Your Move Day Is Almost Here

Your move day is almost here, and a bit of last-minute planning can make all the difference. We’ve pulled together a few simple tips for the week ahead, from prepping appliances to reserving parking, to help you feel ready when the truck arrives.

How to pack a box

Properly packed boxes keep your belongings safe and make moving day run smoothly. Follow these simple steps to pack each box the right way:

Use strong boxes – small for heavy items, large for light ones.
Reinforce the bottom with strong packing tape.
Pack heavy to light – heavy items at the base, light ones on top.
Fill gaps with towels or paper to stop items shifting.
Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap or newspaper.
Keep the lid flat – don’t overfill.
Tape it shut securely – top and bottom.
Label clearly with room name and contents on the side.
Mark ‘Fragile’ or ‘This Way Up’ if needed.

Always keep boxes liftable, especially when packing heavy items like books or tools. Avoid using masking tape or string, which can break during the move.

Don’t use drawers as moving boxes

Please empty all drawers before moving day. While it might seem convenient to leave items inside, full drawers add significant weight to furniture and make it harder (and riskier) to move. If we need to remove the drawers to carry or load the item, anything left inside can shift or spill. To keep your belongings safe and your move efficient, pack drawer contents separately into boxes or bags.

Moving vinyl records?

Sturdy reusable shopping bags are a great way to move your vinyl collection. They keep LPs upright, snug, and easy to carry without taking up too much space. Just be sure not to overfill each bag, as records get heavy quickly and can be easily damaged if overloaded. Keep things tight, upright, and light for a safe spin into your new place.

Moving plants?

Moving with plants requires a bit of extra care to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your new home. Here’s how to prepare:

Watering: Water your plants 2–3 days before the move. This keeps them hydrated without making them too heavy or causing leaks during transport.

Pruning: Trim dead leaves and overgrown branches to reduce size and stress on the plant. This also makes them easier to pack and move.

Pest Check: Inspect for pests and treat any issues before the move to prevent infestations in your new home.

Repotting: If your plants are in heavy or fragile pots, consider transferring them to lightweight plastic pots a couple of weeks before moving. This reduces the risk of breakage and makes handling easier.

Packing: Place plants in sturdy boxes lined with plastic or towels to catch any soil spills. Use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill gaps and keep plants secure.

Transport: Move plants in your own vehicle if possible, keeping them upright and away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Acclimation: Once in your new home, place plants in similar conditions to their previous location and avoid immediate repotting. Give them time to adjust before making changes.

By following these steps, you can help ensure your green friends make a safe and healthy transition to your new home.

Disassemble furniture ahead of time

Taking apart large or awkwardly shaped furniture before moving day can save time, reduce the risk of damage, and make everything easier to transport. Disassembling items like beds, tables, or shelving units into smaller parts helps protect your walls, doorways, and the furniture itself. It can also speed up the loading process and may even lower moving costs. If you’d prefer Little Red Trucks to handle disassembly and reassembly for you, just let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.

Electrical goods

Before moving day, unplug all electronic equipment such as TVs, computers, and sound systems. Tape up the cords to keep things neat and avoid tangles or damage during transport.

Pro tip: Take photos of how everything is connected before packing and it’ll make reconnecting your devices at the new place much easier and stress-free.

Empty your fridge and freezer

Before moving day, make sure to completely empty your fridge and freezer, including all food, ice, and trays. Turn the unit off at least 24 hours in advance to allow the refrigerant oils to settle, which helps protect the appliance during transport.

At your new place, don’t switch it back on immediately. Wait at least 12 hours (or follow your manual’s recommendation) before plugging it in to ensure it runs properly.

Use an esky or cooler to keep essential cold items fresh in the meantime. Planning ahead helps avoid leaks, damage, and food waste.

Disposing of furniture and whitegoods

If you’re not taking your old white goods with you, there are responsible ways to recycle or pass them on. Appliances like fridges, freezers, dishwashers, and dryers can often be reused, refurbished, or recycled helping to reduce waste and keep valuable materials in use.

Options include:

Donating or selling working appliances through second-hand dealers or online platforms like Gumtree.
Checking if the retailer of your new appliance offers a take-back service.
Booking a commercial recycler or checking with your local council for pickup services.

Important: Fridges and freezers must be de-gassed before disposal to prevent the release of harmful greenhouse gases. Always recycle these items correctly to protect the environment.

Clear a path for the movers

Make moving day smoother by ensuring there’s a clear, safe path through your home. Remove any clutter, rugs, or small furniture from hallways, doorways, and staircases to give your movers room to work efficiently.

Reserve lifts in apartment buildings if needed.
Let us know about any tricky access points like narrow staircases or tight corners so we can come prepared.

A little preparation helps prevent delays, accidents, and damage to your home or belongings.

Reserve parking for the truck

A smooth move starts with easy access. If parking is limited at your place, park your car in the best spot the night before to reserve space for the truck. Simply move it when the team arrives. If you’re in an apartment or shared complex, let your neighbours or building management know in advance as some places require notice or formal approval. A clear spot close to your entrance makes loading faster and easier.

Day before the move

A little preparation the day before moving can make a big difference.

Clean out your fridge and fully defrost the freezer.
Drain water from appliances like your washing machine, garden hose, iron, sprayers, and ice maker.
Fit the washing machine’s transit bolts (if you have them) to prevent internal damage during the move.
And most importantly, try to get a good night’s sleep. You’ll be glad you did come moving day!

Forgot items?

If you realise you’ve forgotten to list something – don’t stress, just let us know. It’s common for things to change during the packing progresses, so keeping Little Red Trucks updated ensures we arrive fully prepared. Whether it’s an added mattress, a bike you’d overlooked, or just more boxes than expected, telling us in advance helps us plan the right resources needed to complete your move smoothly. A quick call or email can make a big difference on the day and help you avoid any surprise on the day costs.

Need to reschedule your move?

Plans change and we get it! If you need to reschedule or cancel your upcoming move, just give our office a call on (03) 9380 6444 as soon as possible. We’re happy to help you find a new time that works.

Please note: Cancellations made within 48 hours of your move date will incur a $99 cancellation fee, as outlined in our terms and conditions.