Packing for your big move is really intimidating; the bigger the house, the more frightening a prospective it is. But with proper prior planning you too can prevent negative results. Whether you are hiring a moving truck, planning to use freight, or just driving your belonging from your old home to your new home, unfortunately there is not an overnight fairy that can just put everything in its properly labeled box before the day of your move. The tips and suggestions below, however, can make the process much easier, less of a hassle, and much more convenient. Whether you've already moved several times, and think you pretty much have your system down, or if you're completely new, and apprehensive of your first relocation, these helpful tips can help make your move a much less stressful event.

1. When Do You Start?

First of all, you need to pack the smart, safe, and efficient way. You also have to give yourself plenty of time to pack using all three factors; which means at least six weeks before the date you've set to move. If you start early, you'll be saving yourself a lot of stress, time, and even money.
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2. Get Packing Tips

Do a little bit of research on packing tips, and don't be afraid to listen to friends, unless you know for a fact that they're full of it. Taking packing advice from the Internet, and your associates is a great way to get your house all ready to go before the rental truck, or movers get there to load boxes and furniture onto the truck.

3. Packing Supplies

Having the right packing materials is essential to packing efficiently, not to mention safely. No material is too superfluous. You'll need packing foam, packing tape, boxes, possibly wooden packing crates, and packing bags, for garments. However, if you are planning to use garments bags for clothing, don't just throw everything in a plastic bag. Make sure clothes are clean and totally dry; otherwise, prolonged enclosure in a plastic bag will cause the clothes inside to moulder and grow mildew.

4. What About Packing The Moving Truck?
This is an essential part of the moving day itself. Once the truck arrives, if you're married, then there's a good chance your husband is going to want to pack things his way. Get there first! Plan ahead of time how the moving truck should be loaded, and share your plan with him, that way it doesn't end up turning into a last minute battle of wills.

5. How Do You Pack Your Major Appliances
If you have hired a moving company ahead of time, they will insist that all of your major appliances; stove, refrigerator, washer/dryer, --are properly disconnected and ready to be loaded. Even if you are moving yourself, it's essential to get everything cleaned and properly disconnected before you load them onto the truck. The results of poor preparation in this case is arriving at your new home with malfunctioned and possibly damaged appliances.

6. What About Packing Up Electronics?

One of the most important things to do when packing your electronics is to properly label each, once you've disassembled them, and packing them into boxes specifically marked "Electronics". Plug and wires should also be labeled, and coiled, that way you don't have to sit and untangle a mass of cords and wires when you have to hook them up again.

7. What About Pictures And Mirrors?

This is a big issue when moving. More often than not, you almost always break something glass when moving. This is where the often overlooked packing phone comes in handy. For large mirrors, you need large boxes, with plenty of packing foam between the actual frame, and the side of the box. If your boxes are large enough that you can place multiple mirrors, pictures and frames inside, make sure to put plenty of foam in between each.

8. Packing Your Dishes And Silverware

Cleaning rags and dish towels come in handy here. You can wrap each plate in a dishtowel and stack them, or use dish rags to separate each, in the center of the box. Then fill the surrounding empty space with packing foam, or packing peanuts. Silverware can be placed on its own in a small box, either inside the larger box with dishes, or alone, and marked "Silverware" or just "Kitchen". Pack your glasses and fragile cups the same way! With plenty of foam inside them, and around them.

9. You Will Need An Essentials Box

Don't save this step for the last minute. Each member of your family needs to pack a box of their essential items that they will be using the last few days before the move, when all of their other things are already packed. If you have children, make sure to help them organize their own boxes as well. If you plan to bring these with you in your own vehicle, make sure the boxes will fit in your car. If not, load them last in the moving truck. In each, there should be:

-Everyday toiletries
-A couple changes of clean clothes and underwear.
-For kids, a few small toys or games.
-Watches, cell phones, and accessories.
-An alarm clock.
-Some first aid supplies.

10. Moving Boxes

Be sure to get the right ones. All different sizes, and shapes, and preferable an area to label them or list the contents if each, if you think its necessary. Wooden crates are seldom used, but sometimes they make an excellent alternative to flimsier cardboard.