Undertaking a move can be a very stressful time in your life. Packing properly and using the right packing materials will protect those valuables that can never be replaced. Careful planning will payoff in the long run. The main packing materials can usually be purchased at local moving and shipping companies, which consists of:

• Sturdy Boxes
  • Various Sizes for General Packing
  • Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes
  • Containers for Packing Dishes and Breakables
  • Mattress Boxes to Protect Mattresses and Box Springs
• Rolls of Packing Tape (You May Need a Dispenser)
• Rolls of White Packing Paper to Keep Dishes Clean
• Rolls of Bubble Wrap
• Packing Peanuts

Quite often, moving companies will have used boxes for sale that are in very good condition. You will be able to save a considerable amount if you are fortunate enough to find some used boxes and containers. You will be able to get very sturdy boxes, at no charge, from stores that sell electronic equipment and computers. Quite often, they will also have packing peanuts that they would be glad to give you. Many stores will save boxes for you if you ask them to. When anticipating a move, start to look for boxes in the early stages of your planning. You will also need the following items:

• Note Pad
• Black Indelible Marker
• Large Pair of Scissors
• Box Cutter or Razor Knife
• Newspaper for Packing

Newspaper makes an excellent packing material for items that will not be damaged by the ink. When using newspaper to wrap dishes, you will need to wash the dishes when they are unpacked to remove the ink. Do not use newspaper as a packing material if it will come into contact with any type of fabric. Old towels, sheets, blankets, and pillows also make excellent packing materials.

Moving Basics

• If at all possible, try to move on a weekday when banks, stores, and utility companies are open.

• Plan ahead and determine what you'll need on the first day after your move. Pack your toiletries, prescriptions, and a change of clothes in a separate bag.

• Wrap items individually. Always place a layer of crushed paper in the bottom of each box and fill empty spaces with crushed paper so as to cushion its contents and eliminate breakage.

• If possible, place heavier items in smaller boxes so that they're easier to carry.

• Make sure that boxes are packed firmly with the heavier items on the bottom and the lighter items on top. This can help to eliminate breakage unless the contents are pots and pans.

• Do "not" pack flammable items like aerosol cans, cleaning fluids, oil based paints, propane tanks, gasoline containers, and etc.

• Do "not" pack heat sensitive items like, candles, records, cassette tapes (audio and video), computer disks, and etc.

• Pack one room at a time. Using a marker, label each box with the room the box belongs in. If the box contains breakable items, mark the box "Fragile". Either keep a detailed list of what items are packed in each box or list the contents on the box itself. If keeping a list, it would help to number each box for easy reference. This will make unpacking much easier.

• Some things may have to be taken apart when moving. It is a good idea to keep the parts, knobs, screws, bolts, and etc. in plastic bags that can be easily marked for identification. Place all of these bags in one box per room and mark the box "Parts". When starting to unpack, always unpack the box marked "Parts" first so you will have all of the necessary items to reassemble everything that was taken apart in that particular room.

  Renting a Truck and Moving Yourself

• Don't rent a truck that will be too large for your specific needs. The larger the truck, the more it will cost to rent. Make sure that the truck comes with enough protective blankets and tie down straps to accommodate your load.

• If a dolly is not provided with the truck, you will need to rent one. It is also a good idea to rent a small furniture dolly (4 wheels) to move larger pieces of furniture.

• Use common sense when loading your truck by keeping in mind the size, sturdiness, and the weight of your boxes. Make sure that all items are secure before attempting to move your load.

• When packing the truck, make sure that the items that you will need first are packed last.