House packing doesn't have to take up your entire day and cause unnecessary stress if you plan ahead. It all begins with gathering the necessary packaging so that you have everything on hand as you start to pack and organise your belongings.

Here are the basic packaging materials that you will need for a successful move:

• Basic toolkit: To disassemble furniture.
• Boxes of varying sizes: Specialty boxes are also necessary for hanging garments and electronics.
• One box cutter: Useful to open and break down used boxes.
• Butcher paper and / or bubble wrap.
• Permanent marker or box labels. Colour coding is helpful to separate boxes by room.
  
• Large trash bags. 

House packing: Ready to start

After you have all of your necessary packaging materials, it's time to let the house packing begin.

• Throw out items not used in years. Begin house packing by throwing out any items or clothing that you haven't used in the past two years. No matter how much you think that you may wear something, if you haven't worn it in two years, then you aren't likely to.
  
  This is the time to be thorough to purge yourself of unnecessary belongings that will only take up space in your move.
  
• Label boxes: Start house packing and labelling items in storage. Begin organising, repacking, and labelling any items or boxes in storage to ensure that they are prepared for your move.
  
• Most used items: Pack these last prior to moving day.
  
• Colour code / numbering: Colour code or number each box and list its contents electronically or on paper. If you've already packed your toaster and desperately need to use it, it will be easy to find if you know that it is in box #5 labelled "Kitchen", for example.
• Organise floor plan: List boxes to help organise the floor plan of your new home for the movers. The movers will know exactly where each box should go in your new home, making items easier for you to find when you arrive.
• Set aside important items: Personal and important items should be set aside to take with you during your relocation.
  
  This will include clothing for several days and  toiletries for example. These are all items that you want to have on hand as you travel to your new home.
  
  

Finally, when house packing, it is important to never pack items that are flammable or explosive. Not only will this potentially damage your belongings, but it could cause danger to your movers in transit.

Top moving tip

If you are using used boxes as packaging, test their durability beforehand for weak spots or tears. For the best results, always follow the rule of never packing a box over 20 kilograms so that the bottom doesn't give out while moving.