DIY Packing Tips from our Professional Packers...

Whether you are packing your belongings for a DIY move or you are calling on professional movers, doing the job right will save you a ton of heartache.

Packing all of your household items for a move can be exhausting and overwhelming! It's especially true if you haven't moved for a while. We all accumulate new belongings and the thought of packaging them all up can be emotionally taxing and physically difficult. But, packing doesn't have to be hard. You just need to purchase the necessary moving supplies, and follow our professional packing help.

Remember: You don't have to pack your own stuff for your move. We offer professional packing services so you can skip the work and focus on more important things.

Here are our top 28 tips for safe and efficient packing for your upcoming move.

• Clearly label all boxes with both the room description and the type of contents.
• If you take apart furniture and other items, be sure to collect all the parts, screws and nuts and tape them to the main item.
• Choose the size of your box carefully - the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
• Buy custom-designed boxes for packing fine china, pictures and clothing.
• Buy wardrobe boxes so you can leave hanging items on their hangers.
• Try to avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box.
• Clothes in drawers can be left in place and the drawer taped shut.
• Clothes can be packed in suitcases.
• Never use duct tape or masking tape on cardboard. Use packing tape.
• Don't pack guns and ammo in boxes - leave them in your pickup truck.
• Always tape boxes closed. Don't just interlock the tops.
• Use small boxes for books and dishes as they are heavy.
• Don't use newspaper to wrap delicate items as the ink can stain.
• Always stack dishes upwards when packing for easier unpacking.

• Use caution when using used boxes. Be sure the box is strong enough to support your possessions.
• If possible, pack electronic equipment (TV's, stereos, microwave, computers) in their original boxes for optimal protection.
• Use bubble wrap when packing fragile items.
• Get extra bubble wrap for you to pop - it's stress relieving!
• Do not pack flammable liquids in cardboard boxes.
• Consider purchasing re-usable totes to save on cardboard waste.
• Always pack and unpack breakables over a soft (or padded) surface - not the granite counter top.
• Pack important documents to be easily accessible in case of emergency (children's health records, passports, family records, insurance information).
• Pack personal or embarrassing items (marital aids, costumes, bondage attire) carefully so they are not spilled in the truck.
• Pack sentimental items separately to be easily located (photo albums, collections, keepsakes).
• Pack items you will not need ahead of time to make final day packing quicker.
• Use boxes with tops and try to pack each one full to the top. This allows for better stacking on dollies and in the truck.

Packing your own items is a great way to save on the cost of your move, but consider hiring some professionals to do it for you. In the event that something is damaged, their insurance will repair or replace it and you'll be way ahead.