Packing Essentials: What You Need for a Smooth Move

Packing for a move can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy and materials, it doesn’t have to be. After years of working in the moving industry, I’ve learned that proper packing not only makes the entire process more efficient but also protects your belongings from damage. This guide will walk you through the essential packing supplies you’ll need and some practical tips to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Boxes

The first and most important item on your packing checklist is boxes. While it may be tempting to grab a stack of free boxes from your local supermarket or use the cheapest ones you can find, it’s not worth the risk. In my experience, cheap boxes with thin cardboard tend to collapse and lose their shape when stacked. When the boxes buckle under pressure, the tape can sometimes come undone, which is a pain for you and your movers.

We like the boxes that our friends at StoreStuff sell. They’re priced reasonably, but what’s really good about them is the manager, Thomas, went to good lengths to find ones with nice thick cardboard.

How Many Boxes Do You Need?

A common question I get is, "How many boxes do I need?" While it depends on the size of your home and how much you own, here’s a rough estimate to get you started:

• Studio or 1-bedroom apartment: 15-20 medium boxes, 10 large boxes, and 3-5 specialty boxes (for fragile items).
• 2-bedroom home: 25-30 medium boxes, 15 large boxes, and 5-7 specialty boxes.
• 3-bedroom home: 35-40 medium boxes, 20 large boxes, and 7-10 specialty boxes.
• 4-bedroom home: 45-50 medium boxes, 25 large boxes, and 10-12 specialty boxes.

These figures are for XL boxes and are based on my experience with clients and their packing needs. If you have a lot of items or an extensive collection of fragile things, you may need to add a few extra boxes to this list.

Bubble Wrap & Packing Paper

Once you’ve got your boxes, the next essential packing materials are bubble wrap and packing paper. These two items are your best friends when it comes to protecting fragile items like dishes, glassware, and electronics.

• Bubble Wrap: This is ideal for wrapping delicate items like mirrors, picture frames, and glassware. It adds a layer of cushioning that absorbs shock, preventing items from breaking if they’re bumped or jostled during the move. Bunnings sells a 25m roll for $18.90, and this is usually more than enough for most households.
• Packing Paper: For wrapping smaller fragile items, regular packing paper is the most cost-effective and efficient option. It’s great for filling gaps in boxes and wrapping items that don’t require as much padding as bubble wrap. Bunnings sells a 125-sheet roll for $13.88, and I highly recommend getting a couple of these rolls to ensure you have enough material on hand. Big Camel, for example, buys it wholesale because of its versatility.

For hollow items like cups or vases, be sure to fill them with crumpled packing paper. This helps them hold their shape under pressure and prevents them from collapsing inside the box.

Tape and a Tape Gun

You will need a couple rolls of tape. Two rolls usually gets the job done for houses as big as 4 bedrooms. Plus, if you have some excess at the it’s not unuseful to have a bit a tape lying around.

Another smart investment is a tape gun / dispenser. These make taping up boxes a lot quicker.

“Port-A-Robe” Boxes for Clothing

Packing clothing is another challenge you will face. One packing essential that I always recommend is the Port-A-Robe. These specialty boxes allow you to pack hanging clothes directly from your wardrobe, keeping them neat and wrinkle-free, ready to wear after the move.

If you’re packing a lot of clothes, it’s worth investing in a couple of Port-A-Robes. StoreStuff sells them for $21.60 each, and they make the process so much easier. They’re sturdy, and the built-in hanging rail means you don’t have to worry about folding or creasing your nicer clothes.

Moving Bags

Moving Bags are what you will use to pack your linen cupboards, bedding & cushions. These canvas bags are a clean and effective way to transport soft items.

A Sharpie, to Keep Things Organized

One of the simplest yet most effective things you can do during the packing process is label your boxes. It doesn’t take much time, but it makes unpacking a breeze. When labeling, include not only the room the box belongs to but also a brief list of its contents. This will help you and your movers know what’s inside and handle any fragile items with extra care.

From my experience, I’ve found that staying organized is key to reducing stress on moving day. When we’re packing for a client we always label every box with details including the room and if it’s fragile. This makes the unloading process so much easier.

And that’s all! See, you don’t really need a whole heap of fancy gear. The key thing to remember is to make sure you don’t cheap out on your boxes. Quality boxes prevent damage and make moving a lot easier. Big Camel offers a wide range of quality packing supplies with our moving service.

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