What to pack first when moving house – from a homes editor who has relocated 12 times, including between states and to another country

Open balcony window cozy living area of a large bedroom. There is a large sofa lounger with footstool, cabinets with drawers, vases of fresh flowers and long cream curtains framing the background balcony doors.

You've secured a rental or are buying a new home, but now you have to figure out what to pack first when moving house. If you don't know, don't panic.

I've moved 12 times, including internationally and interstate, and sometimes twice in one year. My parents rented their homes when I was little, so by the time I was eight, I was helping pack things up annually, and I have become an expert in not just packing up to move, but doing it well.