Packing
Now this is the bit everyone dreads when it comes to moving house. Start early. A lack of planning when it comes to packing up your house can turn a simple move into a horrendous nightmare.  So if you want to keep your sanity, take a minute to read our Handy Packing Tips!

Before...

• We can't stress enough to plan your move in advance.

• Be ruthless and have a good old fashioned spring clean out (even if you're moving in the winter!).  Do yourself a favour and throw out all the accumulated junk that you know will never be of use!

• Start compiling your packing materials early in the piece.  Ask your friends to save you anything of use like old boxes, rugs or sheets. (If you're using a Removal company, they will often supply you with boxes and packing materials).

• Keep that stack of newspapers - they will come in handy.

• Pick up an extra box from every shopping trip or store visit.  By the time you actually get around to start packing, you'll have accumulated enough boxes to move you and the neighbors!

• Try to start to pack those things that you know you're not going to need before you get to your new house.

During...

• Make sure you clearly label all boxes and state which room they should go to (give the removalist a map or plan of your new home before they get to the property so they know what goes where).

• Do your back (or the removalists back) a favour and spread the weight of heavy items over several boxes rather than lumping them all together.

• Make sure the boxes are easy to carry, the tops are secured and the bottom is well taped and secure.

• Consider using bubble wrap and newspaper to wrap fragile items that may easily break in transit.

• Defrost your freezers so they are clear of ice on the day of the move.

• Make sure any boxes that contain fragile items are marked very clearly as FRAGILE.

• Disassemble large items (e.g. tables / workbenches / student desk or workstations) as much as possible.

• Have a separate "emergency" box to the side with things you'll need on the day before the move such as tools and cleaning goods etc.

After...

• Relax.  You're now in your new home and you can take as long as you like unpacking.  Treat yourself to a take-away dinner on your first night and set up a picnic blanket in your new living room (no dishes to be done!)

• When you're unpacking boxes, be careful not to throw out anything small which may be wrapped in newspaper.  If in doubt - check everything.

• Take the time now to be particular where you place everything.  This will save you time in the long run having to repack cupboards etc.

• Make sure you keep all newspaper and boxes aside for council collection and recycling.