1. Make a List. 
Before you pack any boxes, make a plan! keep a simple record system. Number each box, and make a list of the box contents in a notebook, or on a computer print a list for each box. Keep the list in one central location or even use the list as a label on the box. Be specific in your descriptions.

Example: Kitchen #135  Contents are: dishes, pots pans. ect.

2. Supplies And  Boxes.
 Having enough boxes will make your life easier. Get many more than you think you'll need. (If purchased, you may be able to take them back for a refund if unused, and if you got them free, just toss any leftovers.) Set aside about 10 to use on moving day for bedding, clothing, cleaning supplies, and other last minute items. Garbage bags are also great to use when transporting clothing and bedding. Purchase several rolls of  packing tape, and use unprinted paper or bubble wrap to wrap household goods. Whatever you use, have enough so packing can proceed smoothly. Newspaper is a commonly used to wrap ,however newspaper may leave ink on belongings, If you choose to use newspaper I recommend wrapping it with paper towels first. 

Call your mover to get the width of the wardrobe boxes they'll be bringing. Then measure the clothes in your closets to see how many wardrobes you'll need. You should always  order a few extra to use for comforters, pillows, blankets. The key thing to remember when packing a wardrobe box is to fill it with clothing materials and try to avoid making the boxes to heavy.  

3. Color Coordinate. 
Designate a color for each room of the house ( Red =kitchen, Yellow=dining room, etc.) If you have children this is great fun for them . Have your children color the boxes and you make a ledger with the corresponding color. Without children support  make colored stickers . place a sticker on the box. In your new apartment or home put a matching sticker on the door to each room and the movers will know where to put everything. Put a notice on the wall where you want boxes to be stacked ("Boxes here please"), this will keep the boxes out of  the way of furniture and traffic areas. 

Our Goal in this section is to reduce possible stress created with a move. A major cause of stress is trying to find things when you are in mid move or when you finally made the move. Insist on keeping things together when you are packing boxes.

Keep bookends with books, 
light bulbs with lamps, 
extension cords with appliances 
keep clothing in the drawers. 

Attach small parts to the item using tape or small envelopes -- to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep larger items (such as a cable TV cord) in Zip-lock bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a "Parts Box" open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you, or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day. 


5. Pack Ahead. 
Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Wastebaskets can also be packed while you switch to using plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.)  Consolidate cleaning supplies. If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. We stored this in a kitchen wastebasket. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it.  Use your luggage. Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels,  paper goods or essential items. Even for local moves you'll be able to quickly spot your red suitcase holding your toothbrush.

Safeguard valued items. Silverware, collections, antiques -- take smaller items with you if you can, or bury them in a box titled "Misc. from kitchen pantry". Either way, check your homeowner's insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) might be needed in case of loss. If this is your first home or you don't have Insurance you may want to consider this.

Moving may not be the funniest thing you've ever had to do, but planning ahead will go a long way toward making the process bearable. 

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