Buy boxes from a moving company. These will be strong enough for all your packing needs. Old, used cartons may not hold up and could result in damages to your possessions.

Don't put too much into each box. Boxes should weigh no more than 50 lbs. each. Be sure the bottom of the boxes are well-secured.

Fill empty spaces with bubble wrap, styrofoam pellets, or newspaper to keep items from moving around and breaking. Newspaper ink can rub off and stain items, so be careful where you use it.

Label each box with the name of the room it should be placed in, and give each box a number. Then create an identification list with the number of the box, and a note about its contents. Include the number of boxes per room so you can easily see if something is missing.

Use packing tape or gummed tape to secure boxes rather than masking tape.

Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes.

Remove all fragile items from dresser drawers and don't overload the drawers.

Pack plants the morning of the move, or the night before. Make sure the plant container fits securely in the box and cushion the plant with soft crumbled paper. Poke air holes in the sides and top of the box.

Do not pack flammable liquids and aerosol cans. These can leak or explode during the move due to changes in temperature and pressure. Items may be damaged as a result.