Make a list of everything that is in every box. It may seem like a pain to do it, but it is the only sure fire way to know if anything is missing or gets broken by the movers. The best way to do this is to buy a new notebook, number the box, write the number on a piece of paper and then list everything that is in the box.

When getting ready to pack, go ahead and get more boxes, tape and packing materials then you think you will need. This way once you get started you will not have to stop to go and get more.

Pick one place in your house where all of your supplies are located. Perhaps a table by the door where you can keep your labels, packing tape, black markers, bubble wrap, etc.

Once you know you are moving and have the date, either call a moving company to schedule your move, or start calling friends and family to help you. The sooner you do this the better off you will be.

It's best to coordinate the boxes for each room when packing. Some people simply write in black marker on the box to designate where it came from. Another method is to color coordinate each box with a specific room. Buy multi-colored stickers and assign a color to each room. Say Orange for the kitchen so that all kitchen boxes will have a orange sticker on them. This will help if you have a huge amount of boxes. Also, the black marker can sometimes be hard to read on boxes.

Take advantage of thing you have – such as luggage – to pack things in. Pack all of you clothing and toiletry items that you will need for the first few days after you move in your luggage like you’re going on a trip. This will make your life a little less crazy because the things you need on a daily basis will be easily accessible while everything else is packed in boxes.

Take advantage of thing you have – such as luggage – to pack things in. Pack all of you clothing and toiletry items that you will need for the first few days after you move in your luggage like you’re going on a trip. This will make your life a little less crazy because the things you need on a daily basis will be easily accessible while everything else is packed in boxes.

Take every precaution to make sure your valuables are safe. Make sure they are packed well in whatever box you put them in. If you are able to, maybe pack them in your personal vehicle instead of the moving van. If not, look into possibly insuring the items with your home owner’s policy.

If you have pets, remember that this is a stressful time for them. They don’t understand why everything that they know is being boxed up, and they are going to a new place. It is best to keep their routine as similar as possible to normal. Also it is best to introduce them to one new room at a time. Give them a “safe” place in one new room of the house where they bed, food, water and favorite toys are.

Make sure as soon as you know you are moving to contact all of your utility companies to let them know. You will need to have everything disconnected at your old place and connected at the new one. You don’t want to forget this and get to your new house with no electricity.

Keep all of your “important papers” with you in a safe place. These papers include birth certificates, school records, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, etc.

When hiring a moving company, be aware of people posing as moving companies who are not. Do your research to learn as much as possible before hiring them. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If need be when you are moving, you may wish to rent a storage unit to hold some of your things temporarily while you are between addresses. If you rent a storage unit, consider your needs in determining what size unit you will need, and whether or not you will need a unit that is climate-controlled.