Whether you’re moving one item or 100 items, you want your precious cargo to arrive in exactly the same condition as when it left.

To help you prepare, here are our five top tips for packing… 

Boxes 

Collect the best quality boxes you can find. Don’t buy cheap ones online, choose a local supplier where you can compare the boxes before your buy. The boxes need to be able to be stacked up without collapsing, so it’s not worth saving a few pounds – you risk damaging your goods.

Collect the best quality boxes you can find. Don’t buy cheap ones online, choose a local supplier where you can compare the boxes before your buy. The boxes need to be able to be stacked up without collapsing, so it’s not worth saving a few pounds – you risk damaging your goods.Wardrobe boxes come with a rail so you can hang clothes, while there are specialist boxes for flatscreen TVs.

Use top quality tape and label all boxes with a brief description and the room you wish the box to be placed in your new home or office. Heavy items should be placed in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.

Fragile Goods

When packing glasses, pottery or other fragile goods, place a layer of scrunched up paper on the bottom of the box. Put the heavier items side by side at the bottom of the box, making sure you wrap each item in a sheet of paper. Fill any gaps with more scrunched up paper.

Add another layer of scrunched up paper to cover the heavy items. Carry on adding layers of items leaving the lightest ones till last. Remember not to pack fragile items up to the brim of the box as you need to leave space for a top layer of scrunched up paper, towels or cushions.

Books

Although easy to pack, books can easily be damaged if they are not handled correctly. Start by choosing a smaller box and put the books flat into the bottom, do not stand them upright as this can damage the spines. Fill any gaps with scrunched up paper to stop books moving. Finally, book boxes will be heavy, so avoid stacking them on other goods.

Bottles 

Ideally, you need boxes with dividers to stop bottles clanking around. Another solution is to wrap bottles in paper and spread them among the other boxes. Avoid packing bottles with books or any other items which could be damaged by spillages. 

Essentials

Make your first night in your new home easier by packing an essentials box. This should be the last box you pack and the first one you open. The contents can include toiletries, bottled water, toilet paper, snacks, tea or coffee, a change of clothes and a kettle.

Finally, once you’ve unpacked, don’t forget to recycle all your cardboard boxes.

To discuss your next move, call Your Man With A Van today on 01992 239191, email vanmanhertfordshire@gmail.com or visit http://yourmanwithavan.co.uk