Make sure that the movers will have a clear path to all furniture throughout your house. Stack boxes against the walls, not on top of furniture.

Water your plants. They should be moist but not wet for moving day. If you are moving long-distance, it is best to give away live plants. They do not travel well. If you are shipping plants, do so in open-top boxes or wardrobe containers. Also place a bag around the pot, so if the soil is moist, it will not seep on to furniture items.

Several weeks before your move, deciding what you are going to take. Go through your storage areas and get rid of unnecessary items. A great way to downsize is to find a local charity, women’s shelter, or Salvation Army. Don’t be wasteful, be giving.

Do not pack unnecessary liquids! Pack all liquids in one or two boxes, and clearly label them “Liquids” and “This way up” to avoid spillage. Don’t forget to line the box with a plastic garbage bag before you fill it with liquids. Make sure all caps are tight and nothing will leak. Close up the bag and secure bottles upright with rags or old towels. Note that it will be less expensive to buy new cleaners at the new home than to buy new furniture if the liquids spill.

Never fill a box until it is so heavy that you can’t lift it safely. Spread heavy items over a few boxes. Balance boxes with lighter items like towels or soft toys. Make sure to pack the lighter items on top. Our crews are strong but they still have backs.

Use bubble wrap or newspaper when packing fragile items. However, newsprint may smudge, so use newspaper selectively. Alternatively, clean paper can be purchased cheaply. Boxes should be marked “Fragile” and “This side up” to prevent mishandling. Do not mark all boxes “fragile,” as this will make it very hard for the driver to decipher more fragile than the less fragile boxes.

Write down a list of everything you are packing. Also, take note of which item is in which box. Do not write what the goods are in each box on the box, but rather document your goods on a separate piece of paper, as this is for your own use. The driver will do his own inventory listing on moving day.