Moving Tips & Packing Advice

Expert Moving Tips from Melbourne's Removal Specialists Since 1921

Moving home or relocating your business doesn't have to be stressful. With over 100 years of experience, J Doolan Relocation Specialists has helped thousands of Melbourne families and businesses enjoy smooth, organised relocations.

Whether you're moving a small apartment, a large family home or an office, good preparation makes all the difference. Below are our professional moving tips to help you prepare, pack and settle into your new property with confidence.

One Month Before Moving

The earlier you begin preparing, the easier your moving day will be.

We recommend:

• Book your removalists early, particularly for weekends and end-of-month moves.

• Arrange a free moving quotation.

• Begin decluttering and donate or dispose of unwanted items.

• Order moving cartons and packing materials.

• Notify your employer, schools and important organisations of your upcoming move.

• Create a moving folder for quotes, receipts and important paperwork.

Starting early reduces stress and gives you time to organise everything properly.

Two Weeks Before Moving

Now is the time to begin serious packing.

We recommend:

• Pack items you don't use every day.

• Clearly label every carton with its contents and destination room.

• Arrange Australia Post mail redirection.

• Notify utility providers of your moving date.

• Confirm your moving booking.

• Arrange childcare or pet care if required.

Keeping everything organised now will save valuable time on moving day.

One Week Before Moving

With only a week remaining, focus on preparing the essentials.

Tasks include:

• Defrost the refrigerator if required.

• Finish packing most household items.

• Separate important documents and valuables.

• Confirm access arrangements at both properties.

• Prepare an overnight essentials box.

• Ensure walkways remain clear for the removalists.

The Night Before Moving

The night before should be as relaxed as possible.

Prepare:

• Medications

• Phone chargers

• Wallets

• Keys

• Children's essentials

• Toiletries

• Snacks and drinks

Get a good night's sleep so you're ready for the day ahead.

Moving Day Tips

On moving day:

• Wear comfortable clothing and enclosed footwear.

• Keep pets in a safe location.

• Keep important documents with you.

• Complete a final walkthrough before leaving.

• Make sure all cupboards, wardrobes and sheds are empty.

• Lock all windows and doors before departing.

Our experienced removalists will take care of the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into your new home.

Professional Packing Tips

Packing correctly is one of the best ways to protect your belongings.

We recommend:

• Never overfill cartons.

• Use quality packing materials.

• Label every carton clearly.

• Place heavier items in small boxes.

• Keep lighter items in larger cartons.

• Fill empty spaces with butcher's paper to prevent movement.

• Seal every box securely with quality packing tape.

Packing Your Kitchen

The kitchen is often the most time-consuming room to pack.

To protect fragile items:

• Wrap each plate individually.

• Store plates vertically rather than flat.

• Wrap glasses separately.

• Fill empty spaces inside cartons.

• Clearly mark cartons as "Fragile".

If you'd prefer, our professional packing team can complete the entire kitchen for you.

Packing Electronics

Electronic equipment should always be protected carefully.

We recommend:

• Disconnect cables and label them.

• Use original boxes where available.

• Wrap televisions in furniture blankets or protective covers.

• Back up computers before moving.

• Keep accessories together in labelled bags.

Packing Clothes

Hanging clothes can remain on their hangers.

On moving day we provide professional porta-robes that allow clothing to be transferred directly from your wardrobe into transport without folding.

This saves time and reduces ironing after your move.

Preparing Large Furniture

Large furniture often requires additional preparation.

Where possible:

• Empty drawers of heavy contents.

• Remove loose shelves.

• Secure doors.

• Disconnect appliances.

• Notify us if furniture requires dismantling.

Our experienced removalists can dismantle and reassemble many furniture items if required.

Moving Into Storage

If your belongings are entering storage:

• Ensure everything is clean and dry.

• Label every carton.

• Wrap timber furniture.

• Protect mattresses.

• Create an inventory list.

Proper preparation helps preserve your belongings during long-term storage.

Why Preparation Matters

A well-planned move is:

• Faster

• Safer

• Less stressful

• Easier to unpack

• More organised

Good preparation also reduces the risk of damage and helps your removalists work more efficiently.

Why Choose J Doolan Relocation Specialists?

For more than 100 years, Melbourne families and businesses have trusted J Doolan Relocation Specialists to deliver professional moving services with care and attention to detail.

Our experienced team provides:

• Professional home removals

• Commercial relocations

• Expert packing services

• Secure furniture storage

• High-quality packing materials

• Friendly and experienced removalists

• Reliable service throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria

Need More Moving Advice?

Every move is different.

If you'd like personalised advice about preparing for your upcoming move, packing fragile belongings or arranging secure storage, our friendly team is here to help.

Contact J Doolan Relocation Specialists today for expert advice and a free, no-obligation moving quotation.