Moving home can sometimes be a stressful experience – but it doesn’t need to be! Follow these top ten packing tips in order to make sure that the first stage of your move goes as smoothly as possible in order to keep everything stress free:

1. Don’t Overload

One of the most important things you should do when packing is make sure you don’t overload boxes. Not only could this lead to damaged items as a result of broken boxes, but it could also lead to health complaints for those attempting to carry the heavy items.

2. Use a System

Don’t just chuck things in a box but have a clear system of how you are going to begin packing. Consider packing each room in turn so that you don’t miss anything and make sure that anyone helping you is aware of your packing system.

3. Wrap Valuables

In order to prevent breakages and damage from occurring wrap your valuable items in bubble-wrap or other protective materials. Make sure these are placed carefully into boxes and don’t pack delicate ornaments with heavy objects likely to cause harm.

4. Pad Boxes

If you have breakables packed within a spacious box then make sure you pad it out with materials such as shredded paper in order to stop items from hitting one and other. This will help to keep your valuables safe from harm.

5. Stack Logically

When you are loading boxes make sure that you stack them logically to avoid damage. Always put heavy boxes in first, at the bottom, with lighter boxes on top. Make sure that any breakables are kept in a safe place where they are unlikely to be damaged.

6. Spread Weight Evenly

Don’t put all of the heavy items in one box as this will only cause damage to the box and the person carrying out. Try to distribute the weight of items evenly across all of the boxes to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

7. Load Large Items First

When putting boxes into the van make sure that you put the largest items in first. These should include pieces of furniture, such as sofas and tables, as well as boxes containing large electrical items such as television sets. This will help you to use the space in the van more effectively, allowing you to transport more items in one trip.

8. Label Clearly

There is no point packing all of your possessions up if you don’t label the boxes. Have a clear labelling system and make sure those helping you stick to it. Consider using coloured tape to make boxes containing breakables more easily identifiable.

9. Start Early

Leaving packing to the last minute is the easiest way to create a stressful move. Start early and make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to get things sorted.

10. Leave the Essentials Until Last

It is easy to get carried away when packing but remember that you still need to live in your current residence till you are ready to move. Leave packing essential items, such as the kettle, till last to ensure that you are able to enjoy your home before the move.