Begin with Supplies

• Internet vendors have any supplies you can think of.
  
  Assemble all the supplies into one major packing container, so scissors won't walk away never to be found again. Pull together: bold permanent markers, newspaper, no-print packing paper, tissue, bubble wrap, air pillows, packing tape---not masking tape---scissors, box cutter, a tape dispenser and a tape measure.
  
  For large items, blankets or packing blankets are helpful. A box should never be partially empty or too full.
  
  

Box Styles

• The FRAGILE marking on boxes help.
  
  United States manufactured boxes have two quality standards---a combined board strength and an "edge crush test"---that will be on a label. For example, if the bottom label on a box shows a single wall corrugated fiberboard box at 32 ECT, it has a 200 lb. burst strength and can hold a maximum weight of 65 lbs. A chart at this site will help keep the box weight practical: http://www.ecobox.com/Box-Strength.
  
  Smaller boxes tend to handle more weight---good for packing books. Boxes held to 50 lbs. are reasonable. Make sure boxes have lids you can close and tape.
  
  

Divide and Conquer

• Saved packing peanuts put to good use.
  
  Have a helper and start with one room. It will be less of a hassle and you will see progress. Tape the carton bottom first. Think about pairing items. For example, you can wrap photography frames in tissue and place between pillows. A vase can be plain-paper wrapped and nestled within sweaters. Write what's inside clearly on the outside of the box so the opener is forewarned. Also include the destination, like: "BEDROOM."
  
  With sturdy items, put heavy on the bottom and lighter things on top.
  
  Highly breakable items need individual protection using paper, bubble wrap, air pillows or peanuts. Cushion the sides of these boxes, too.
  
  Clothes can go into wardrobe boxes that can later become storage boxes.
  
  

Specialty Items

• Don't pack dishes stacked.
  
  Get special, strong boxes for dishes. Ironically, dishes should not be stacked but put on their edge. Do not use regular newspaper to wrap fine china as the print can stain permanently. You can use rolls of plain newsprint, but bubble wrap in sleeves is the best alternative. Use the "THIS END UP" and "FRAGILE" markings on these boxes.
  
  Audio, game units and electronic products are best returned to their original packing. Put all screws and cables in small bags and attach firmly to the box.
  
  

Sticky Wicket

• Label with the room destination.
  
  Certain tapes applied directly to wood or painted surfaces will ruin the finish.
  
  Extremely fragile items or art should be cushioned and double-boxed.
  
  Already stacked and taped boxes are easier to stack on a dolly, and dollies with rubber padding and smooth wheels are preferred. Tip: Keep a small tool kit unpacked for easy retrieval.