Moving home can be stressful, but by starting the process as early as possible, this can be kept to a minimum. One of the most time consuming elements of moving home is packing. Depending on the amount of belongings you want to take with you. Before you even start packing... It’s a good idea to have a complete sort through your belongings to work out what you actually what to take with you. Naturally, this will lead to some items being thrown out but remember that some items may be worth selling to make some extra cash. Once this process is out of the way, it’s a good idea to draw up a full itinerary of what you plan to pack, so this can be worked through and ticked off when you get to the other end. When packing actually begins, start early enough to allow you to do a bit each day – it soon starts to make a difference and having the luxury of not rushing means packing is done in a methodical and organised fashion. Pack wisely Taking the time to pack correctly saves time and stress on the moving day, so it’s important to label each of the boxes you pack and list the contents of each one – this way, it’s much easier to identify what’s what when you get to the other end. It’s also a good idea to mark which boxes can be loaded on so nothing gets crushed in the removals van. You won’t need everything on the first night so it will be useful and times saving to be able to quickly identify which boxes contain essential items. For those boxes that contain stuff for your first night like tea, coffee and toiletries, ensure these are loaded first, so these are the last to come off the removal van Stress saving tips Here are just a few more tips to make the move an easier process: •    Plan ahead as to where you want to place furniture and large items within your new home•    Check the exact measurements of doors and entrances in your new property so you know whether furniture will fit through these on the day of the move•    Double check the route of the move and also that there are no planned road closures or diversions on the day of the move Properly packing valuables and breakables These need to be packed more carefully than other items. Where several items are being packed in 1 box, ensure these are wrapped individually in crepe or screwed up paper to make sure there is no contact when they’re packed closely together There is always a backup...You don’t have to take absolutely everything with you – there’s always the option of selling unwanted items but for things you want to keep hold of but won’t have space for, there is always the option of putting these in self storage until you next need them. These facilities are both safe and secure and also have the right conditions in which to store a range of items (temperature controlled for example). Remember that there are many providers on the market, so do your homework in order to get the best deal. Packing can seem like a drag and a ‘last on the list’ aspect of the moving process, but if done easily enough and in the correct way, it saves considerable stress on the day of the move. This will allow you to start enjoying your new property as early as possible.