If you’re like most Melburnians preparing for a move, you’ve already pulled your suitcases out of the wardrobe and started tossing in clothes, shoes, and random odds and ends. After all, they’re sturdy, have wheels, and—best of all—don’t cost extra.
But here’s the truth: most people misuse suitcases during a move, turning a potential packing superpower into a logistical nightmare.
At Paul Movers , Melbourne’s trusted removalists since 2017, we’ve seen it all: overstuffed suitcases bursting at the seams, unlabeled bags filled with fragile items, and wheeled luggage left behind because it “looked too personal” for movers to touch.
The good news? When used correctly, suitcases are one of the most efficient, space-saving, and cost-effective packing tools you own.
In this guide, we’ll reveal the best way to use suitcases when moving—backed by real-world experience from hundreds of Melbourne relocations. Whether you’re shifting from a studio in Prahran to a house in Box Hill or relocating interstate, these pro tips will save you time, protect your belongings, and keep your move running smoothly.
And if you’d prefer to leave the packing (and unpacking) to experts, our Packing and Unpacking Services Melbourne team can integrate your suitcases into a seamless, professional move.
Why Suitcases Are Underrated Moving Tools
Before we dive into technique, let’s acknowledge why suitcases deserve a starring role in your move:
✅ Built for transport: Wheels, handles, and durable shells = easy to move
✅ Space-efficient: Fit under beds, in car boots, or stacked in trucks
✅ Cost-saving: Reduce the number of cardboard boxes you need to buy
✅ Reusable: No disposal or recycling hassle post-move
✅ Ideal for clothing: Keep garments wrinkle-free and organizedYet, despite these advantages, most DIY movers sabotage their own efforts with simple but critical errors.
5 Common Suitcase Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
❌ Mistake #1: Overpacking Until They Burst
What happens: Zippers fail, wheels snap, and clothes spill during transit—especially on Melbourne’s bumpy backstreets.
Pro Fix:
- Fill suitcases to 80% capacity max.
- Leave room for compression when stacked.
- Use packing cubes inside to distribute weight evenly.
💡 Melbourne Tip: If you’re using soft-shell suitcases, avoid placing them at the bottom of a stack—they’ll get crushed.
❌ Mistake #2: Packing Non-Clothing Items Without Protection
What happens: Shoes scuff delicate fabrics. Books tear linings. Electronics shift and break.
Pro Fix:
- Only pack soft, lightweight items in suitcases:
- Clothing
- Bedding
- Towels
- Stuffed toys
- Never pack:
- Books
- Toiletries (leak risk)
- Fragile decor
- Kitchenware
For safe packing of breakables, see our guide: How to Move Fragile Items Safely and Securely .
❌ Mistake #3: Skipping Labels
What happens: On moving day, your “black suitcase” looks identical to your partner’s. Movers don’t know which room it belongs in. You waste 20 minutes searching for your toothbrush.
Pro Fix:
- Label clearly on two sides using:
- Room name: “MASTER BEDROOM”
- Contents: “Winter coats, scarves, gloves”
- Priority: “🔴 HIGH – UNPACK FIRST”
Use waterproof labels or masking tape + permanent marker—not sticky notes that fall off.
This aligns with our How to Label Boxes Like a Pro system—suitcases count as “boxes” too!
❌ Mistake #4: Mixing Clean and Dirty Items
What happens: A single unwashed gym shirt can transfer odors or stains to an entire suitcase of clean clothes—especially in Melbourne’s humid summers.
Pro Fix:
- Wash everything before packing.
- Air-dry completely (no damp items!).
- Add a silica gel pack or lavender sachet to absorb moisture and repel moths.
For seasonal storage tips, read: Moving Seasonal Items: Pack Winter & Summer Gear Right .
❌ Mistake #5: Assuming Movers Won’t Touch Them
What happens: Clients say, “Oh, I’ll carry my suitcases myself,” then get overwhelmed on moving day—leaving bags behind or delaying unloading.
Pro Fix:
- Treat suitcases like any other packed container.
- Place them with your labeled boxes.
- Inform your movers: “These suitcases go to the master bedroom.”
At Paul Movers, we handle suitcases exactly like professional packing bins—as long as they’re secure and labeled. Learn what to expect in What to Expect When Hiring a Professional Moving Company .
The Paul Movers Method: How to Use Suitcases Like a Pro
Here’s our step-by-step system—the same one our Packers and Movers Melbourne team uses for clients who want to maximize suitcase efficiency.
Step 1: Sort by Category & Season
Group items logically:
- Current season clothing → Pack in primary suitcases (unpack first)
- Off-season items → Use secondary suitcases (store under bed or in garage)
- Shoes → Pack in shoe bags or pillowcases to prevent scuffing
📦 Pro Hack: Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles.
Step 2: Use Packing Cubes or Drawstring Bags
- Color-code by category:
- Blue = Tops
- Red = Bottoms
- Green = Underwear/Socks
- Keeps items organized and speeds up unpacking
This mirrors the compartmentalized approach we use in our Room-by-Room Packing Guide .
Step 3: Protect the Suitcase Itself
- Wrap soft-shell suitcases in furniture blankets or large garbage bags to prevent dirt transfer.
- Secure zippers with zip ties (snip them at destination)—prevents accidental opening.
- Remove loose tags or straps that could snag in the truck.
Step 4: Strategic Placement in the Truck
- Hard-shell suitcases: Stack like boxes—great for base layers.
- Soft-shell or wheeled: Place on top or along walls—never under heavy furniture.
- Priority suitcases: Load last so they’re unloaded first.
Our Furniture Removalists Melbourne team always asks: “Which bags do you need tonight?”—so we know what to unload first.
Step 5: Integrate with Your “First Night” Kit
Pack one small carry-on suitcase as your “Survival Kit”:
- Phone charger
- Toiletries
- Change of clothes
- Medications
- Pet food
Label it: 🚨 FIRST 24 HOURS – DO NOT LOAD UNTIL LAST
For a full checklist, see our Night Before Moving Day Guide .
Special Considerations for Different Move Types
🏠 House to Apartment (or Vice Versa)
- Downsizing? Use suitcases to pre-sort what you’re keeping vs. donating.
- Upgrading? Pack off-season items in suitcases for easy garage storage.
See our Apartment to House Move Guide for space transition tips.
🚗 Local Melbourne Moves
- Suitcases are perfect for same-day unpacking.
- Keep them accessible in your car if doing a DIY load.
✈️ Interstate Relocations
- Avoid soft-shell suitcases for long hauls—they’re prone to damage.
- Use hard-shell, lockable cases for valuable clothing or documents.
- Consider professional packing for high-value items.
For long-distance moves, trust our Interstate Relocation Experts .
🏢 Office or Hybrid Moves
- Employees can pack personal items in suitcases for seamless desk-to-desk transition.
- Label with name + department: “Sarah – Marketing – Personal Items”
Learn more in Office Moves Made Effortless .
What Not to Pack in Suitcases (Ever)
Even if it fits, never pack these in suitcases:
- Liquids (shampoo, perfume) → Leakage ruins fabrics
- Valuables (jewelry, passports, cash) → Keep with you
- Heavy items (books, tools, pots) → Damages wheels and zippers
- Electronics → No shock protection; use original boxes instead
- Dirty laundry → Causes mildew and odors
For electronics, see our IT Relocation Guide .
When to Skip Suitcases Altogether
Suitcases aren’t always the answer. Avoid them if:
- You’re moving during Melbourne’s rainy season (June–Sept) and lack waterproof covers
- Your suitcases are damaged or worn (broken wheels = liability)
- You’re using a shared truck or storage container (unsecured bags get lost)
In these cases, invest in plastic bins with lids or let our Affordable Movers Melbourne team supply professional packing materials.
Final Thoughts: Suitcases Done Right = A Smoother Move
The best way to use suitcases when moving isn’t about filling them—it’s about strategy, labeling, and integration into your overall packing plan.
Used wisely, they reduce box costs, speed up packing, and make unpacking intuitive. Used poorly, they become a source of stress, damage, and delays.
At Paul Movers, we believe every detail matters—even how you pack your socks. That’s why we offer customized packing plans for every Melbourne home and business, whether you’re using suitcases, boxes, or a mix of both.
📞 Call us at 0403 917 885
📧 Email: info@paulmovers.com.au
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