Moving to France is an exciting chapter, but the drive down can be stressful if your van isn't packed well. A poorly loaded van handles badly, burns more fuel, and risks damage to your belongings. With a bit of forethought, you can pack a removal van that arrives safely and keeps you calm on the road. Here's how to do it.

Plan the load before you pack a single box

Before you lift a finger, sketch a rough plan of where everything will go. Think of the van as a three-dimensional puzzle: heavy, awkward items form the base, and lighter, softer items fill the gaps. Ask yourself what you'll need first when you arrive – kettle, bedding, a change of clothes – and load those items last so they're easy to reach. Check your van's payload limit (often around 1,000–1,200 kg for a typical 3.5-tonne removal van) and weigh your heaviest items if you're unsure. Overloading is dangerous and illegal. Also, make sure the van has internal tie-down points or rails; if not, you'll need to create your own anchoring system with straps around the wheel arches or seat mounts.

• Sketch a loading plan with heavy items at the bottom and light items on top.
• Check the payload before you start; a 3.5-tonne van usually carries around 1,000–1,200 kg.
• Identify anchor points such as tie-down rails, wheel arches, or seat mounts.

Heavy items first, low and over the axles

Start with the heaviest items: washing machines, fridges, sofas, wardrobes, and full toolboxes. Place them on the floor, as far forward as possible, and ideally directly over or between the rear axle and the front axle. This keeps the van's centre of gravity low and stable. Never put heavy items at the very back, behind the rear axle, as this lightens the front wheels and makes steering vague. Distribute weight evenly from left to right – an unbalanced van pulls to one side under braking. Once heavy items are in, strap them down individually. Use ratchet straps rated for the load, and attach them to sturdy anchor points. If you're moving a fridge or freezer, let it stand upright for 24 hours before plugging it in at the other end, and secure it so it cannot tip.

Protect furniture and fragile items properly

Furniture takes a beating in transit if it's not wrapped. Use proper removal blankets, or thick cardboard and shrink wrap, to protect corners and surfaces. Remove legs from tables and beds, and tape the screws and bolts to the underside of the item in a small bag. For mirrors, pictures, and glass tops, wrap them in bubble wrap and then cardboard, and store them upright, never flat. When packing boxes, remember the golden rule: small boxes for heavy items like books, large boxes for light items like pillows and clothes. Fill each box completely so it doesn't collapse, but don't exceed 20 kg per box – you'll thank yourself later. Label every box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Mark fragile boxes clearly and load them on top of the pile, never underneath anything heavy.

Fill gaps and secure the load

Once the big items are in, use soft items – bags of clothes, bedding, cushions, towels – to fill any gaps. This stops things shifting and uses space efficiently. For awkward spaces, use cardboard or foam blocks. Then secure the entire load. Ratchet straps should run from the van's tie-down points across the load, pulling it tight against the walls or floor. Use at least two straps over the top of the load and one across the middle if you have a tall pile. Check the straps every couple of hours on the road, as vibration can loosen them. Don't rely on friction or gravity; a sharp turn or emergency stop will send unsecured items flying. If you're using a van with a tail lift or ramp, make sure it's stowed and locked before you set off.

Weather, ferries and the final check

If you're driving to France, you'll likely take a ferry or the Channel Tunnel. On a ferry, the van will be parked on a moving deck, so everything must be strapped down as if for a rough sea crossing. Any loose items – even a coat – can become a projectile. Before boarding, do a final walk-around: check that all straps are tight, doors are closed and locked, and nothing is resting against the doors. Keep your customs paperwork, driving licence, and vehicle documents in the cab, not in the back. If rain is forecast, consider a tarpaulin over the top of the load inside the van – it won't stop a leak, but it will protect against condensation and damp. When you arrive, unload in reverse order: light items first, heavy items last. And take a moment to check for any damage before you start unpacking. With a well-packed van, your move to France will start on the right note.