Let’s face it, moving is no fun, even when your excited about your new home. You can make your move less stressful by planning in advance and staying organized.

• Purchase clean, sturdy boxes designed specifically for the valuables you are storing.  
• Don’t forget the other essentials, such as packing tape to seal your boxes, bubble wrap and newsprint, and shrink wrap for loose parts you need to keep together. 
• Number and label each box with the room where it belongs. 
• Pack each box completely, using packing paper to keep contents stable. Always pack heavier items on bottom and lighter items on top. 
• Protect breakable items by using generous amounts of packing paper and bubble wrap.
• Prior to your move, if you plan to rent storage space or a truck, visualize the amount of storage space or truck you will need by comparing it to spaces you know–a walk-in closet, a bedroom, or garage. For example, if you can fill your bedroom with the items you’re storing, you’ll probably need a 10’ x 10’ storage space.
• Think of ways to conserve space. Remove legs from tables, tip couches and mattresses on end. You can pack small items and linens inside appliances.

Renting a truck to help with your move can be very convenient; however, packing and operating a moving truck takes careful planning and attention. The boxes and valuables you have in the truck will shift and move, no matter how carefully you drive. For your safety and the safety of your valuables, these tips could help:

• Load your heaviest items first, and keep them toward the front of the truck (toward the cab). This method keeps the heaviest weight near the front, which makes the truck more stable.
• Load chairs, tables, bookcases, and other light, awkward items toward the rear of the truck (toward the door).
• Use protective covers and furniture pads on sofas, chairs, tables, and mattresses.
  Load your truck one quarter at a time, packing it securely from floor to ceiling.

Below are packing tips for some common household items.

Beds: Disassemble beds and mark pieces so they’re easy to put back together. Tie bed rails together with rope or tape. Wrap mattresses in a plastic cover.

Books: Pack books in small cartons that weigh no more than thirty pounds. Alternate bindings and cushion with packing or newspaper.

Clothing: Hang clothes in wardrobe boxes or plastic garment bags. You can create a substitute with a tall kitchen bag. Remove most or all clothes from dresser drawers and pack the clothes separately, so the dresser will not too heavy to move. Be sure to strap or tape dresser drawers closed.

Collectibles: Wrap fragile items, like ceramics vases, or artwork, with bubble wrap and tape securely.

Dishes and glasses: Never stack dishes flat. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pack dishes, saucers, and platters on their edges. Wrap and pack glasses separately with bubble wrap or foam.

Kitchenware: Pots, pans, colanders, and other cookware can be nestled and cushioned with packing paper between each piece. Set aside the most essential cookware for the first few days in your new home. Label this box as the first to be opened once you arrive.

 Follow these tips and have a happy moving day (well, as best as it can be)!

Packing your moving truck