#2 Packing Tape (2-3 rolls)
This is that clear tape that is used with a dispenser. It doesn't detach like masking tape. Secure the bottom of each box before you start to pack.

#3 Packing Paper
(large quantities as you will always run out)
Ask your mover if they provide ink less newspaper for free or a nominal charge. The ink less doesn't leave ink on glassware. Don't skimp with paper as you will need lots of it.

#4 Moving Day Survival Items
One of the more frustrating aspects of moving day is not being able to find the things you need! Designate an area for your supplies, especially if you plan to clean once the rooms are emptied.

If you plan to clean your home as the rooms are emptied by the movers - take note: professional movers do not empty a room before moving on to the next. Once the major furniture has been removed, you need to ask them to completely empty each room of its' boxes. Some will work with you and some will resist. The boxes can be stacked in the garage or driveway until they are ready to load them on to the truck. For the stubborn ones, just start your cleaning and push the remaining boxes into the hallways. We always start with the kitchen. When the last room is cleaned, pack up your cleaning supplies and mark the box 'unpacking tools' (see tip #5). We literally throw the vacuum on to the moving truck before it pulls away.

Supplies:
* lots of cold bottled water
* soft drinks
* food for everyone helping
* 1-2 big, black permanent markers for marking boxes
* scissors
* Kleenix
* toilet paper
* hand soap
* paper towels
* trash bags - get a roll of 50
* scrubbing brush or sponges with one side that scrubs
* broom/dustpan
* mop
* vacuum cleaner
* spot cleaner for carpet
* bathroom cleaner
* glass cleaner

#5 Destination Box
Designated boxes are needed for your important documents, your unpacking tools, and basic comforts should the moving truck arrive late. Destination homes frequently do not have toilet paper and are often left unclean.

Set aside 1-2 medium sized boxes and label with large words UNLOAD FIRST. Personally transport these boxes in your car, especially the box/folder with your important documents.

If you rely on the mover with your 'unpacking tools' box, be aware that large moving companies can combine your load with a 2nd or even 3rd load especially during cross country moves. If the mover is responsible for your 'unpacking tools' box, have them load it last and ask that it be placed where it will be unloaded first.

Box #1 - Important Documents (you don't want to loose)
* folder with moving info and bill of lading
* contact name and number for your moving company
(Especially a contact number for your destination)
* personal financial and banking information
* contact numbers for reporting lost credit cards
* safety deposit box items
* checkbook and extra checks
* personal family medication
* family medical records
* address book
* additional key for your car
* manilla envelope to store bills and budget information
* plain envelopes, plain writing pad, stamps

Box #2 - Unpacking Tools
* toilet paper
* hand soap for bathrooms and kitchen
* roll of paper towels
* 2-3 scissors for opening boxes
* plastic cups for drinking water
* box of kleenix
* box of garbage bags (for all the unpacking debris)
* telephone w/cord
* unloading map (see tip #9)

Box #3 - Comfort Box (if truck is late or breaks down)
* 2-3 washclothes
* 2-3 towels
* pajamas for everyone
* family toothbrushes
* sheets for every bed
* change of clothes for everyone (underwear & shoes)
* deodorant, shampoo, body soap, blowdryer

#6 Pack Rooms Separately
Don't throw kitchen items into a bathroom box just because there's room. Mixing together room contents will literally drive you crazy when it comes time to unpack.

When boxes are unloaded, they are placed in their correct rooms. More items are lost during a move when they are quickly thrown into a box marked for another room.

#7 Color Code Boxes By Room
Assign a different colored marker for each room in your house, and use only that color when labeling boxes.

Try red for the kitchen, purple for living room, orange for bathrooms, pink for a girls room, blue for a boys's room, green for the master bedroom, etc.

Write the room name on the top and sides of each box.

#8 Prioritize Your Boxes
After a move, the sheer number of boxes can seem overwhelming. Prioritize your boxes from the beginning to help you focus with the unpacking of your important boxes first.

As you pack each room, always have three open boxes. Label the first box #1, the second box #2 and the last box #3.

box #1: Pack with items that will need to be unpacked first. This could be silverware, pans, food, telephones, bedding, towels, your child's favorite toys, the current seasons' clothes, etc.

box #2: Pack with items that are not immediately necessary and can be emptied in the 2nd wave of unpacking. This could be books, knickknacks, your child's secondary toys, off-season clothes, excess bedding, etc.

box #3: Pack with items that can be unpacked last or even kept in storage.

The outside of each box should be marked using a specific colored marker indicating the room name and a priority number for unpacking.

#9 Packing Breakables
* Wrap glassware individually using several sheets.
* Crunch up paper and place in between breakables.
* Use your dishtowels to help wrap breakable kitchen items.
* Pack breakables in the top half of the box

#10 Unloading Map For New Home
A simple color coded map can answer a lot of questions when unloading boxes. On a piece of white paper, list the room names using the same marker color you labeled the boxes with for that room. Tape this 'map' at the entry of your home.

KITCHEN
BATHROOM
MASTER BEDROOM
GARAGE

Near the entry of each room, tape a piece of paper that displays a large X. Use the color you labeled the boxes with for that room.

X
X
X
X

The movers can match the colors on the boxes with the colors on your room maps. For long hallways or multiple levels use colored arrows to point the way. Kids love creating these signs.