Packing: Where to start

Moving house can be exciting, but the actual process puts many people off. Knowing where to start can sometimes be the greatest problem, and beginning it is put off until the process has to be done in a great tumultuous rush that no-one enjoys. Here are some simple tips on how to make the packing process go much more smoothly.

Beginning the packing process

Follow these steps to make the packing process less arduous:

• Assess what you have, and plan where it will go in the new house. Write down any objects (large, awkward or fragile ones) that will be difficult to transport, and organise how you will move them early
• Check with the manufacturers of your appliances if you are unsure about how to move them. Washing machine drums, fridges, ovens, and dryers all need special packing to avoid damaging them
• Cull all unnecessary possessions. Moving is the best time to throw out rubbish, pass on no longer needed items, and generally do a clear out. Start this as early as possible - it takes time!
• Throw away opened liquids, drain fuel from mowers and other garden equipment, empty your barbeque gas cylinders and dispose of aerosol cans, lighters and other dangerous objects
• Prepare plants. Make sure they are well watered, and any you wish to take from the garden are safely moved into pots or plastic bags. They should be loaded last and all together
• Label all boxes with your new address, surname, general list of contents and the room you want them in. This is particularly important if you are hiring removalists
• Carefully seal each carton with packing tape, and number the cartons
• Clean out fridge and freezers, barbeques, bins and drain hoses
• Pack fragile objects all together and in bubble wrap, newspaper or cloth. A handy tip is to pack fragile objects between layers of your clothes, linen or towels. This saves on packing materials and space, and is far less messy to unpack
• Notify your neighbours, to ensure that there will be room for the removal truck, and that they won't be too inconvenienced
• Clear out one room first and use it to store packed boxes. This will give you time before the move to organise your packing the way you want

Follow these tips to make packing less stressful, and the actual move easy and fast.

Packing to move

Planning your packing and getting started early are the keys to success. Moving is a great time to get your possessions cleaned, ordered and to clear out all the accumulated junk. Make sure the dangerous stuff doesn't come, that everything loose is safely contained and that every carton is labelled, and look forward to your new home!