Top tips for moving house successfully using your car
If you want to save money on expensive moving costs, it is possible to move house in your car.We’re not talking about packing large items, such as your chill-out sofa, in the back of a Holden Barina. However, shifting books, homewares, kitchen goods and more, in a car that is not a ute, is possible with a few packing hacks.
Prep your vehicle
Lower the back seats to flat to create a station wagon effect. If you have a station wagon, you’re already one step ahead! Next lay a blanket, or a tarp, on the surface to protect your car from dirt and spills.
Finally, ensure you have a strong rope in case you need to tie down the boot, and bubble wrap or plenty of linen to cocoon fragile items.
Pack it right
- Small, strong boxes of either cardboard or plastic are ideal. Obviously, cardboard boxes should be taped securely at the bottom to avoid spills and breakages. Labelling boxes containing fragile items is essential.
- Pack lighter, non-fragile boxes in the bottom layer first, pushing them all the way into the boot of your car.
- Heavier boxes go closer towards the rear of the car where they will be easier to grab and go. You could also put a microwave, or an ottoman, on the bottom layer.
- Try getting some items in the middle of the boot to help with distribution but only pack one layer so you have adequate rear vision. In Victoria, for example, you can get a fine of $238 if you don’t have a clear view of the road.
- Boxes containing fragile items should only go on top and anything breakable inside a box should be bubble wrapped twice.
- Items that can’t be boxed, for example, standing lamps, should be disassembled if possible and laid on top of boxes.
Use garbage bags for soft items
Clothing, or linen that you haven’t used to wrap around delicate items, can go in extra-tough garbage bags that are easier to squeeze into small spaces. Don’t be tempted to skimp on cheap ones, unless you enjoy picking t-shirts and undies off the footpath or driveway.
Make use of tight or small spaces
Passenger footwells, the glove box, door and centre console compartments, underneath front seats and around the spare tyre can all be made use of, but probably not for that breakable heirloom your mum gave you.
A computer, or a television, may be best placed in the gap behind the seat. Putting a heavy towel over it and making sure it won’t be squeezed under pressure are key.
Move house plants right
Read this article on the Five things to know about transporting plants in the car. You'll thank us later.
Make the best use of the front seat
Inevitably you will forget something, like the dog (who will need to be restrained with a harness or in a crate), or the emergency box with the coffee maker, toilet paper and painkillers. You’re going to need somewhere to put your handbag or wallet and the keys to the new house too.
Follow the road rules for loads that poke out the back
Any load must be secured so it is unlikely to fall from your car, something that can incur a fine of $469 and the loss of three demerit points in NSW. As to how far you can have items sticking out the boot, distances vary from state to state but are quite generous.
Consider roof racks
At around $500 for roof racks and a fitting kit, these may be cheaper than hiring a mover if you have possessions such as large sporting equipment. Find packing tips here. They’re not as cheap, however, as a ute-owning friend.
Related: How to pack your car boot like a pro
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Related: How big is my car's boot?
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