Develop a master to-do list so you won’t forget something critical heading into moving day. This will also help you create an estimate of moving time and costs.
Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no longer had it. Sort unwanted items into “garage sale,” “donate,” and “recycle” piles.
It will make your life easier when it's time to unpack.
Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you. Pack a moving day bag with a small first-aid kit, snacks, and other items you may need before unpacking your “Open First” box.
Many movers won’t take plants or liquids. Check with them about other items so you can plan to pack them yourself.
Try to keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds.
It increases the likelihood that items inside the box will break.
Pad bottoms and sides of boxes and, if necessary, purchase bubble-wrap or other packing materials from moving stores. Secure plants in boxes with air holes.
You never know how they’ll be stacked. Also, use color-coded labels to indicate which room each box should go in, coordinating with a color-coded floor plan for the movers.
Include vital contact information, the driver’s name, the van’s license plate, and the company’s number.
Make several copies, and highlight the route. Include your cell phone number on the map.
Alternatively, you can keep a physical backup on an external hard drive offsite.
Ahead of time, ensure your moving company has a relatively painless process for reporting damages.