10 Packing Mistakes That Cause Damage During a Move (and How to Avoid Them)

Packing tips to prevent damage when moving house

Packing always takes longer than expected. What starts with good intentions can quickly turn into a scramble, with fragile glasses wrapped in tea towels and boxes overloaded to breaking point. Small mistakes in the packing stage are often what lead to damage during transport. Here, we’ll look at the most common packing mistakes and how they can be avoided with the right techniques and support.

1. Overstuffed Boxes Lead to Crushed Contents

It’s tempting to keep filling a box until nothing else fits, but overloading is one of the fastest ways to damage belongings. Heavy boxes and cartons often split open, and fragile items inside get crushed under the weight. Professional removalist teams avoid this by balancing the load, placing heavier items at the bottom and leaving space for padding.

• Large boxes are kept for lighter items like linen and clothing.
• Smaller cartons hold books, crockery and other heavy pieces.
• Padding ensures contents don’t shift during the trip.

2. Skipping Quality Packing Materials is a Costly Mistake

Using second-hand supermarket boxes or newspaper for wrapping may seem thrifty, but it leaves your belongings vulnerable. Old cartons collapse easily, while newspaper ink rubs off onto valuables. Removalists use sturdy cartons, protective wrap and furniture blankets to give items the best chance of arriving unharmed.

• Double-walled cartons prevent boxes caving in.
• Bubble wrap and packing paper shield fragile pieces.
• Special cartons protect wardrobes and artwork.

3. Leaving Drawers Full During the Move

One of the most common mistakes is leaving clothes, books or tools in drawers. This adds unnecessary weight and can strain the furniture, leading to damage in transit. Moving companies recommend emptying drawers completely and boxing the contents separately.

• Lighter furniture is easier to manoeuvre through doorways.
• Reduces the chance of drawers breaking loose.
• Keeps belongings organised and easy to find.

4. The Problem with Poor Labelling

Arriving at a new home to find unlabelled boxes stacked everywhere is both stressful and time-consuming. Worse still, fragile boxes may not be handled with the extra care they need. Professional packing includes clear labelling so movers know where each box belongs and how to treat it.

• Each carton is labelled by room and contents.
• Fragile items are marked clearly for careful handling.
• Labelling speeds up unpacking at the destination.

5. Forgetting to Protect Fragile Belongings

Glasses, mirrors, artwork and electronics are often the first casualties of rushed packing. Wrapping them in blankets or towels rarely provides enough protection. Removalists use specialised wrapping and cartons to cushion these items.

• Custom cartons are used for TVs and artwork.
• Fragile items are wrapped individually and layered with padding.
• Boxes are marked “Fragile” and placed securely in the truck.

6. Not Considering Storage During Packing

Sometimes the timing of a move doesn’t line up perfectly. Without planning for storage, people end up with items that don’t fit into their new home right away. Secure storage provides a safe temporary home for belongings.

• Ideal for seasonal items, excess furniture and archives.
• Facilities are monitored and designed for bulky loads.
• Flexible rental terms make it easy to manage.

7. Underestimating How Long Packing Takes

Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving house or offices, yet many people leave it until the last minute. Rushed packing increases the risk of breakages. Pre-packing services save valuable time and reduce stress.

• Trained packers complete the job in hours, not days.
• Proper packing techniques prevent shifting in transit.
• Professional help frees up time for other moving tasks.

8. DIY Wrapping Techniques That Don’t Hold Up

Blankets, garbage bags or old sheets are often used as makeshift packing materials, but they rarely hold up during a move. Items inside slip, tear through or are left unprotected.

• Professional wrapping methods keep items stable and secure.
• Padded blankets prevent scratches on furniture.
• Proper packing materials ensure durability during long trips.

At Wide Bay Removals, we’ve seen first-hand how the smallest packing mistakes can cause the biggest headaches. That’s why our packing, removals and storage services are designed to make moving simple and safe. Whether you’re moving across town or interstate, we’re here to help with careful packing, professional handling and secure storage when needed. If you’re preparing for a move in the Fraser Coast region, get in touch with us today at https://www.widebayremovals.com.au/.