In most of Australia, the main packing risk is breakage. In Darwin, it's mould.
High humidity, especially in the build-up and wet season, means anything packed damp or left sealed up can grow mould in a matter of days. Here's how to pack, move and store your belongings so they arrive clean.
Three rules: Pack it dry. Don't seal damp things in plastic. Unpack fast and get the air moving.
Why Darwin is different
Mould needs moisture, warmth and still air. Darwin's wet season supplies the first two. Packing creates the third: items closed up in boxes, trucks and storage units with no airflow.
High-risk items: - Mattresses and bedding - Leather — couches, shoes, bags, belts - Upholstered furniture - Clothing, especially items stored for weeks - Books, papers and photos - Unsealed timber
Before you pack
Make sure everything is completely dry
- Wash and fully dry clothes and linen before packing
- Don't pack anything straight out of the dryer while it's still warm — let it cool
- Wipe down fridges, freezers and washing machines, then leave doors open for at least a day
- Clean and dry outdoor furniture and BBQs before they go on the truck
Clean as you go
Dust and food residue feed mould. Give furniture and storage containers a wipe before packing.
Choosing boxes and containers
| Use | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Documents, photos, electronics | Sealed plastic tubs (only when completely dry) |
| Clothes for a short local move | Wardrobe boxes or cardboard |
| Books | Small, strong cardboard boxes |
| Mattresses | Breathable mattress bag for transit; remove promptly |
| Leather | Cotton sheets or blankets, not plastic, for long periods |
Plastic is a double-edged sword. It keeps rain out, but traps any moisture inside. Use it for transit and remove it promptly at the other end.
Add moisture absorbers
For boxes that will be closed up for more than a few days, add moisture absorber sachets or silica gel packs, especially for clothing, leather and documents.
On moving day
- Keep boxes off wet ground and out of the rain
- Load mattresses and soft furnishings last, so they come off first
- If anything gets wet, dry it before it goes into a cupboard
See Moving House in the Wet Season for rain-day tips.
After the move
The first 48 hours matter most.
- Unpack soft items first — mattresses, linen, clothes, couches
- Run the air-conditioning or a dehumidifier
- Leave wardrobe doors slightly open
- Don't overpack wardrobes — air needs to move
- Remove all plastic from mattresses and furniture
- Check bathrooms and wardrobes in your new home for existing mould
Storing furniture in Darwin
If there's a gap between homes, storage needs extra care in the tropics:
- Clean and dry everything before it goes in
- Leave gaps between items and the walls for airflow
- Stand mattresses on their side, covered with breathable fabric
- Put furniture on pallets or off the floor
- Visit regularly and air things out
- For valuable items or long-term storage, ask about climate-controlled options
See our storage service.
Let us pack it
Our packing services include wet-season wrapping and humidity-aware packing for mattresses, leather and electronics.
✎ Edit: Describe what your packing service includes and any materials you supply.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop mould when moving in Darwin?
Make sure everything is completely dry before packing, don't seal damp items in plastic, unpack soft items quickly, and run the air-conditioning or a dehumidifier in the first few days.
Are plastic tubs or cardboard boxes better in Darwin?
Plastic tubs are better against rain and for documents and electronics. But only seal items in plastic when they are completely dry. Cardboard breathes better for short moves of dry items.
Can I store furniture in Darwin without it going mouldy?
Yes, if you clean and dry everything first, leave space for airflow, avoid sealing items in plastic, and check the storage regularly. For long-term storage of valuable items, ask about climate-controlled options.
What items are most at risk of mould?
Mattresses, leather furniture and shoes, upholstered furniture, clothing, books, photos and timber with unsealed surfaces.