Professional Packers Guide on the Best Packing Materials for Moving

From boxes to bubble wrap, we break down which packing materials are worth the money - and which ones aren't - so your items stay safe from A to B.

Best Packing Materials for Your Move

When you're moving house, choosing the right packing materials is one of the first steps to a successful and stress-free move. Whether you're packing a sharehouse bedroom or a five-bedroom family home, having the most suitable packing materials for moving can be the difference between a smooth, damage-free move and a box full of broken glass and heartbreak.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best packing materials to use, why they matter, and how to use them properly. Plus, we’ll share a few tips from our Melbourne packing and removals team on what actually works in the tough world of moving.

Why Packing Materials Matter

You might think all boxes and protective materials are created equal, but not all packing supplies are designed to survive a move. Using the wrong materials can lead to broken items, wasted time, and unnecessary stress before, on and after the big moving day.

Whether you're doing the packing yourself or hiring a professional packer, you can’t go wrong with investing in some proper materials to protect your belongings. It also makes moving more efficient and organised.

Essential Packing Materials Checklist

Here’s what we recommend having on hand:

Moving Boxes

Double-corrugated cardboard boxes: These are the gold standard. Stronger than single-layer boxes and less likely to collapse under pressure.
Small, medium, and large sizes: Use small boxes for heavy items (books, pantry jars), medium for everyday goods, and large for lightweight items like linen.
Jim Boxes (reusable plastic crates): If you’re after something even sturdier and eco-friendly, we hire out durable Jim Boxes that are perfect for delicate or valuable items. These boxes come in a versatile 70L size, and are great for any and all of your items, including books, kitchenware, linen and more!

Purple Jim Boxes stacked in a pile in front of a purple moving truck.

Packing Tape

Use quality packing tape, not dollar store stuff. Cheap tape often doesn’t stick properly and peels in transit.
Consider a tape dispenser to speed things up and save your sanity.

Protective Wrap

Bubble wrap: Great for fragile items like glassware, vases, and electronics.
Packing paper / butcher paper: Ideal for wrapping plates, cups, and kitchen items without the mess of newspaper ink.
Hot tip - for some extra protection, use linens, pillows and blankets for some free padding.

Glasses wrapped in bubble wrap in a cardboard box.

Labels & Markers

Label every box with the room it belongs to and a short description of what’s inside.
Write “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” on any box that needs extra care.
Consider purchasing “FRAGILE” stickers for boxes that you would like movers to pay extra attention to.

Cushioning Fillers

Crumpled paper, towels, or even clean clothes can be used to fill empty spaces in boxes and prevent items from shifting around.
Avoid using Styrofoam peanuts unless absolutely necessary — they’re messy, not recyclable, and frankly annoying.

Expert Tips From the Field

Don’t overload big boxes. They’re tempting, but a large box full of books will either break in the truck or break your back.
Wrap electronics properly. Use their original boxes if possible, or wrap with soft cloth + bubble wrap and pack upright.
Use mattress and furniture covers. These can protect from dust, moisture, and minor damage in transit. We supply these as part of our full packing service if needed.
Pack an essentials box. This doesn’t need fancy materials, but having one box with your kettle, toothbrush, charger, and snacks makes a big difference on day one.

What We Use at Jim’s Removals

When we’re packing for clients, we only use materials that are strong, clean, and proven to survive a real-world move. Our team uses:

Jim Boxes - sturdy plastic crates that stack perfectly and protect your items
High-quality bubble wrap and blankets for maximum cushioning
Furniture covers and stretch wrap to protect upholstery and wood finishes when preparing for storage
Heavy-duty tape that actually sticks

We also offer packing materials for sale or hire if you’re doing it yourself - just ask us what you need based on your home size.

Jim's Removals team standing in front of a purple moving truck with their arms crossed

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to moving, but choosing the best packing materials gives your belongings the best chance at arriving intact.

If you’re not sure what you need or want us to handle the whole thing for you, give us a call or text. We offer full-service packing, moving, and storage throughout Melbourne - so you can have your entire house moved without lifting a single finger!