5 things to pack first when using a removal truck

So, you’ve booked your removal truck hire and moving day is around the corner. Great! Now comes the fun part, packing up your home. Don’t stress though. With the right plan and packing order, the move can be way easier than you think.

One of the most important parts of moving is knowing what to pack first when using a removal truck hire. Load things in the wrong way, and you’ll be digging through boxes to find your kettle or worse, breaking something before you even unpack.

We’re here to walk you through it, step by step. Whether you're moving across Townsville, Cairns, or Mt Isa, these tips will help you make the most of your removal truck hire.

5 things to pack first when using a removal truck

1. Large furniture first

When your removal truck hire arrives, don’t start with boxes. Start with your biggest items first, think beds, couches, fridges, washing machines, and wardrobes.

Why? These items take up the most space and are the hardest to move. It’s easier to build around them than try to squeeze them in last. You also don’t want heavy furniture squashing your fragile boxes later.

Pro tip: Put your mattress in a mattress bag or wrap it in a clean sheet to keep it safe. And always secure large items with straps inside the truck so they don’t slide around.

Bonus tip if you’re using 1300 Meteor: Our removal truck hire options come with space to pack tall items upright. Use that vertical space wisely!

2. Boxes with rarely used items

Next up are the boxes with stuff you won’t need right away. This might include books, decorations, out-of-season clothes, spare linen, old toys, and kitchen gear you don’t use every day.

Since these boxes are low priority, they can go deep into the truck. Stack them neatly and label them clearly.

Why this matters: When you unpack, you’ll want your everyday stuff first. Loading these boxes early means they’ll come out last, and by then you’ll already have the basics set up.

Using removal truck hire the smart way means thinking ahead. Save yourself from box-hunting chaos later!

3. Flat items like mirrors, TVs, and artwork

Delicate items like mirrors, picture frames, and TVs should go in after your big furniture and low-priority boxes. These are fragile, so it’s important to give them a safe spot against the walls of the truck or between soft things like mattresses or couches.

If you’ve got a large TV, use its original box if you still have it. If not, wrap it in a blanket and tape some cardboard around it. Don’t just chuck it on top of a box and hope for the best: TVs don’t bounce well.

Using our removal truck hire in Townsville or Cairns? Our team can show you how to use straps and padding in the truck to protect breakables like a pro.

4. Essentials box

Now this one’s important: your essentials box.

This should be the last box you pack in the truck (so it’s the first one you can grab when you arrive). It’s all the stuff you’ll need on your first night in the new place, and trust us, after a full day of moving, you won’t want to search through 15 boxes just to find toilet paper or a phone charger.

What to pack:

• Kettle + tea/coffee

• Mugs

• Toilet paper

• Phone charger

• PJs + fresh clothes

• Toothbrush + toothpaste

• Lightbulbs

• Snacks

• Towel and soap

This box might live in the front seat with you, especially if you’re using removal truck hire in Mt Isa and have a bit of a drive.

5. Tool kit and cleaning supplies

Last but not least: your tools and cleaning gear.

You’ll need them. Whether it’s unscrewing a bed frame, wiping out the fridge, or fixing a wobbly table leg: having a small tool kit and some basic cleaning stuff will come in handy.

Put together a small box with:

• Screwdriver and Allen keys

• Tape measure

• Scissors or box cutter

• Wipes or surface spray

• Rubbish bags

Load this last too, or keep it up front with your essentials. And if you forget a screwdriver, you’ll remember this blog post when you’re stuck trying to rebuild your bed with a spoon!

Call 1300 Meteor for removal truck hire

We get it, moving isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. But using removal truck hire from 1300 Meteor makes the job a whole lot smoother.

Here’s why locals in Townsville, Cairns, and Mt Isa keep coming back to us:

• Modern, easy-to-drive trucks in different sizes

• Helpful extras like trolleys, blankets, and straps available

• Flexible hire times, so you’re not rushed

• Friendly local service: we know the area and are here to help

Plus, our removal truck hire vehicles are made for moving. That means better fuel efficiency, good visibility, and secure storage space. No more last-minute favours or dodgy utes!

Quick recap: What to pack first in your removal truck hire

Here’s your go-to order for loading up:

1. Big furniture: beds, couches, fridge

2. Low-priority boxes: books, spare linen, random kitchen gear

3. Flat/fragile items: mirrors, TVs, artwork

4. Essentials box: tea, toilet paper, clothes, charger

5. Tools & cleaning gear: screwdriver, wipes, bin bags

Follow this order and your move will feel less like chaos and more like a smart plan. And if you’re still looking for the right truck, give 1300 Meteor a call. We make removal truck hire simple, affordable, and way less stressful.