Before you even begin to box up your possessions, look over your homeowner's insurance policy to see if your household goods are covered for loss or damage during a move. If not, you talk with your insurance agent about purchasing additional coverage.

     Keep in mind that everything you move will add to the cost in money, time, and energy. If you've been a pack rat, now is the time to make a clean sweep. Consider having a garage sale or donating unused items to charity.

     Start packing early, two to three weeks before the move, one room at a time. Begin with the things you use less frequently, like out-of-season clothes, knickknacks, and old books. If the actual move will take more than one day, watch what you pack so you don't end up searching through unnecessary boxes for things you still need in your old place.

     Pack the contents of each room in separate boxes. Label the boxes by room and contents. Use only un-printed newsprint for wrapping to avoid soiling your possessions.  Heavy items such as books should be packed in small containers. If you've packed properly, the sides of the boxes shouldn't bulge, and the tops shouldn't cave in when you close them.

     Pack plates standing on their edges. Leave lightweight linen and clothes you may need in their drawers. Wrap fragile items in tissue paper, then cushion the boxes with extra newsprint.

     It's best to pack computers, printers, stereos, and other electronic equipment in their original boxes. If the originals are gone, wrap the components in plastic to protect them from dust and place them in a sturdy, padded box marked "fragile." Since tapes, records, CDs, and floppy disks can be damaged by heat, arrange for their safe shipment or take them with you, along with your other valuable items and legal papers.

     If you choose a professional packer, it's best to let the experts handle antiques and other delicate or fragile items. They can provide you with special cartons and packing instructions for specific items like mattresses, dishes, mirrors, and clothes.

     Schedule a "packing day," usually one to two days before you plan to move. Your move will be easier and smoother if you do a good job of preplanning. Here are several handy tips to help you get started.

1. Always create a thorough and complete inventory of what you will be moving to your new address.
2. Don't forget to photograph or videotape any unique or valuable belongings.
3. It's also wise to make a note of the serial numbers on your electronic equipment.

     Before you can start packing, you'll need to have the following materials:

• Boxes
• Packing Tape
• Bubble Wrap
• Newspaper
• Wrapping Paper
• Tissue Paper.
• Ziploc Bags.
• Magic Markers.

Wrapping - Wrap all your breakable items in bubble wrap, wrapping paper, or tissue paper. Because newspaper may leave ink smudges on your items, it should only be used to cushion items that are already protected.  You can use old linens, blankets, and towels to wrap and cushion fragile items. Ziploc bags can be used for small odds and ends that usually clutter your drawers.

     Below are some additional packing tips for specific items:

• Load the heaviest items first, in front, and on the floor. Pack items firmly and closely.
   
• Never use newspaper to wrap your possessions. Newspaper has an open-grain construction and the inks used in printing are not dried. That ink will rub off and stain anything you wrap in newspaper. Always use clean, white paper for packing.
   
• Cups and glasses may be "nested" (one placed inside the other) with three or four to a nesting.
   
• Wrap and pack goblets and stemware individually. Do not nest them.
   
• Small items such as blenders and coffee makers should be packed together. Wrap each appliance separately and place it in a box. Fill any empty space with paper, additional foam or bubble, or use this space for other lighter items.
   
• Wrap small electronic items in plenty of packing material. Place each item in a box and place it on top of other soft items.
   
• Do not use loose-fill, foam peanuts with computers. This material could generate static electricity that could damage circuit boards.
   
• For packing lamps, remove the lamp shade and bulb; wrap the cord around the base of the lamp. Use packing paper or bubble wrap around the lamp base and tape it down. If you have several tall table lamps, place them in a box so that the base of one lamp is facing the top of the next lamp. When all lamps are packed, fill up the carton with plenty of paper or bubble-packing material. Lamp shades and artificial-flower arrangements will cushion and protect each other when packed in a large box.
   
• Leave clothes in dressers, but make sure the drawers are not too heavy. (If a drawer is too heavy, it may be damaged en route.)
   
• Protect your washing machine while in transit. Secure spring-mounted motors by bracing the tub with stuffed toys, blankets, towels, and old linens. Disconnect the machine's hoses from the wall. Put each hose-end in a plastic sandwich bag, then seal the bag tightly around the hose-end with a rubber band so that leftover water won't leak out.
   
• Refrigerator & Freezer - Defrost, dry and load refrigerator in an upright position...using its inside space for bulky, lightweight goods (large stuffed toys and pillows). Always move and store your refrigerator in the upright position. Laying a refrigerator on its side could damage the unit. Make sure that all loose parts in your refrigerator (including ice containers and drawers) are secure. Any exposed coils should be padded to protect them during the move as well.
   
• Protect your mattresses and box springs from soiling with large plastic bags
   
• Small boxes are the perfect size for books. Pack books flat so that the spines won't break. And don't jam them in tightly. Never pack fragile items with books.
   
• Chest of Drawers, Desks, etc. - Pack drawers full, but make sure that breakable items are well padded. To prevent drawers from opening, place the unit up against the van wall, or against a flat surface such as a mattress. You shouldn't tape the drawers shut - the finish on your drawers may be damaged.
   
• Remove legs from all tables and load the flat surfaces on edge. If this can't be done, load tables on their top surfaces -- legs up -- taking care to protect the finish with blankets or padding.
   
• Garden Tools & Outdoor Furniture - Tie or tape shovels, rakes and hoes together. Drain hoses, then coil them with the ends connected and tie them up. Take apart any items that are put together with screws or bolts. Place the parts in a sandwich bag taped to the item.
   
• Plants - Water plants before your move, then wrap them in plastic, punch air holes in the wrap, and lay them in cartons. Plants will be better off riding in a car or the truck's cab.
   
• It's important to tape your microwave shut and remove the glass plate from your microwave before you move.
   
• When disassembling your bed, use tape or rope to bind the frames together.
   
• Your drawers should be filled with wrapped items or clothes. Entire drawers should be covered with a blanket or old linens.
   
• Check your owner's manual for any special moving instructions of appliances and other electronic equipment.
   
• Bicycle handlebars should be loosened and turned sideways. Don't forget to keep the chains and pedals covered, otherwise grease and oil might rub off on other items.
   
• Small mirrors should be carefully wrapped and packed in boxes. Cardboard should be used to cover large paintings, artwork, or wall mirrors.
   
• Because your outdoor furniture may be too bulky or heavy to move in one piece, you may need to disassemble it. If so, be sure to place the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and attach it to the furniture.
   
• Carpets and rugs should be rolled up and carefully secured with tape or rope.
   
• Wrapping sharp edges on any tools or attachments will help prevent injury. Power tools should be packed with plenty of cushioning. Be sure to tie or tape your tool chests securely closed.
   
• A very important reminder is to carefully dispose of the gasoline and oil from your lawnmower and other machinery, as well as any flammable or poisonous household products. Remember not to pack rags that are soiled with fuel. They should be properly disposed of to avoid spontaneous combustion.