Moving house or office is exciting — but let’s be honest, packing can quickly turn into the most stressful part of the process. Between fragile items, heavy furniture, and the never-ending supply of boxes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? With the right approach and a few clever tricks, you can pack faster, safer, and smarter.
At We Move You, we’ve helped countless families and businesses relocate across New Zealand, so we know what works (and what doesn’t). Here are our top 10 expert packing tips and hacks to make your move smooth and stress-free.
1. Start Early & Stay Organised
Leaving packing until the last few days is one of the most common moving mistakes. Start at least 3–4 weeks before your move if possible. Begin with the items you use least (seasonal clothing, books, decorations), then work your way toward everyday essentials.
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Create a packing checklist to stay on track.
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Aim to finish one or two boxes per day instead of rushing at the last minute.
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Label boxes as you go (more on that below).
2. Invest in the Right Packing Materials
Using worn-out boxes or cheap tape often leads to damaged items. Save yourself the headache by gathering proper supplies early:
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Sturdy moving boxes – choose new or high-quality second-hand boxes.
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Packing tape – strong adhesive that won’t peel off.
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Bubble wrap and packing paper – protect fragile items.
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Stretch wrap – perfect for securing drawers and wrapping furniture.
Pro Tip: Avoid newspaper for wrapping — the ink can smudge onto dishes and fabrics.
3. Pack Room by Room
Instead of scattering items from different rooms into random boxes, pack one room at a time. This makes unpacking much easier and keeps you organised.
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Label boxes with the room name (Kitchen, Bedroom 1, Office).
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Use colour-coded stickers or tape for quick identification.
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Keep each room’s essentials together — for example, put kitchen cutlery in a clearly marked box rather than mixing it in with random items.
4. Protect Fragile Items Like a Pro
Broken glasses or chipped plates are the number one complaint after a move. Here’s how to pack them safely:
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Plates: Pack them vertically (like vinyl records) instead of stacking flat.
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Glasses and mugs: Wrap each individually and place them upright.
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Bowls: Nest smaller bowls inside larger ones with padding between.
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DIY padding: Honeycomb Paper, socks, tea towels, or t-shirts for extra cushioning.
Pro Tip: Mark these boxes “Fragile – This Side Up” so movers handle them with care.
5. Maximise Space with Smart Hacks
You’ll be surprised how much space you can save with a few clever techniques:
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Roll clothes instead of folding — it saves space and reduces wrinkles.
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Use suitcases for heavy items like books (with wheels, they’re easier to move).
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Fill gaps in boxes with smaller items like toiletries, linens, or soft toys.
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Wrap shoes in shower caps or plastic bags to keep them from dirtying clothes.
6. Label Everything Clearly
A black marker is your best friend on moving day. Write what’s inside, the room it belongs in, and handling notes (fragile, heavy, this side up).
Example:
“Kitchen – Fragile – Glassware” is much more useful than just “Kitchen.”
Pro Tip: Label the sides of boxes as well as the top, so you can still read them when stacked.
7. Create a First-Night Essentials Box
The last thing you’ll want to do after a long moving day is dig through 20 boxes to find your toothbrush. Pack an Essentials Box with items you’ll need right away:
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Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, toilet paper).
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A change of clothes.
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Basic kitchen items (kettle, mugs, snacks).
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Chargers for your devices.
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Important documents and medications.
Keep this box in your car or somewhere separate so it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
8. Hacks for Large & Bulky Items
Big furniture and electronics can be tricky — here’s how to make them easier to handle:
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Disassemble furniture where possible (remove legs from tables, take bed frames apart).
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Keep screws and bolts in a labelled plastic bag taped to the item.
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Take photos of electronic setups before unplugging, so you know where the wires go.
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Wrap mattresses in covers or plastic bags to keep them clean during transit.
9. Declutter Before You Pack
The less you move, the easier (and cheaper) your move will be. Take the opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need:
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Donate clothes and household goods.
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Sell furniture or electronics online.
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Recycle old papers and junk.
Think of it as a fresh start in your new home.
10. Go Eco-Friendly
Moving generates a lot of waste — but you can cut down on it:
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Use towels, blankets, and sheets instead of bubble wrap.
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Rent or buy reusable plastic moving crates instead of cardboard.
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Offer used boxes on community groups after your move.
Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it can also save you money.
Conclusion
Packing doesn’t have to be the hardest part of moving. With the right supplies, smart hacks, and a little organisation, you’ll be unpacked and settled in no time.
At We Move You, we don’t just move your belongings — we help make the whole process smoother, from start to finish. Whether you need full packing services or just an extra hand with the heavy lifting, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to make your move stress-free? Request a callback today and let our team do the heavy work.
