate, sell or recycle.
Work through cupboards, the garage and outdoor areas as well as the main rooms. Out-of-season clothing, unused appliances, duplicate kitchen items, books and toys are useful places to start. Fewer unwanted items make packing and unpacking easier.
Choose the right moving boxes
Use small, sturdy book cartons for heavier belongings such as books and pantry items. Larger cartons suit lighter items such as pillows, linen and clothing. Avoid overfilling any carton or packing it beyond a weight you can handle safely.
Choose strong cartons and keep them dry. Brisbane humidity and rain can weaken cardboard. Seal the base and top securely with packing tape, and label the contents, destination room and any handling requirements.
Fill gaps and protect fragile items
Wrap fragile items individually and fill empty spaces so the contents cannot move around. Packing paper, suitable cushioning, towels and linen can help protect belongings, depending on the item.
Glassware, crockery, antiques, artwork, mirrors and electronics need particular care. Use suitable dividers or cushioning, photograph valuable items and discuss special handling with our team. Read the applicable cover conditions before moving.
Prepare clothing and wardrobe items
Hanging garment cartons can help keep suits, dresses and other clothing together. Fold or roll casual clothing and use suitable bags for seasonal items. Make sure clothing is clean and dry before packing, especially for storage.
Avoid sealing damp clothing in bags or boxes. Ask our team about wardrobe cartons and suitable packing options for your move.
Keep an essentials bag with you
Pack medications, phone chargers, keys, important documents, toiletries, a change of clothes, water and snacks separately. Keep this bag with you so it is available before the moving truck is unloaded.
Families with children or pets may need extra supplies for the first day. Keep pet records, school essentials and other important information where you can find them easily.
Prepare appliances and furniture
Empty appliances and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disconnecting, defrosting and moving them. Arrange qualified help for anything that requires specialist disconnection or preparation.
Keep labelled cables, screws and fittings together with the furniture or equipment they belong to. Photographs can help with reassembly. Ask us before dismantling anything you are unsure about, and tell us if you want assembly help included in your quote.
Plan for Brisbane access and weather
Queenslander homes may have narrow staircases, while apartment moves can involve lift bookings, loading bays and restricted parking. Tell us about the access at both addresses before moving day.
Keep boxes and furniture protected from rain while preparing for collection. Let the office know if weather or access conditions change so the team can discuss the moving arrangements with you.
Coordinate moving day
Label cartons and furniture by destination room. Have a room list or floor plan available, and arrange for someone to direct the team at pickup and delivery. Point out fragile, valuable or priority items before loading.
If you would like help with packing, unpacking or dismantling furniture, discuss it when requesting your quote. Confirm what is included and who will prepare specialist equipment.
Unpack and organise the essentials first
Start with the items you need for the first evening, then work through one room at a time. Flatten reusable cartons, offer them to someone who needs them or recycle them appropriately.
Remember the practical tasks around a move: arrange final utility readings where needed, update your address, redirect mail and organise any cleaning. Keep a short checklist so those tasks are not lost among the boxes.