Packing Tips from Canberra Removal Pros: Save Time, Space & Sanity

Let’s be honest: packing is the part of moving that nobody loves. It’s the slow, tedious, why-did-I-buy-this-much-stuff stage of relocating. And yet, how you pack can make or break your moving experience.

At Doctor Move, we’ve been helping locals for years — from tiny studio moves in Braddon to full house relocations out of Woden — and if there’s one thing we know, it’s this:

Good packing = faster, safer, and far less stressful moves.

Whether you’re hiring a full-service Canberra removalist or just getting help with the heavy lifting, these pro-backed packing tips will save you serious time (and maybe your sanity).

First, Know What You’re Dealing With

Before you even touch a box, take stock.

• What size is your move?
• Are you downsizing or upsizing?
• Are you moving locally or interstate?
• Do you need short-term storage?

Different move types = different packing approaches. For example:

• Apartment movers in Canberra need to think about lifts, stairs, and tight turns.
• Interstate moves mean more time in transit — so extra care and labelling matter.

Pro Tip #1: Start Early — Then Start Again Earlier

We get it. You're busy. But trust us: the number one packing regret we hear is “I should’ve started sooner.”

Give yourself:

• 3–4 weeks for a full house
• 1–2 weeks for a one-bedroom unit
• At least a few days for even the smallest of moves

Start with the least-used areas:
✔️ Garage
✔️ Linen closet
✔️ Seasonal clothes
✔️ Books and decor

Leave daily-use items for last. Pack them in a clearly marked “OPEN FIRST” box.

Pro Tip #2: Label Like a Maniac (Future You Will Thank You)

A permanent marker is your best friend.

Label:

• The room the box belongs in
• A short description of contents (e.g. “Kitchen – pots & pans”)
• Whether it’s fragile or heavy

Advanced tip: Use colour-coded stickers for each room. Want to be extra? Number your boxes and keep a spreadsheet of what’s inside each one. (Yes, some of our clients actually do this.)

Pro Tip #3: Ditch the Random Bags and Garbage Sacks

We’ve seen it all. Black bin bags filled with books. IKEA bags with open jars of pasta sauce. And yes, even laundry baskets zip-tied shut.

Don’t do it.

Stick to:

• Uniform-sized boxes (they stack better)
• Sturdy containers for fragile items
• Suitcases for clothes and shoes
• Bubble wrap for electronics or glass

If you need help, many Canberra removalist companies (like us!) offer quality packing materials at better prices than Bunnings.

Pro Tip #4: Pack Heavy on the Bottom, Light on Top

This might sound obvious, but under pressure (and fatigue), logic flies out the window. Stack your items in this order:

• Books and heavy items on the bottom
• Cushions, towels, and light items on top

Don’t overpack boxes. If it takes two people to lift it, you’ve overdone it.

Pro Tip #5: Wrap Breakables Individually

No shortcuts here. Don’t just toss six mugs in a box with a “FRAGILE” label and hope for the best.

Use:

• Bubble wrap
• Tea towels
• Newspaper
• Clothes (dual use!)

Pack glasses standing upright. Stack plates vertically. And always use padding on the bottom of the box.

Pro Tip #6: Declutter as You Go

Moving is the perfect excuse to finally ditch:

• That dress you haven’t worn since 2015
• The box of tangled chargers
• Uni textbooks from a course you dropped

Create three piles:

• Keep
• Donate
• Bin

Less stuff = less to pack = lower moving costs.

Pro Tip #7: Pack a “First Night” Survival Kit

You’ll thank us later.

In one small box or backpack, pack:

• Chargers
• Pajamas and toiletries
• Cleaning wipes
• Toilet paper
• Basic kitchen gear (mugs, cutlery, one pan)
• Medications

Label it clearly and keep it with you — not in the truck.

When to Let the Pros Take Over

Some things are just better left to the experts — especially if:

• You’re short on time
• You have antiques, artworks, or fragile items
• You’re doing an interstate move from Canberra
• You want to avoid that one disassembled IKEA wardrobe drama

Hiring a Canberra removalist who also offers packing services can save days — literally.

At Doctor Move, we offer:

• Full-service packing
• Fragile-only packing
• Packing materials delivered to your door
• Optional unpacking at your new place

Perfect for busy professionals, families with kids, or anyone who just wants it done right.

What Locals Say About Packing with Doctor Move

“I thought I could pack everything in a weekend. Nope. Ended up calling Doctor Move for help with the kitchen and wardrobes — best decision I made all month.”
– Samira, Franklin

“The team gave us packing tips that actually made unpacking easier on the other side. Super organised and careful.”
– Jake & Kylie, Griffith

Final Word: Packing Isn’t Fun, But It Doesn’t Have to Be Hell

If you're reading this, chances are you're either about to start packing… or you're already halfway through and regretting everything.

Good news? You don’t have to do it alone.

Whether you’re moving down the street or across the state, Doctor Move is the Canberra removalist that can help you plan, pack, lift, and move — without losing your mind.

📦 Ready to get moving? Request a quote today.

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