Have these items on hand for your packing needs to save time and ensure the safety of your items: -Heavy-duty cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, permanent marker, newspaper/tissue paper, scissors, packing tape

**Make a list of things you will need over the course of the move. Separate these items such as toiletries, kitchen supplies, clothes, and other things you will need soon after arrival. Keep these items together and pack them in a box labeled “Open First.”

General guidelines when packing…

• Use heavy-duty boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Boxes that are oddly sized or lightweight won’t pack, stack, or protect your items well. It’s worth it to purchase boxes specifically designed to protect dishes, clothing, and other special items.
• Pack boxes as full as possible, as partially filled boxes are difficult to stack. (Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into any box.)
• Make certain all cartons are taped securely using three strips of packing tape on the top and bottom.
• Pack audio/video equipment in their original boxes if possible.
• Pack medicines in a leak-proof container.
• Label boxes appropriately by indicating the room it should go to at your new location. Also label if the box contains fragile items, and if it should be loaded last so that it can be unloaded first.
• Label all cartons on the top and on two sides noting the type of contents and the destination room/area.
• Label all cartons that contain fragile items.

When handling china and glassware…

• Use china boxes and unprinted newspaper.
• Wrap each plate and saucer separately in unprinted newspaper. Place them in the box standing on edge.
• Wrap bowls individually, then stack 2-4 of them together and wrap them again. Place in the box standing on edge.
• Wrap cup handles in paper and then wrap the entire cup. Place them in the box with all handles pointing in the same direction. Wrap everyday glasses individually.
• Wrap each piece of stemware in white packing paper and place in a china or liquor box with dividers.

Helpful tips for packing household items…

• Pack books standing on the bottom edge in book boxes.
• Wardrobe boxes are ideal for hanging clothes. Other clothes, blankets, and linens can be folded and packed in linen boxes.
• Use china boxes for pots and pans. Stack them together as much as possible separated by packing paper. Fill all empty spaces in those boxes with newspaper.
• Remove shades and light bulbs from lamps. Wrap lamps in layers of paper and place in a box on their base. Wrap lampshades lightly in paper, nest them inside each other as much as possible, and pack them in a separate box.
• Wrap electronic equipment heavily in bubble wrap and place in a box (ideally in the original packaging). Place bubble wrap at the bottom and sides to prevent movement.
• Use picture boxes and bubble wrap for paintings, mirrors, and glass. Valuable pieces should be professionally crated by your moving company.

Moving plants?

• Approximately two weeks before the move, prune your plants to facilitate packing. Consult a florist for instructions on handling delicate or large plants.
• A week before the move,  place the plant in a black plastic bag along with a bug/pest strip, conventional flea collar, or bug powder. Seal the bag and place it in a cool area overnight in order to kill any pests on the plant or in the soil.
• The day before the move, place the plants in cardboard containers. Hold them in place with dampened newspaper or packing paper. Use paper to cushion the leaves and place a final layer of wet paper on top to keep them moist. If it’s not possible to take your plant with you, consider taking a cutting along in a plastic bag packed with wet paper towels.
• On moving day, set the plant boxes aside and mark “Do Not Move” so that the moving crew will not inadvertently take them. Close the boxes and punch air holes in the top before loading them in your car.
• During the move, park your car in a shaded area in the summer and in a sunny spot in the winter. Upon arrival, unpack the plants as soon as possible. Remove the plants through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking the stems. Do not expose them to too much sunlight at first—allow them to gradually become accustomed to sunlight again.