Let’s just get right down to business. When packing the best and most valuable advice is to make a checklist and a plan and stick to it! Other than the rest is a downhill project dictated by that plan and that list.

General things to keep in mind when packing up a home for a move include, keeping boxes packed at under 50lbs. No need to break anyone’s back while you’re moving. Keep it light. Put all lighter items into the larger boxes and the ones with weight into the smallest box in which it will fit. Bubble wrap for padding and newspaper for those breakables and non breakables should be tightly packed in smaller boxes. Mark those boxes by room for easy unpacking, write the word “fragile” on all boxes containing anything breakable. One good idea used by one moving couple included the use of a color coding system, numbering boxes works just as well. Make sure to stack those marked boxes on the top of any other boxes. You can guess why.

When it comes to those big, huge, and just plain humongous things that you have in the house, break it down if you have to but not as a rule. For beds, tie the frames legs together, and hang on to all screws by taping them to the railings in a plastic bag. Tables and sofas can have their legs removed and some of the padding can be taped together to prevent lost piece. Tape sown all moveable parts and cover any large wood dressers, tables, or chairs to prevent scratching. For the electronics, the best thing to do is to use original packaging if at all possible. If not padding the box extraordinarily thick should protect the items. You can always purchase electronic-specific boxes.

Books should be wrapped in flatly in small cartons. The best rule for packing books is to keep it under 30lbs. Clothing items are easily packed if left on the hanger and folded in bunches into a very large and lengthy box. Wardrobe boxes are the best for these and smaller items can be left in drawers. Who told you that they needed to be removed?! Cushion the CD’s with newspaper. For the kitchen items, never ever put dishes on top of one another flat; wrap each piece one by one in bubble wrap not newspaper, saucers on edge and cups and bowls surrounding them.

Awkward pieces should be disassembled; edger’s, lawn mowers, and large tools need to be broken down to a small size. Wrap the sharp edges of lawn and garden equipment and use lots of cushion to avoid injuries. Don’t forget to empty all of the gasoline or other flammable liquids from the piece and anything that may be combustible or things like oily rags should just be disposed of.

Lastly, don’t forget the family pet, after all they are family too, get the carrier and always keep the pet with you. Talk with the vet to find out how to keep your pet calm during the move and make the move less traumatic for them if need be. All is now done and all is ready to move. Quick tip tour complete.