• Fragile items should be packed with extra care in their own compartmentalized boxes.
• Wrap electric items individually before packing and cushion them well.
• Make certain all liquids and foodstuffs are in sealed containers.
• Don't overload chests and dressers with clothing and linen items.  This could cause furniture joints to separate and collapse.
• Once you vacate your property, any fixtures or items left behind become the property of the new owner.   Make an extra "final check" sweep.
• If you've hired a moving company, let them pack mirrors, furniture and pictures to prevent rubbing and possible breakage.

How to Pack Boxes

• Use strong, clean containers and twine or packing tape.
• Have a master inventory list of all boxes and their contents, according to room.
• Assemble boxes. Invert box, fold in flaps. Place one or two long pieces of plastic packing tape across center seam, and one piece along each side seam. Do not cover any printing.
• Make bottom cushion. Put loosely crumpled unprinted newsprint in carton bottom.
• Wrap all fragile, breakable items in paper or bubblewrap (Not necessary for soft items like bedding, etc.) This not only protects other items from it. Wrapping also helps things fit snugly in the box and prevents them from shifting. Use unprinted newsprint for most items, tissue paper for very fragile things.
• Protect finished surfaces with paper to avoid mars and scratches.
• Pack large and heavy items first.
• Pack smaller items next. Use these to fill in spaces around larger items.
• Periodically lift carton to check weight - box should not be too heavy for one person to lift comfortably (50 lbs).
• Pack containers tightly to avoid shifting. Fill all empty spaces with small items or crumpled paper or styrofoam peanuts.
• Make a top cushion Leave 1/4 to 1/2 inch of space at the top of the carton. Fill this space with crumpled paper. When closed, the carton should neither bulge nor sag.
• Tape top seams securely.
• Label boxes clearly. Write your name, moving company contract number, the room to which the box should go in your new home and a general description of contents. Write "fragile" only if items within are truly fragile. (Other wise, good loading decisions will be impossible.) Mark "unpack first" on boxes containing items you'll need right away in you new home.