*Use the right boxes, and pack them carefully.  Label, label and label some more.  Write on boxes to which rooms they should go upon arrival.

*Professional moving companies use only sturdy, reinforced cartons. The boxes you can get at your neighborhood supermarket or liquor store might be free, but they are not nearly as strong or padded, and so can't shield your valuables as well from harm in transit.

*Use sheets, blankets, pillows and towels to separate pictures and other fragile objects from each other and the sides of the carton. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked.

*Be sure to point out to your mover the boxes in which you've packed fragile items, especially if those items are exceptionally valuable. The mover will advise you whether those valuables need to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes. Label boxes containing fragile items and valuables very visibly!

*The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift the carton easily, it's too heavy. Label your boxes, especially the one containing sheets and towels, so you can find everything you need the first night in your new home.

Tips for your family's safety and comfort

*Teach your children your new address. Let them practice writing it on packed cartons. 

*You can lighten your load and reduce any storage space you need to rent by hosting a garage or yard sale.

*Fill two "OPEN ME FIRST" cartons containing snacks, instant coffee or tea bags, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes, medicine and toiletry items (make sure caps are tightly secured), flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, a pan or two, paper towels, and any other items your family can't do without.  Ask your van foreman to load one of these boxes, so that it will be unloaded at your new home first. Keep the second box with you in case the movers are delayed getting to your house on the day of the move. 

*Put containers of liquids in plastic baggies to avoid leaking and spilling if containers should break.

*Keep your pets out of packing boxes and away from all the activity on moving day.

*Let all your electrical gadgets return to room temperature before plugging them in upon arrival at your new home.

*Since you may need to call old neighbors or businesses from your new home, pack your phone book.

*Work hand in hand with your mover, and delegate age-appropriate tasks to younger movers. 

*Give the mover's foreman your rcontact numbers (especially cell phone) and email addresses so you can stay in contact.

*Read the inventory form carefully, and ask the mover to explain anything you don't understand.  Make a note of your shipment's registration number, and keep your Bill of Lading handy.

*If you're moving long distance, be aware that your property might share a truck with that of several other households. For this reason, your mover might have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for several days. Therefore, ask your mover whether your goods will remain on the truck until delivered. If they have to be stored, ask whether you can check the warehouse for security, organization and cleanliness. 

*Keep chargers for cell phones (especially car chargers) and daily medications with you in your vehicle.  Take contact numbers for your Realtor, doctors, attorney, friends and relatives, employer/employees, movers, pet sitter and anyone else you may need to reach in case of emergency or who will be assisting with your real estate transaction and move.