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Little Red Trucks’ Top Tips

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful, especially with a bit of planning. At Little Red Trucks, we’ve pulled together some key early tips to help you get organised, pack smart, and feel ready for moving day.

Declutter before you pack

Before you start packing, take the chance to declutter. Go room by room and sort your belongings into four piles: keep, donate, sell, or recycle. Ask yourself, do I use this? Do I love it? The less you move, the easier (and cheaper) your move will be. Decluttering now means faster packing, smoother unpacking, and a fresh start in your new home.

Choose quality packing materials

Using sturdy cardboard boxes or reusable storage tubs with secure clasps helps keep your items safe during the move. These can be found at most hardware stores or self-storage centres. While you’re there, pick up some cushioning and wrapping materials, like bubble wrap or packing paper, to protect fragile items and reduce the risk of damage in transit.

Plan your packing

Smart packing makes moving and unpacking much easier. Start with items you don’t use often like books, DVDs, and photo albums and work room by room to stay organised.

Top packing tips:

Use butcher’s paper instead of newspaper to avoid ink stains on your belongings.
Label and bag hardware from disassembled furniture in clear zip-lock bags and tape them to the item they came from.
Pack heavy items at the bottom of each box and fill gaps with linen, bubble wrap, or towels to reduce movement.
Flat-pack furniture where possible to save space.
Vacuum-seal clothing you won’t need right away.
Use suitcases and laundry baskets as extra packing containers.

A bit of planning upfront means faster, smoother unpacking and fewer surprises on moving day.

Packing boxes

To keep boxes safe and manageable, avoid making any one box too heavy, especially when packing dense items like books or tools. Mix heavy and light items together (for example, books with towels or cushions) to balance the weight. Use smaller boxes for heavier belongings, and save the larger boxes for lighter, bulkier items like pillows and bedding. This not only protects your belongings but also makes lifting and moving much easier.

Plan ahead for pets and kids

Moving day can be overwhelming, so it’s best to plan early for your children and pets. Arrange care or a quiet space for them away from the hustle. Let kids pack a “first night” box with comfort items, and prepare a bag with pet essentials like food and bedding. Updating pet tags and microchips with your new address is also a smart move. A little planning goes a long way in keeping the day calm and safe for everyone.

Pack an essentials box

Avoid the first-night scramble by setting aside one or two clearly labelled Essentials Boxes withthe things you’ll need right away at your new home. Keep them separate from your main load, or even take them with you in your car.

What to pack:

Kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, snacks
Chargers, power-boards, medication
Toilet paper, hand soap, basic cleaning supplies
Bedding, towels, a change of clothes
Scissors or a box cutter

For families and pets:

Kids’ favourite toys or bedtime items
Pet food, leash, bowls, comfort items

Pro tip: Use bold “OPEN FIRST” labels on all sides so it’s easy to find.

Having an essentials box makes your first night feel settled and calm. No digging through mystery boxes just to find your toothbrush.

Protect fragile items properly

Take extra care with anything breakable. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap, towels, or packing paper to keep them safe. Fill any empty space in the box with soft materials to prevent things from shifting during transit. Once packed, clearly mark the box with “FRAGILE” on multiple sides so it’s easy to spot and handle with care.

Label everything clearly

Clear labelling makes a big difference when it’s time to unpack. Write the room name and a brief list of contents on the top and at least one side of each box, for example, Kitchen – cutlery and glasses.

Pro tip: Use coloured tape or stickers to colour-code boxes by room. It’s a simple trick that helps movers (and you) quickly sort boxes into the right spaces, saving time and effort on moving day.

Measure furniture & new spaces

Before moving day, measure your large furniture and the entry points of your new home like doorways, stairwells, and lifts. This helps you avoid surprises and ensures everything fits where it’s meant to go. Planning ahead with a quick floor plan or room layout app can save time, reduce stress, and prevent extra costs for storage or modifications.

Update your address

Take time before your move to update your address with key organisations. This will save you the hassle later and help prevent missed mail or service disruptions. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Government services: MyGov, Medicare, ATO, Electoral Commission
Banks & financial providers
Insurance: car, home, contents, health
Employer and payroll
Superannuation fund
Vehicle rego & driver licence (check your state’s transport authority)
Schools or universities
Utilities & internet providers
Subscriptions & online stores (e.g. Amazon, Netflix)
Pet registry or vet (if you have one)

It’s a good idea to keep a running list and update these as early as possible.

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 or re-bookings made within 48 hours of your move date will incur a $99 cancellation fee, as outlined in our terms and conditions.