MOVING home is something few of us want to do too often. Itís a big job and much can go wrong.

Depending on your agreement with your chosen removal firm, there are some basic tips to help make the physical process of moving your precious belongings to the new residence.

Before you pack anything, plan and organise every step of the move. Make sure everyone involved knows whatís going to be packed and how itís going to be packed and what the timetable for the the move is, along with anything else vital to ensure you have a stress free move.

1. Organize everything room by room, ensuring items donít get switched or shuffled around before being packed.
2. Make sure every is packed and ready to be moved. Items left loose will slow down the move and be a safety hazard.
Box clever. Separate boxes and storage containers into two groups heavy (books and crockery) and light (linen and clothes).

Boxes should be no larger than 18 inches long by 18 inches in height and width. Wooden boxes are best for heavier items and cardboard boxes for lighter. Plastic storage boxes, available from supermarkets and homeware stores are also a good choice.

Lighter boxes should be small enough for one person to lift and carry. Label all boxes to show clearly what they contain and where they have to go at the new home.

3. Wrap anything breakable (crockery, glassware, etc) in newspaper, and use bubble wrap for photographs in frames, painting, vases, and other large fragile items.

4. Place clothes likely to become creased in plastic and lay them out flat in a container or box. To protect shoes from scuffs or scratches, stack them in layers with foil or cellophane in between the layers.

5. If furniture is too large to fit through doors or up and down stairs then take it apart first, unless your removal firm has already agreed to do it and put it back together in your new home.

TV sets and audio equipment should be bubble wrapped, and donít forget the remote controls and cables.

6. While the moving process is underway, try to keep children and pets out of the way. Little Kylie or Rover might be cute and adorable to you, but, sorry, if they get in the way, they will quickly become a nuisance or could even cause an accident.

If the move is over a long distance, it is advisable to plan a route before you leave. Stops for refreshment and other needs will have to be taken, and not just for the humans. Pets also will need pit stops, and dogs in particular, will need to stretch their legs.
At the new house, make sure the power is connected, phone working and the kettle is on. Before the unloading and unpacking begins, make it clear exactly where you the furniture is meant to go.

Unpack room by room and donít let everything get in a jumble. Get the larger items of furniture in first and then arrange the smaller items around them.

Above all, relax, plan, be methodical and don’t forget the cat!