Packing for a house move can seem like a lot of effort, especially if you've been in your current home for a long time. Starting your preparations early and packing effectively can help take some of the stress out of the experience. One of the most effective things you can do to reduce the stress of packing is to break the project down into a number of smaller tasks. Use this guide to help you plan your packing. 

Talk to your removals firm first

Finding a removal services firm should be the first item on your moving checklist. The earlier you get in touch with your removalists, the more likely you are to be able to find a date that fits your schedule and a price that fits your budget. You'll also learn exactly what you need to do to prepare your furniture, clothes, books and other belongings for moving.

Start with a clearout

Over time, most of us have a tendency to acquire more belongings than we need, whether that means a wardrobe full of unworn outfits or shelves full of books that we'll never read again. There's no point in paying your removals firm to move these if you're only going to get rid of them when you arrive. Instead, start your packing with a clearout. Divide your home's contents into the things you're going to pack and things you can sell, donate to charity, give away or recycle. You can even apply this strategy to furniture or appliances: if you plan to replace something, it makes sense to do it when you arrive rather than before. 

Pack gradually

Packing everything you own is a daunting project. To make it easier, take it piece by piece rather than trying to do it all at once. Pack one or two boxes every time you get the chance and you'll see the level of your unfinished work gradually decreasing. You can use this strategy for dealing with other moving tasks as well: even if you can't spend a lot of time packing on a given day, you can do a small task such as registering a change of address or cancelling a subscription. 

Pack safely

Packing for a move isn't just a matter of cramming as much as you can into every box. Overloaded boxes are more likely to split and can be unsafe to carry or store. Use medium-sized moving boxes -- you should be able to get these from your removal services company -- and don't overfill them with heavy items. To achieve a safe balance, combine heavy items such as books or dishes with lighter ones like bedding or clothes. You'll use all of your available space, provide extra padding and keep your boxes safely light. 

Breaking the tasks of moving down into smaller, manageable jobs can take much of the stress and worry out of moving. You'll still have a lot to do, but you'll be able to tackle it one box at a time. Contact a removal services provider to learn more today.