Moving house can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to organising all those tools scattered around your garage. Knowing how to properly pack garage tools for moving is essential for ensuring your valuable equipment arrives at your new home safely and in working order.
Whether you're relocating down the street or across the country, proper preparation and packing techniques will save you time, money, and potential headaches on moving day. Because moving can be a stressful event, to help you in the process, we have our moving house packing guide with progressive waypoints along the road to your moving day.
Before you begin packing, take inventory of everything in your garage. This will have benefits for both yourselves and your chosen professional interstate movers and is the perfect opportunity to declutter and decide what's worth taking to your new home and what isn’t needed. Sort your tools into categories: hand tools, power tools, garden equipment, and automotive supplies. Clean each item thoroughly, removing grease, dirt, and rust where possible, especially from your garden tools. Not only will this make packing easier, but it also prevents dirt from transferring to other items during the move. Some states, like Tasmania and WA, have quarantine restrictions on the transfer of dirt and foliage matter from other places in Australia.
Dispose of any hazardous materials like old paint tins, chemicals, stored fuel or gas bottles according to your local council's guidelines. Most removalists and interstate movers won't transport these items due to safety regulations, so it's better to handle this early in the process.
Wrap sharp tools like chisels, saw blades, and garden shears in bubble wrap or old towels to protect both the tools and anyone handling them. Group similar items together in clearly labelled boxes - for example, all screwdrivers in one section, spanners in another. Use dividers or small boxes within larger ones to prevent tools from rattling around and potentially damaging each other. Plastic storage boxes come in handy for moving tools but be sure not to overload them.
For tool boxes that are already organised, you can often pack them as-is, but secure any loose drawers with tape and wrap the entire unit in protective material.
Power tools require special attention due to their weight and sensitive components. Remove batteries from cordless tools and pack them separately in a cool, dry place. Wrap each power tool individually in bubble wrap, paying particular attention to any protruding parts. Original boxes are ideal if you still have them, as they're designed specifically for that tool's dimensions and protection needs. Where possible, use these original boxes or packing for electric tools to avoid damage to them in transit.
For larger power tools like table saws or drill presses, consult with your removalist about the best approach. Professional interstate movers often have specialised equipment and experience handling heavy machinery.
Long-handled tools like rakes, shovels, and hoes can be bundled together with rope, straps, or even shrink wrap but place cardboard or bubble wrap between metal surfaces to prevent scratching. Secure any loose parts and consider removing handles from tools like sledge hammers if they're designed to come apart.
Drain fuel from petrol-powered equipment like lawn mowers and whipper snippers well in advance of your move. Clean these thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before packing. The fuel and oil need to be discarded for safe travel by your removalist or even for yourselves, too.
Invest in quality packing materials to protect your tools properly. You'll need:
Don't overpack boxes - tools are heavy, and boxes that are too full become difficult to lift safely and are more likely to collapse.
Create a detailed inventory list as you pack, noting which box contains which tools. Use a numbering system and keep the master list with you during the move. Label boxes clearly with both the contents and the room they're destined for (garage, shed, workshop).
Consider packing a "first day" toolbox with essential items you'll need immediately in your new home - basic screwdrivers, hammer, measuring tape, and utility knife. This saves you from digging through multiple boxes when you need to hang pictures or assemble beds or furniture on arrival at your new home.
When hiring professional removalists, discuss your garage contents during the initial consultation. Experienced interstate movers can provide valuable advice on packing techniques and may offer specialised services for particularly valuable or delicate equipment.
Be upfront about any large machinery or heavy-duty workshop tools that might require special handling. Some items might need to be dismantled, moved separately or require additional insurance coverage.
Firstly, contact your removalist early, so that you can ensure you book them for the day that you need to move. Pack your garage tools in phases rather than trying to do everything at once. Start with items you won't need in the weeks leading up to your move, leaving essential tools until last.
Take photos of complex tool setups or organised systems before dismantling them. This makes reassembly much easier for you in your new space.
Consider the climate of your new location when packing. If you're moving to a more humid area, include moisture absorbers in your boxes to prevent rust, especially during storage.
Moving home doesn't have to mean losing or damaging your valuable garage tools. With proper planning, quality materials, and careful attention to detail, you can ensure your workshop essentials arrive ready to help you settle into your new home. Remember, investing time in proper packing now, will save you significant time and expense later.
Happy Moving!