·Gather boxes in small sizes from friends, neighbors, stores and the office

·Collect cushioning materials such as bubble wrap, Styrofoam pellets, furniture pads, old blankets,
plastic bags, tissue paper, newspaper, and small towels to use as padding
inside boxes

·Create a "portable packing kit" with markers, 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 plastic bags and stack plates upright on their sides, not flat

·Pack your TV, stereo, and computer in their originals boxes if possible

·Keep boxes to 50 pounds or less

·Pack heavy items into their own smaller separate boxes and combine lighter items together
into larger boxes (don't combine heavy items such as books, all into one box)

·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 such as a change of clothes,
toiletries, medicine, maps, food and drinks. Keep it in an easy to find place.