Before you begin packing to move, you should have plenty of supplies. Estimate how many boxes you will need and in what sizes and shapes. Purchase plenty of packing tape, and have scissors, a box cutter, or a tape gun handy for cutting the tape. Also, a dark felt tip marker will come in handy to label your boxes--or you can use a different colored label for each room. Bubble wrap, newspaper, or packing tissue is also a necessity to prevent fragile items from breaking and to pack each box tightly.

Getting Started with Packing

Pack first anything that you do not need for your daily life. Extra blankets, books, tools, and hobby supplies are some examples. Things like shampoo and toothpaste, that you use every day, should be packed last.

It's also a good idea to keep your important papers and fragile, valuable items separately. You could put them in a fire safe or in a safe deposit box. These should come with you on the day of the move; do not leave them with the moving company.

Your "last in, first out" box should be filled with things you will want right away when you get to your new destination. This might include sheets for the bed, towels and a shower curtain, a telephone, and some pens and paper. You might also include takeout menus for your new town, or a phone book so you can find a place to eat that night.