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You’d be surprised how fast moving day creeps up. One minute you’re casually boxing up books, and the next you’re staring at the lounge, wondering how on earth you’re going to get it through the front door without taking out the walls. The big stuff—sofas, dining tables, wardrobes—always seems manageable until you’re actually trying to lift it.
At Butler’s Removals & Storage, we’ve helped more families move than we can count, and we’ve seen just about everything—clever packing jobs, total disasters, and everything in between. Over time, you start to notice what makes a move run smoothly and what turns it into a headache. And most of the time, it comes down to the little things people forget until it’s too late.
1. Measure It—Then Measure It Again
There’s nothing worse than rocking up to the new place with a heavy couch, only to realise it’s not getting through the front door. Or worse—getting it halfway up the stairs and hitting a dead end. Grab a tape measure and check your furniture, the door frames, the hallways—both ends.
If it looks tight, it probably is. And don’t forget ceiling height—some staircases feel roomy until you try to carry up a tall cabinet and suddenly hit plaster. I’ve seen people have to take windows off just to get things inside. Save yourself the drama—measure first.
2. Take It Apart Before It Falls Apart
If something can come apart, take it apart before moving day. Bed frames, tables, shelves—it all packs better when it’s in smaller pieces. Bag up the screws, bolts and random bits, label them, and tape the bag to the item it came from.
Not sure how it all goes back together? Snap a few photos as you’re pulling it apart. It’ll save you the stress (and the swearing) when you’re reassembling it at the other end and can’t remember which bolt goes where.
3. Wrap It Like You Care About It
Your furniture might survive a bump or two, but why take the risk? Use blankets, towels, or proper moving pads to cover surfaces—especially wood. Don’t use sticky tape directly on the furniture unless you want a sticky mess. Plastic wrap works better.
Corners and glass need extra TLC. We’ve seen people wrap a glass tabletop in just a towel and hope for the best—don’t do that. Go with bubble wrap, chuck a bit of cardboard over it, and write “FRAGILE” in huge letters so your mate doesn’t go stacking boxes of books on top of it.
4. Lift Smart, Not Like a Hero
You don’t want to be figuring out how to lift a heavy cabinet on moving day. Get your technique sorted before then—bend your knees, not your back, and keep the thing close so it doesn’t throw you off balance. Twisting while holding something heavy? That’s a recipe for a back injury. Turn with your feet, not your spine.
If you’re lifting with someone else, talk to each other. A simple “hang on” or “turn left” makes a big difference. And don’t be the person who insists on lifting a fridge solo just to prove a point—it’s not worth the physio bills. There are tried-and-true tips for moving furniture that professionals use for a reason, and once you follow them, you’ll see why.
5. Don’t Just Use Your Hands—Use the Right Gear
Trying to carry everything with brute force is a one-way ticket to sore muscles and scratched floors. Grab a furniture dolly or a hand trolley if you’ve got tall or bulky stuff. Even a cheap one makes life easier.
Furniture sliders are magic for getting things across hard floors without lifting. Just pop them underneath and glide it along—no lifting, no dragging. And moving straps? They’re a game-changer for awkward loads. They spread the weight and give you a better grip, which beats holding onto sharp corners or slippery surfaces.
6. Walk It First—Carry It Second
Before you lift anything, take five minutes to walk the path from point A to point B. Move the shoes, roll up rugs, open every door, and make sure the lights are on—especially if you’re moving stuff in or out early in the morning or late in the day.
The front door’s not always your best bet. You might find it’s way easier to take the longer way around—through the back gate or even the side garage—especially if it saves you from jamming a couch around a tight corner or under a dodgy light fixture.
7. Don’t Just Chuck It In—Think About the Load
When you’re loading up the truck, chucking things in at random is a rookie move. Start with the heavy stuff on the floor and spread the weight out—too much on one side and you’ll feel it the minute you hit a corner. Mattresses and bases work great along the sides to cushion everything else.
Use the weird gaps to jam in boxes or lightweight bits so things don’t shift mid-drive. And strap everything down properly. I’ve seen gear tip over on the way to the next street—didn’t even make it out of the neighbourhood. One sharp turn and it’s chaos in the back if nothing’s tied down. No one wants to open the truck and find a chair leg through the TV.
8. Don’t Wing It With Pricier Stuff
Some things just aren’t worth the risk. If you’ve got a piano, a massive old armoire, or anything that’s fragile and valuable, bring in the pros. Moving it yourself might save a few bucks, but if it goes sideways, it’ll cost a whole lot more.
They’ve got gear you’ve probably never even seen before, and they actually know how to use it. I once saw a bloke try to move a heavy timber dresser with pool noodles as padding—needless to say, it didn’t end well. If you’re paying someone, make sure they’re insured and know what they’re doing.
9. Chuck Together a Quick Repair Kit
No matter how careful you are, things still cop a few knocks. A nick here, a wobbly leg there—it’s just part of moving. Keep a little kit with polish, wax, a few basic tools, and those furniture touch-up pens. It’s not overkill—it’s just smart.
Also, throw in extra blankets, furniture pads, and a roll of plastic wrap. Something always pops up when you’re already flat out. Having the extras close means you’re not digging through half-packed boxes just to find a roll of tape or something to wedge under a table.
Let the Pros Take the Pressure Off
Moving’s a big enough job without trying to wrap every glass and shift every couch yourself. Getting a hand with the packing and unpacking means fewer headaches and way less mucking around. The crew at Butler’s Removals & Storage knows the drill—they’ve done it all before and know how to keep things running smooth when the pressure’s on.
