40 million Americans move each year. 57% of all moves are within the same county and 7 million are moving because of their jobs. With those numbers it’s a good idea for everyone to learn how to move. Moving can be extremely stressful especially when it has to be done in just a matter of days so it’s no wonder that many people get don’t know where to begin.

The first thing to do no matter how long you have to pack is packing all non-essential items (stuff you don’t use much and won’t need until after you move). If you don’t still have all the boxes or containers your items came in, most don’t, then place them in the boxes or totes you have. If you don’t have enough boxes or totes to fit all your stuff in I recommend that you buy plastic totes for as much of your stuff as you can, that will keep your items protected from water damage. Believe me that is extremely important in storage. Use towels, sheets, comforters, tablecloths and newspaper to wrap and protect breakable items such as glasses, plates, knick-knacks, etc. Only buy bubblewrap as needed, there is no need to use bubblewrap when you have sheets and towels and newspapers that will work just as well. Be sure to pack all of your boxes and totes as tight (full) as you can. This will help not only to protect your items, but will keep you from wasting valuable boxes or totes. Be careful to pack breakable items where heavier or harder items may break them. Be sure to label your totes and boxes with magic markers so that you know what room it goes to and what is in it. Keep your labels short and to the point, also label any boxes or totes with breakable items as fragile so you and your movers will know to be careful with them. Large or bulky items such as furniture or appliances should be the last things to be packed and the last things to go on the truck. This will help protect them as well as all your other items so they won’t break. Try to keep all of your items that you have packed in one central location such as your garage so they will be easy to get to and load onto the truck.

Once you have most of your home packed, it’s time to find the right truck or mover. If you use a mover you will have to let them know the amount of boxes and other items you will need moved, this will allow them to send you the right truck. This will also be helpful if you are going to drive the truck yourself. Keep in mind if you move yourself, that you will need dollies and help to move your large or bulky items.