Start Packing Yesterday

1) Pack as much as you can as early as you can. Think of what you use daily and weekly. Now start packing in the reverse order.
2) Pack similar items together.
This way you avoid running around the entire house during the unpacking process.
3) Tape all of the seams on your boxes.
4) Distribute weight evenly amongst boxes.
Keep boxes under 50 lbs. each.
5) Don't overstuff boxes, leave some extra room at the top.
6) Pack heavy items in small boxes. Tape the bottoms well.
7) Wrap breakables in newspaper, bubble wrap, clothes, or towels.
For the eco-conscience—pack with popcorn.

Sweat the Details

1) Label your boxes as you pack with where they belong in your new home.
2) Write FRAGILE in large type on boxes that contain breakables and valuables.
Keep those boxes apart from the rest, so they can be loaded when appropriate.
3) You may want to leave lamps, china, artwork and other fragile items for professional
movers to pack.
4) Tape cords underneath all electrical appliances and remove all light bulbs from lamps.
5) Tape will damage furniture, so avoid using it. Professional movers use belted straps to
close unruly doors and drawers. Try cotton package string if you must do it yourself.
6) Cover furniture with blankets or towels to protect against nicks and scrapes.
7) Wrap glasses and tumblers individually (first with a sheet of tissue and than with
normal paper. Store and transport them upright in a box padded with lots of bubble wrap
or newspaper.)
8) Be sure to separate valuable items such as jewelry, coins, and camera equipment.
Handle their transfer yourself (a safety deposit box can be purchased if you're concerned
about losing things.)
9) Collect all your important documents prior to the packing date (if you're worried about
them, put them somewhere safe or ask a relative to hold on to them until the move is complete.)
10) Save space. Leave some clothes in your bureau or chest of drawers, but make sure it's
unlocked though (it may be necessary to open the drawers to get a better grip while moving.)
Cover the corners of your paintings with several layers of cling film and wrap the whole lot
in bubble wrap. Afterwards cover them with thick wrapping material and place it in picture
box.