Moving house is bound to be stressful, whether it’s you on your own or if you’ve got a whole family including pets to take with you. One of the most important things to do, and something that will ensure everything goes that bit smoother, is to make sure that everything is packed safely and securely.

Here at Chappell's Removals, we’ve got a wealth of experience and have helped countless families uproot, so have a look at our top tips on how to pack your belongings safely.

Plan ahead

Before the big move, sit down and work out what needs to be packed where. Make lists of what packing materials you plan on using and get them well before the packing begins. It may be boring, but when you’re surrounded by secure, labelled boxes fresh off the moving van and ready to be unpacked, you’ll be glad you took some time to figure it all out.

Wrap your belongings up

An item you will definitely need on hand is bubble wrap – it’s strong, you can buy it in bulk and it can keep the kids entertained too! It’s especially useful for items that could break: think vases and photo frames that are less likely to survive a few speed bumps. Another useful item which can be used to wrap your belongings is crush paper – better for smaller items such as kitchen utensils. Whichever you choose, don’t forget to wrap things up tightly.

Invest in cardboard boxes

Another item to add to the shopping list is brand new cardboard boxes. Many people assume that the box that stored the television in three years ago that’s been sitting in the loft will finally have its use but fight the urge. Bin the box (or, if you must use it, store light items in it) and buy new cardboard boxes. They’re sturdier and will hold a lot more weight, with less chance of splitting, resulting in a much easier move.

Think about the weight

Make sure you pack sensibly – it can be easy to just mindlessly throw things in boxes especially if you’ve been doing it for a few days and your mind is on your new property. Heavy items should go at the bottom, and be sure to distribute the weight evenly. Try not to pile all of your kitchen appliances in one huge box as, chances are the box won’t be able to hold it and, as you’re taking it to the van, it could all land in a broken heap on your driveway. It’s also wise not to use large cartons for belongings such as books, DVDs and CDs, as filling the box with items like these will make it far too heavy to lift and could cause an injury in an attempt to do so.

Label your boxes

Here’s one that might seem a bit silly. Of course, you’d label your boxes, right? Well, it’s an important step that can easily be missed out in the hubbub of getting everything ready to go. Not only does labelling every box mean you can keep track of what’s been packed, but it also means that when it comes to lifting the boxes you can be prepared for it to weigh quite a bit and there’s less chance of the box being dropped.

Those are some tips on how to pack your belongings safely for a home move and hopefully they help you in making sure everything goes right when it comes to your big move. However, we recommend hiring removals professionals to ensure that your belongings are transported safely. Here at Chappell's Removals, we provide professional services to help your move be as stress-free as possible, taking care of everything from packing to transporting your possessions.