Interstate packing is about surviving days on the road — not just looking neat for a local hop. This guide covers materials, room order, fragile rules, when to hire packers, and how owner-packed cartons can affect insurance claims.
Owner-pack vs professional packing
| Approach | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| DIY / owner-pack | Budget control, non-fragile items | Claims may be limited if packing is inadequate |
| Pro pack fragile only | Glass, art, TVs | Still DIY the wardrobe and books |
| Full pack & unpack | Busy households, tight timelines | Higher labour cost; confirm materials included |
Materials that actually matter
- Double-walled cartons for books and kitchenware.
- Wardrobe cartons for hanging clothes (reduces ironing and crushing).
- Stretch wrap and blankets for soft furnishings and polished wood.
- Corner protectors for mirrors, glass tabletops and framed art.
- Zip bags for screws when you dismantle beds and desks — tape to the item.
Room-by-room order that saves time
- Start with storage, garage and rarely used rooms 3–4 weeks out.
- Pack kitchen non-essentials next; leave a cooking kit until the last day.
- Bedrooms mid-pack; keep a first-night box per person.
- Bathrooms and cleaning gear last.
- Label every carton with room + contents + fragile flag — destination crew thank you.
Fragile and high-value rules
Photograph serial numbers and condition before wrapping. Declare high-value items on the inventory. Do not pack cash, jewellery or critical documents in the truck — carry them yourself.
- TVs upright in original or specialist cartons.
- Never put heavy items on top of soft furniture without blankets.
- Fill voids so cartons cannot crush mid-journey.
WA / TAS extra packing notes
If you are entering Western Australia or Tasmania, clean outdoor equipment and check restricted items before sealing cartons. Dirty soil inside a “packed” shed box can delay the whole load.
Related planning pages
RemovalistAU editorial team. Practical guidance for packing for Australian interstate moves. Reviewed 2026-08-07. Indicative figures are planning ranges, not quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does owner packing void insurance?
Not always, but many policies reduce or exclude cover for inadequately owner-packed cartons. Read the certificate before you DIY fragile items.
When should I start packing?
Non-essentials 3–4 weeks out for a typical interstate timeline; finish essentials the day before collection.
Should I empty drawers?
Yes for heavy items and anything valuable. Light clothing in solid furniture may be OK if the mover agrees — ask first.
Do removalists supply boxes?
Often as a paid extra. Confirm materials in the quote or order your own early in peak season.
What about plants?
Many interstate movers limit or refuse plants; WA/TAS rules are stricter. Check before packing soil.