DIY Packing Tips For Moving Interstate in Australia

April 22nd, 2015

Moving interstate in Australia is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to packing. Whether you’re relocating for work, studies, or simply a change of scenery, there are a few strategies that can make your interstate move easier and stress-free. To help you get started, here are some DIY packing tips to keep you organised and efficient while moving across Australia.

1. Start Early and Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to ensure a smooth interstate move is to start packing well in advance. Packing up your entire life in one or two days is a recipe for disaster. Work out what to start packing first so begin by sorting through your belongings and packing non-essential items — things you won’t need immediately, such as seasonal clothes, decorations, and extra kitchen gadgets.

• Create a Packing Timeline: Give yourself a few weeks (or even a month) to pack. Break down the tasks by week, so you tackle one section of your home at a time.
• Make a Moving Checklist: Write down all the tasks you need to complete, from organising utilities to arranging transport. This way, you won’t forget anything crucial.

2. Declutter Before You Pack

Moving is the perfect opportunity to sort through your things and eliminate what you don’t need. Decluttering will not only save you time and money but also reduce the amount of stress you’ll feel during the packing process.

• Sort Items into Categories: Go through your wardrobe, kitchen, and storage areas and separate items into three categories: “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” and “Throw Away.” If it’s broken, outdated, or you haven’t used it in the last year, it’s time to let it go.
• Have a Garage Sale or Donate: If you have items you no longer need but are in good condition, consider selling them online or hosting a garage sale. Alternatively, donating to a charity will help those in need while lightening your load.

3. Use Quality Packing Materials

Quality packing materials will protect your belongings during the move, ensuring that nothing gets damaged. When moving interstate, it’s essential to pack your items properly to avoid any issues with long-distance transportation.

• Boxes: Invest in strong, durable moving boxes. Don’t skimp on cheap boxes, as they may not hold up during the journey. Try to get boxes in various sizes for different types of items—small boxes for heavy things like books and larger boxes for lightweight items like bedding.
• Bubble Wrap & Packing Paper: Fragile items such as glassware, electronics, and artwork need extra protection. Wrap them carefully in bubble wrap or packing paper to minimise the risk of damage.
• Tape & Labels: Strong packing tape is essential for sealing your boxes. Use labels to clearly mark what’s inside each box (and which room it belongs to) to make unpacking your goods easier at your new home.

4. Pack Smart with a System

It’s easy for the packing process to feel chaotic if you don’t have a clear system in place. Being organised from the get-go will save you time and prevent confusion when you arrive at your new home.

• Label Everything: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. For example, “Kitchen – Plates and Glasses” or “Bedroom – Winter Clothes.” This way, you’ll know exactly where each box goes when it’s time to unpack.
• Pack Room by Room: Pack one room at a time, starting with the least essential areas. This method helps you stay focused and organised, ensuring that you don’t mix items from different rooms together.
• Pack an Essentials Box: This box should contain everything you’ll need in the first 24 hours in your new home. Pack toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, a few cooking utensils, and any other items you’ll need right away.

5. Protect Fragile and Valuable Items

When moving interstate in Australia, your fragile or valuable items need special attention. Whether it’s a sentimental family heirloom, expensive electronics, or fine china, make sure these items are well protected.

• Use Specialty Boxes: Consider investing in specialty boxes for things like televisions, mirrors, and artwork. These boxes are designed to give extra protection during transport.
• Insurance: Check with your moving company or removalist to see if they offer insurance for fragile or high-value items. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

6. Consider Hiring a Professional Moving Company

If you’re moving long distance, such as from one state to another, hiring a professional moving company can take a huge burden off your shoulders. They’ll have the experience, equipment, and manpower to safely transport your belongings across the country.

• Get Multiple Quotes: Contact several moving companies to get quotes, and ask about insurance options, timelines, and what’s included in their service.
• DIY or Full-Service?: If you want to save money, you could opt for a hybrid approach—doing the packing and organising yourself with hiring a shipping container while hiring professionals for the transport and heavy lifting.

7. Make Use of Suitcases and Bags

You don’t have to rely solely on boxes when packing for your interstate move. Suitcases, bags, and bins are perfect for clothes, bedding, and other soft items. These can also double as your personal travel luggage, so you won’t have to pack twice.

• Use Your Luggage: Suitcases and duffel bags can be packed with heavier items like books, shoes, and clothing. This will save you from needing extra boxes.
• Plastic Storage Bins: Clear plastic bins are great for storing household items like linens, shoes, or seasonal clothing. They’re durable and stackable, which makes them ideal for a long-distance move.

8. Take Care of Utilities and Paperwork

Before you leave your old home, make sure to handle any administrative tasks and set up utilities at your new place:

• Cancel or Transfer Utilities: Contact your utility providers (gas, electricity, internet, water) to transfer services to your new address or cancel them if you’re moving into a property with services already set up.
• Change Your Address: Don’t forget to update your address with Australia Post, your bank, and any other organisations you’re involved with. This will ensure your mail gets forwarded to your new home.
• Notify Others: If you have subscriptions, memberships, or regular deliveries, inform them about your address change so they don’t get sent to your old home.

9. Take Photos of Electronics

Before you disconnect your electronics, take photos of the wiring and setup. This will help you easily set everything back up at your new home. It’s especially helpful for TVs, home entertainment systems, and other complex setups.

10. Give Yourself Time to Unwind

Moving interstate is a big change, so be sure to allow yourself some downtime. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee at your new local café or exploring your new neighbourhood, taking a moment to relax will help you transition and adjust.

Final Thoughts

Moving interstate in Australia doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience if you approach it with a plan. By starting early, decluttering, packing efficiently, and taking care of important logistics, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and successful move. Remember, this is a new chapter in your life, so enjoy the process and look forward to the adventures your new home has in store!

Ready to make your move interstate? You Pack Removals has an extensive blog hub for moving tips, extensive guides and insights, all at the click of a link.