A bicycle is not just a means of transportation, it also provides health benefits both physically and mentally, and it’s good for the environment too. Many people consider bicycles a valuable possession, so when the time comes when there is a need to move home, knowing how to properly pack your bicycle is very essential to keep this special tool damage-free, especially for a long-distance move. There are moving companies who offer packing services for your bicycle, but that comes with a cost.

If you own a bike and you need it to be relocated but don’t want to pay extra for packing service, we have some guide to help you pack your beloved bicycle properly before the move. 

Gather packing materials

Item Movers

9.6 (10,227 reviews)

Pick up address

Delivery address

Get Prices

In order to secure your bicycle when moving it, packing it properly is essential. Here are the packing materials that you will need:

• 1 cardboard bike box

• 1 smaller cardboard box for disassembled parts

• 1 fork protector

• 4 wheel axle protectors 

• Bubble wrap or packing paper

• 7 to 10 foam protection tubes (optional)

• Cable ties

• Packing tape

You can get all these packing materials from a local bike shop. Don’t forget to secure disassembling tools too.

Disassemble your bike

So that your bike can fit properly on the cardboard box, you need to disassemble protruding and smaller parts of it. This will also help protect the delicate mechanisms of your bike. Here are the parts you need to remove:

• Pedals

• Handlebars

• Seat post and saddle

• Racks and fenders

• Front-wheel

• Water holders

To perform this task, you will need to use your disassembling tools. Remember to clean your bike with a soft rag before disassembling it.

Pack the disassembled parts separately

Disassembled parts should be secured separately so that they won’t get lost during transit. Wrap disassembled parts with bubble wrap or packing paper and place them inside the smaller box that you prepared. If there is still empty space inside the box, put more bubble wrap or packing paper to fill the space. After the smaller box of disassembled parts is shut and secured, place it inside your cardboard bike box.

Pack and box your bike

After disassembling some parts of your bicycle, it’s time to box it up. But before doing so, you need to make sure it’s well protected. 

1. Protect the rear derailleur

You need to keep in mind that the rear derailleur is a very delicate part of a bike and it can easily get damaged so make sure this is protected. Start by slowly shifting the small chainring and the largest rear cog then wrap the rear derailleur and the chain with bubble wrap and secure it with packing tape.

2. Pad and cushion the frame

Using your foam protection tubes, wrap the bike frame and then secure them using cable ties.  This is to prevent the metal surfaces from scratching. You can also use bubble wrap or packing paper if you don't have foam protection tubes. Be generous with your bubble wrap or packing paper in order to provide the best protection to your beloved bicycle.

3. Secure the handlebars

It is important to protect the handlebars as well as they are delicate too. It is easier to pack flat handlebars. Fit them on top of the top frame tube of the wheel. Use a generous amount of bubble wrap to provide enough cushion. Dropped handlebars are harder to secure. Try to place the bar under the top frame tube and partly inside the wheel. Then use bubble wrap to protect it.

4. Place the bike in the box

Carefully place the bike inside your cardboard box and seal the box properly. Don’t forget to label the box “FRAGILE”.

If you think this task of packing your bike is too complicated for you, you can also find movers in NZ to help you out. Moving companies know how to properly perform this task, making sure your beloved bicycle is safely transported. Easily find the best moving company for your bicycle transport in NZ, whether you need Auckland movers or Wellington movers, by submitting a moving job listing in Wise Move , you'll receive multiple quotes from NZ's trusted moving companies. If you also need motorcycle transport, car transport, or even boat transport, Wise Move can also help you with that.