Packing begins with using the right boxes and packing them carefully. You should label each box to show which room it belongs in. If you are detail oriented you can even indicate the order in which they should be unpacked and label them appropriately. For example, the first box to be unpacked for the living room could be called LR-1. You will be glad you took this extra step when you reach your destination and are a little disoriented in your new home. Knowing where to start certainly helps.

Professional moving companies use only sturdy, reinforced cartons. If you are packing yourself beware - the boxes you can get at your neighborhood supermarket or liquor store might be free, but they are not nearly as strong or padded, and so can't shield your valuables as well from harm in transit.  You can purchase boxes at your local U-Haul or other rental facility. Call it "low cost insurance." You will also find specialized boxes specially suited for particular or unusual items.

• Use sheets, blankets, pillows and towels to separate pictures and other fragile objects from each other and the sides of the carton.
• Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked.
• Be sure to mark and point out to your mover the boxes in which you've packed fragile items, especially if those items are exceptionally valuable. The mover will advise you whether those valuables need to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes.
• The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift the carton easily, it's too heavy.
• Label your boxes, especially the one containing sheets and towels, so you can find everything you need the first night in your new home.
• Teach your children your new address. Let them practice writing it on packed cartons.
• You can lighten your load and reduce any storage space you need to rent by hosting a garage or yard sale.

Fill two "OPEN ME FIRST" cartons containing snacks, instant coffee or tea bags, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes, medicine and toiletry items (make sure caps are tightly secured), flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, a pan or two, paper towels, and any other items your family can't do without.

Ask your moving foreman to load one of these boxes, so that it will be unloaded at your new home first. Why the second box? In case the movers are delayed getting to your house on the day of the move, you can keep this box with you if possible. Previous clients have found these minor items are major comforts in a new home.

• Keep your pets out of packing boxes and away from all the activity on moving day.
• Let all your electrical gadgets return to room temperature before plugging them in.
• Since you may need to call old neighbors or businesses from your new home, pack your phone book.
• Give the mover's foreman your cell phone numbers and email addresses so you can stay in contact.
• Read the inventory form carefully, and ask the mover to explain anything you don't understand.

Make a note of your shipment's registration number, and keep your Bill of Lading handy. If you're moving long distance, be aware that your property might share a truck with that of several other households. For this reason, your mover might have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for several days. Therefore, ask your mover whether your goods will remain on the truck until delivered. If they have to be stored, ask whether you can check the warehouse for security, organization and cleanliness.

Good luck with your move. Hopefully, these tips will have helped.