Tips

You'll need LOTS of boxes--probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You'll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good.

These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Don't make the boxes too heavy to lift, however. One mover told the story of someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box!

Get things organized as early as possible. A few days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won't move around and fall off of hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You'll have fewer boxes, and closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.

Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It's also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, ("Boxes here please") to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.

Allow four weeks to pack; the task can be much more time consuming than it appears.
Consider packing less valuable items yourself and having the mover pack the rest.
Suitable boxes may be found at local merchants. Do not use plastic bags or boxes that cannot be closed and sealed. Pack properly — do not exceed the box’s weight rating, which should be stamped on the box.
Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in large boxes.
Wrap fragile items in tissue paper or bubble wrap.
Number each box and keep an inventory list of the contents.
Mark each box with the room in the new house where it should be placed.