Moving can be a daunting experience but planning and organizing can help you get through the process with less stress and more peace.

Create a Packing Center
Take a basket, small box, or even small tote and put everything you will need as your packing. Labels, Sharpies, packing tape, a writing pad and pens are th key items you will need. As you move from room to room you can take the Packing Center with you so everything you’ll need will be at your fingertips.

Strong packing tape is a must. You’ll also need unprinted newsprint. Regular newspaper can leave stains on your items so beware when you use them. Bubble wrap, packing Styrofoam, and packing paper will also be needed. Know people who own a home-based retail business? They’ll often get these items in things shipped to their home. Ask them to save these items and pick them once a week to get it out of their hair and into your hands.

Lists
Lists are your time-saving friends. Nearly everyone thinks of marking boxes with the contents. That’s OK but be specific. Don’t use the word miscellaneous. These end up being the boxes you never open and wonder why you even moved the darn things to begin with. In the kitchen, write mixer, wok, and toaster rather than just appliances. Moving dishes? Differentiate between everyday dishes and grandma’s china. It will help you unpack just what you want just when you need it.

Another choice is to create numbered box system. Simply number the box and keep a notebook that includes the contents of each box by box number. You can also color code boxes to make sure boxes end up in the room they belong. For instance, a blue checkmark or square means the bathroom while the green boxes need to be in the kitchen.

Boxes, Boxes, Boxes
You will need more boxes than you think. Always. So be a box hound and sniff them out at the grocery store or your local food warehouse. People who have moved often advertise on craigslist that you can have their boxes for free. Take all offers and keep packing. It’s also a good idea to set aside 10 boxes for that last minute packing frenzy. You’ll find them handy when it comes to packing things like cleaning supplies, bedding, and clothing and all the stuff you need right up to the minute you move. You'll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely.

Wardrobe boxes are great for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging.

Watch your weight!
Don't make boxes too heavy to lift. Whether it’s a professional mover or your cousin Vinny, no one needs a pulled muscle or two. Some people have a tendency to think that a bigger box is a better box. Not always. Make it manageable so that one person can easily lift and carry it.  

Putting it together
Now where did I put that extension cord? Hopefully with this appliance that needed it. Light bulbs should stay with lamps too. If moving requires you to take apart something, put the screws, nuts, bolts, etc. in a plastic baggy and label it with a Sharpie. You can either tape the bag to its partner or create a Parts Box where all the baggies will go. Just remember to keep the Parts Box easily accessible so you can access it right away as you start moving in.

Ahead of the Pack
Packing as much as you can ahead of time will do lots to preserve your sanity. As the countdown begins, realize that you really only need one TV and one radio to get you through and pack the others away. Pack those off-season clothes too. You won’t be needing them until that season rolls around again. Even your toiletries can be pared down as you pack the extras.

Create a cleaning kit
Pput together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags and clean everything possible ahead of time. Keep the vacuum out too. You can vacuum each room as movers empty it. When you get to your new place, this kit will be ready for any action you need to get it up to snuff.

Use your luggage
Luggage, duffle bags, and backpacks are great for packing things you want to unload first like clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. They’ll be easy to spot as you swarm in a sea of boxes.

Keep your valuables
We suggest keeping valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. If that’s not possible, bury the items in a box and title it with something only you know. Be sure to check your homeowner's insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.

Keep important papers with you
Birth certificates, passports, school records, new job contacts, utility company numbers, bank records, bills, closing papers, and realtor info, are just of the things you should keep with you. Any other papers you deem important should be included in this. Put them all in a large manila envelope so you can find them quickly.