How to Pack Household Items for a Move

Start the packing process weeks ahead of when you'll be moving. Remember, when packing, organization is key!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Boxes
• Moving Companies
• Bubble Wraps
• Markers
• Packaging Tape
• Spiral Notebooks

1. Set aside items you will need up until the last moment, such as cleaning supplies, children's toys, bedding and pet food.
2. Set aside and plan how you will transport items that can't easily be packed. These include plants and pets.
3. Figure out what supplies you'll need, such as boxes, tape, marking pens and cushioning material such as bubble wrap.
4. Repack items such as computers, TVs and other electronics in their original boxes with their original packing material, if possible.
5. Label boxes on more than one side, including both the box's contents and the room in which it belongs.
6. Pack fragile items carefully.
7. Pack books in small boxes; they're heavier than you'd think!
8. Roll up carpets and rugs and tie them securely.
9. Pack bedding last; use as much as you can for cushioning.
10. Check the basement, the garage, the attic and outdoors for items you might have overlooked.
11. Store, sell or donate anything you aren't taking with you.

Tips & Warnings

• For a fee, most moving companies can supply boxes designed for packing specific items safely - ask about special boxes for items such as china, crystal, mirrors and lamps. Also be sure to ask friends and family and local computer or stereo store for discarded boxes.
• Keep valuables such as legal documents, stock certificates, money, checkbook and credit cards with you.
• Remember your curtains and drapes, unless you have agreed to leave window coverings in the house.
• Do not underpack boxes, which will cause them to be easily crushed in the move. Conversely, overpacking them can cause them to burst and damage your belongings.
• It may be more trouble to move canned and bottled foods than it is to replace them.
• Boxes from the grocery store will be of much lesser quality than boxes from a moving company.