Step One: Make a List



This may be the most overlooked way to quickly and easily streamline the moving process. Before you put a single thing in a box, make an itemized list of every category. By doing this, you ensure that nothing will be left behind. It will also make unpacking much, much easier.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute: We all have a tendency to procrastinate, especially when the task is something that's not quite enjoyable (most would agree packing falls into this category). In the month before the big date, try to spend at least an hour a night packing items that aren't essential to everyday use. All of those DVD's you haven't watched in years? Those can go in boxes at least a couple of weeks prior to the move.

Consider Hiring a Removalist to Pack for You: Trained professionals are available to handle every aspect of your move, including packing. Hiring a removalist to box your stuff up is one way to solve the headache of packing. Though this comes at additional cost, for many, it's worth the price. You can also have the movers professionally pack only breakable items, like fine china and expensive antiques. Less fragile items like books and clothing can easily be packed by a novice at no risk.

Marker, Marker, Marker: Think you've written enough on that box? Take that marker and hit it from another angle. Cardboard gets stripped, boxes get placed upside down; there are any number of reasons why writing on one side of a box just isn't sufficient.

Pack Your Boxes the Right Way: First off, there's no reason to kill yourself: don't pack boxes that weigh over 45 pounds (or whatever you feel comfortable carrying). Second, it's important to place some kind of protection at the bottom of the box. This will take some of the stress off of the bottom seal, while also providing protection if you set a box down too hard. You also want to use newspaper or bubble wrap to fill all empty space. This will stop items from shifting during transport.

Utilize Luggage: Here's a tip many people don't remember: travel luggage makes some of the finest vehicles for transportation. They're durable, they can carry a fair bit of stuff, and, best of all, they have WHEELS! Why carry when you can roll? You'll save yourself money on boxes. This is also an environmentally friendly option, as it saves paper.

Invest in a Tape Gun: These nifty devices are well worth the money. Think of how much time you'll spend trying to find where the roll begins; now think about trying to dig your fingernails under the little edge. Forgo the frustration by purchasing a tape gun. You'll be glad you did.