DIY packing tips

DIY packing tips for moving house

Here are some packing tips for moving house designed to make the job a little easier for you. These tips will help you to pack your belongings for maximum protection, reducing the chance of damage or breakages, and make handling easier.

If you need more help, we offer a careful packing service that makes packing up your house a breeze. Also check our movers blog for more detailed advice about packing.

What type of boxes to use for packing

Use boxes made from good quality cardboard. Boxes made specifically for moving are the best. They are strong and sturdy, some are double-walled for extra protection, and they are shaped to make them easier to carry. Your boxes need strength to protect the contents and to allow them to be stacked on top of each other.

For your convenience, we have a full selection of suitable boxes and packing materials available for you to purchase from all of our branches.

If you are moving overseas, do not use any fruit or produce boxes, or any box that has been used to transport food. All countries have different border control restrictions, but many have strict restrictions to prevent pests from entering the country, especially New Zealand. If you use a fruit or produce box, it will likely be destroyed along with the contents.

How many boxes to use for packing

Smart packing is a balance of effectively protecting your belongings, while using the fewest number of boxes to do the job. Using fewer boxes speeds up packing and the moving process, which will save you time and money. You also want to avoid having loose objects in boxes, as if they can move about, it increases the risk of breakages or damage.

How to pack boxes

Before putting anything into a box, secure the bottom centre seam with packing tape, then tape the open side seams. Always use packing tape as it is strong and designed for the job. Taping each box this way makes it significantly stronger, giving the contents much better protection.
When packing fragile items into a box, place plenty of cushioning on the bottom. Use crushed packing paper or linen to provide impact resistance. Avoid using newsprint paper as this can leave marks on your goods.
Wrap fragile items in several layers of paper or bubble wrap and pack them into the box so they are positioned firmly, but not under pressure from other items. Your goal is to reduce or negate movement in the box while it is in transit.
Ensure all glassware, crockery, china and crystal is packed standing up on its edge for maximum strength.
Like for like is best. Try to avoid mixing up the contents in your boxes too much.
Don’t overload boxes, and ensure you pack heavy items on the bottom and light items on the top.
Pack items in layers with plenty of cushioning in between.
Leave room at the top of boxes for another layer of cushioning before closing. Every box should have a layer of cushioning on the bottom, sides and top for impact resistance.
Tape up and secure the centre and open side seams of the box the same way you taped the bottom.
Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped with paper, bubble wrap or linen and placed inside a cardboard sleeve made from a collapsed box of suitable size or a picture box.
Sharp objects must be secured safely and not protrude, as they will compromise the integrity of the box and potentially cause an accident.
Mark the top of each box with a brief list of the contents within and the room it belongs in.
Ensure all boxes are firmly packed and not overloaded so the carton protrudes at the top. The boxes must be able to be stacked on top of each other without damaging the contents.

The golden rule of packing

Packing is a big job. Always give yourself plenty of time to complete the task. Never leave it to the last minute.

What size boxes to use

Using the right sized box is very important. Every box should not weigh more than one person can comfortably carry. The simple rule of thumb is to pack light goods into large boxes and heavy goods into small boxes for even weight distribution. The following table provides recommendations for the types of goods you should pack into different size boxes.