When you are planning a move packing boxes may seem like a small job which needs very little consideration.  It is worth putting a little forward planning in to ensure the removal goes smoothly.  After moving house several times several I put together a series of tips which you may find helpful. 

Try to set yourself up a packing station, this may sound unnecessary but with the amount of items that you will be packing to make yourself as comfortable as possible is just common sense.  Make sure you have tissue for wrapping at waist height as it is usually all the bending rather than lifting that creates havoc with your back.

Also try to resist packing each box on floor level this repeated strain will definitely make you suffer.  Avoid this by packing one box on top of a box that is already packed, this will be much more comfortable for your back.  You can pack the first box on top of a table or on a sturdy chair.

Something many of us do not think about is making sure that we are using the right sort of box for the items to be packed into it.  Smaller boxes are more suitable for heavy goods such as tins and wine, they are better as they prevent you over packing them and ending up with a box that weighs so much you can’t carry it.

All boxes should be taped at the bottom using two strips of duct or gaffer tape, this should be done before the box is packed.  When taping the box fold the opposite flaps together but do not interlock them.

Scrunched up newspaper, towels and linen all make good shock absorbers so make sure that you line the bottom of your packing boxes to protect your goods.  Make sure you wrap all glassware and china completely and each item is wrapped separately.  If you wish you may use tissue for the first layer as newspaper print tends to leave smudge marks.  When you have packed your box with one layer of glassware or china put a layer of padding on top, then pack the next layer.  Make sure you pad the sides and the top of the box as well. You can use other items that need to be packed for example Tupperware, as long as they will not damage your breakables.

Any gaps in the box should be filled with newspaper or tissue this helps to prevent the items in the box from moving around too much.  A good rule of thumb to use is one third padding to two thirds glass or chinaware.

Try to mix heavy and light items and try not to overload the boxes each box should weigh 23 kg as a maximum.  Just think of the removal guys they are only human after all.  For my first move I used a London Removal firm who were not that impressed with my packing skills.  So to make a smoother happier move for everyone concerned it is worth putting some thought into.

To save yourself further stress ensure you label each of the boxes with which room you require them in then tape up the top of the box using the same method as for the bottom (do mark fragile on boxes with breakables in).  Lastly stack your boxes as close to your front door as you can and still get in and out.  This way whether you are using London Removals or a man and van, everyone involved will be less stressed.  Moving is stressful enough without having the actual moving of your belongings turning into a nightmare.