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How to Pack for a House Move (Without the Chaos)

Smartmove·
Wrapping fragile items with bubble wrap for a move

Packing is the part everyone underestimates. People assume it's an afternoon's work; it's almost always days. And rushed packing is exactly where things get broken and boxes end up unlabelled, turning unpacking into a guessing game. Do it in the right order and it's far less painful.

Start early, start with what you don't use

Begin two to three weeks out with the rooms and items you rarely touch — the spare room, books, off-season clothes, the garage. Leave daily essentials until last. If you're packing while still living in the house, this keeps normal life running.

Get the right materials

  • Sturdy boxes in a couple of sizes — small for heavy items (books), large for light bulky ones (bedding, cushions).
  • Packing tape, a marker, and butcher's paper or bubble wrap.
  • Old towels and blankets double as padding and save on materials.

Many moving companies can supply materials or handle packing entirely — worth comparing when you get quotes.

Protect the fragile stuff

  • Wrap fragile items individually and stand plates on their edge, not flat.
  • Fill every gap so nothing shifts in transit.
  • Don't overpack — a box you can't lift is a box that breaks or hurts someone.
  • Keep valuables, documents and medication with you, not on the truck.

Label like you'll thank yourself later

Mark every box with the room it belongs in and a note if it's fragile. It turns unloading from chaos into a system — the crew puts each box where it goes, and you unpack room by room instead of hunting through everything.

Pack a "first night" box

One clearly marked box you open first: chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, tea and coffee, basic tools, and anything you'll need before you've unpacked. It saves you tearing open ten boxes at 11pm.

Know what not to pack yourself

Some things are better left to the movers — heavy furniture, awkward or high-value items, and anything that needs dismantling. It's their job and their insurance. Ask each mover exactly what their cover includes and what they'd rather pack themselves.

Line up your movers

Good packing pairs with a good mover. Compare quotes through Smartmove to find trusted New Zealand moving companies — some will pack for you, some supply materials, and you can compare fixed pricing from moving companies side by side. For the numbers, see How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need?