Gather boxes in all sizes from friends, neighbors, and stores.
Collect cushioning material such as bubble wrap, Styrofoam pellets, furniture pads, old blankets, plastic bags, tissue paper, newspapers, and small towels to use as padding inside boxes.
Create a "portable packing kit" with marking pens, a tape measure, packing tape, twine, and scissors. Carry it with you as you pack up items around your home. Reinforce the bottom of boxes with extra tape for added strength.
Label each box with the name of the room in your new home where it should be placed.
List the contents of the box on the side of it.
Number the boxes and keep a list of which boxes go in which room in your new home.
Label boxes containing fragile items with large red lettering.
Place china in paper bags and stack plates upright on their sides, not flat.
Pack your TV, stereo, and computer in their original boxes whenever possible.
Keep boxes to 50 pounds or less.
Pack heavy items into their own smaller boxes and place lighter items together into larger boxes. (Don't pack all your books into one box!) D Don't move flammable, combustible, corrosive, or explosive items such as paint, gasoline, and ammunition.
Pack a bag of personal items you'll need during the move (change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food, and drinks). Keep it in an easy-to-find place when you pack.



General Moving Tips

Disconnect and bundle cords on television and stereo components. Label each cord with masking tape and a description of where to connect it.
Plan and measure where your furniture will be placed in your new home. It's helpful to draw a layout of your new home and sketch in the major furniture pieces.
To save time on moving day, move your boxes from the basement, upstairs, or attic to the main floor prior to the move date. Consider carrying items from the back yard to the front yard or garage ahead of time.
Keep your phone connected through moving day to stay in touch with friends, family, and the moving company.


Study/Office

Computer equipment: CPU, monitor, and printer
Desk and contents
Bookshelves and contents
File cabinets and contents
Box numbers for study/office:


Bathroom

Cupboards and contents
Linens and towels
Knick-knacks and wall hangings
Box numbers for bathroom:


Attic

Trunks Boxes
Box numbers for attic:


Garage

Yard equipment and garden tools
Home maintenance equipment and tools
Box numbers for garage:


Basement

Cupboards and shelves 
Box numbers for basement:


Master Bedroom

Closet
Dressers and contents
Furniture: bed, dressers, nightstands, and desk
Box numbers for master bedroom:


Bedroom 1

Closet
Dressers and contents
Furniture: bed, dressers, nightstands, and desk
Box numbers for master bedroom:


Bedroom 2

Closet
Dressers and contents
Furniture: bed, dressers, nightstands, and desk
Box numbers for master bedroom:


Bedroom 3

Closet
Dressers and contents
Furniture: bed, dressers, nightstands, and desk
Box numbers for master bedroom:


Kitchen

Cupboards
Closets
Drawers
Box numbers for kitchen:


Dining Room

China cabinet or hutch
Light fixture and lamps
Furniture: tables and chairs
Box numbers for dining room:


Living Room

Bookcases and contents
Entertainment center and contents: stereo, TV, CDs, videotapes, and so on
Knick-knacks and artwork
Lamps
Furniture: couch, chairs, and tables
Box numbers for living room:


Family Room

Entertainment center and contents: stereo, TV, CDs, videotapes, and so on.
Knick-knacks and artwork
Furniture: couch, chairs, and tables
Lamps
Box numbers for family room: