Decide which items you'll be packing yourself and which items you'll have the movers pack. The advantage of packing items yourself is it's cheaper- you don't have to purchase the supplies or pay the movers by the hour for the labor.
Let the movers pack your fragile and expensive items. The advantages are they know what they're doing- they use only the best packaging supplies, and, in case of damages, they'll be liable.
Keep an inventory! While you go around the house and decide which items you'll be taking with you, make sure to write down each and every item. You're solely responsible for the items you pack yourself and how else will you know exactly what you brought or if anything is missing or not?
Separate your items! On moving day, make it crystal clear to the movers as to the whereabouts of the items they will be packing. This will ensure that your medication, briefcase, and other personal items, such as the first-day box or baby food, will not get mixed up with the rest of the shipment.
Label everything! This will help insure the boxes end up in the right rooms. It will save you a lot of trouble. Use a heavy black marker and write in large letters for easy reading or use pre-printed labels.
There are three things that should appear on the box tops: the rooms in which they will be unloaded, its contents, and whether those contents are fragile. For boxes marked "fragile," indicate which end is right side up. Also label each side of the boxes in the same way. The movers will be using dollies and hand-trucks to transport your items. The boxes will be stacked, thus hiding the top labels. It'll be much easier to read the sides.
Get into the proper mindset!
Anticipate. Decide early which items you'll be taking with you. Take a complete written inventory of your items and furniture. Toss aside or donate all unwanted items.
Facilitate. Begin packing well ahead of the move. Know which items you'll be packing yourself and which items you'll leave to your movers.
Organize. Concentrate on one room at a time. Label every box. This will help insure that they end up in the right rooms at your final destination.
Prioritize. Pack items for storage. For example, if you are moving during the summer, pack your winter articles first.
Calculate. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes. Try to keep each box under 50lbs. Fully secure the bottoms of each box and place heavier items toward the bottom.
Consider. If you have a piano or large appliances such as refrigerators or stoves, or plants, you'll have to prep them or have them serviced before they can be moved. Consult with your mover as well as specialists.
