Moving can be an exciting and scary time for even the most seasoned home owner. 

Here are a few packing tips :

Call and get estimates from your choice of movers - Confirm as quickly as you can for your moving day. We all know that the last and first day of the month tend to be very popular, do not be afraid to ask if there are different discounts on off days. Be clear with your expectations and needs. Many moving companies charge by the hour, and surprising them with a 3 flight walk-up and no elevator will not decrease your costs. 

  Clearly LABEL the ROOM DESTINATION of each box ( for example bedroom, office, bathroom). And trust me when I say - MISC ... is not a label you want to use. 2 weeks from now, it will mean NOTHING to you! OH - and when there are multiple rooms, like bedrooms, add WHOSE bedroom it is for to your label.

  Pack all of the things you use most often together, this could save you time in the long run ( instead of opening every single box in the kitchen to find your plates & cups)

  Mark the box FRAGILE or BREAKABLE when appropriate. Although newspaper and bubble wrap is a common way to keep breakables safe - try using other items you have to pack anyway. For example your tea towels, towels and linens. 

 Begin packing in the room you use the least. Packing up one room at a time also creates a flow for the boxes being collected and unloaded at your new home. 

 Be sure to get rid of items that can spill - or seal them up tight to ensure nothing is spilled while moving. The bathroom, kitchen and garage would be big culprits for these types of items.

 Speaking of getting rid of, BEFORE you move is a great time for donating items, holding a garage sale or selling things that you just don't need or use anymore. Why pay to move it, when you don't use it.

 Pack the boxes as full as you can to keep items from tossing about. 

  Place items heaviest on the bottom to lightest on the top.

  If an item is really heavy, it is best to put it in a smaller box on its own.

 Contrary to how most people pack dishes, avoid stacking plates - wrap them and place them in the box on their side. This will keep the weight down and keep them safer in the long run.

 By using a clear container for important pieces, like screws or handles you can find all your materials needed to set up furniture in one place. LABEL it clearly so you keep it where it will be needed.

 As a safety precaution DO NOT pack Aerosol, Paint, or other flammable and heat sensitive material. Tell your moving company about these items and see what they recommend for transportation.  Also perishables, and plants are an important subject to talk over with your movers.

 BE EXCITED! Your new home and new adventure awaits you! 
PS ... buy lots of sharpie markers, hoard your flyers for wrapping, and skip procrastinating on this task!