Create several boxes that are intended to be loaded last and unloaded first, or provide each family member with an “essentials” box. These will normally need to contain:

• A change of clothing
• Toiletries, including toilet paper and a bath towel
• Medications
• Favorite toys or electronics
• Copies of keys and necessary information for moving day
• Cleaning supplies
• Tools
• Critical records and documents

When disassembling such items as curtain rods, small furniture or any thing that uses bolts or screws, it is a good idea to place the small items in a ziploc bag, and then packing tape to secure such connectors to the object. If there is the chance that the tape may leave a mark, secure the tape to the underside of the item, holding the connectors firmly in place. Many people use small plastic bags to hold such hardware and then tape to be absolutely certain that none are lost during the move.

Keep drawer trays full of their contents, and simply wrap the tray tightly with bubble wrap. For example, leave all of the household cutlery in its tray, and wrap the entire collection in a large piece of bubble wrap. When unpacking the homeowner will be able to simply unwrap the tray and slide it into its new home.

Remove light bulbs from all lamps as they can be broken during transportation, especially if the lamp shade is removed from the lighting fixture that houses the bulb.

Use packing as an opportunity to launder items that don’t usually receive a great deal of attention, such as drapes, furniture covers, area rugs and even heavy bedspreads. Once they are laundered they can be packed away in the appropriate containers for moving day, or put into storage until they are needed.

When packing a moving truck or van it is perfectly fine to use extra blankets or garbage bags full of linens to fill empty spaces between larger items, in fact this may prevent shifting or bumping that can occur when moving larger loads of household goods and possessions.