Want to avoid casualties and unnecessary stress on your move? Here are some quick tips for self-packers to help keep your possessions safe from damage during transport and make your arrival easier.

Download moving tips to save time and money

  • Start packing the items you don’t need as soon as you know you are moving.
  • Pack one room at a time and note the room and detailed contents of the box on labels on the tops and sides of all boxes.
  • Do not over-pack boxes — the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
  • Pack heavier items on the bottom of a box, and lighter items at the top.
  • Be sure to securely seal small, loose items in a bag or small box before placing them into a larger box.
  • Do not interlock box tops. Instead seal them safely with packing tape.
  • Pack the things that you will need right away at your new location in the same box and make sure it is loaded on the truck last. That way the contents will be immediately available at your new destination.
  • To minimize the chance of breakage, pack and unpack over a padded surface so that if you do drop an item, it will land on a cushioned surface.
  • Do not pack lampshades and fine breakables in newspaper as the ink can permanently stain.
  • Place screws, bolts and other loose items in a bag and tape them to the underside of the furniture and or items they belongs to for quick re-assembly.
  • Keep any tools you'll need to reassemble furniture in a separate box that is clearly marked.
  • Plan to transport important records yourself. Do not pack them away and move them with the rest of your household goods.