No matter the scale, moving is stressful. After all, you are disassembling a familiar lifestyle, packing it into boxes, transporting it to a new location, and then reassembling it in a new environment. The process is disruptive and a headache to juggle. But it's not that hard nor impossible. Once you know where and when you are going to move, it's time to get organized. Having a plan and staying organized smoothes the process, especially if the unexpected happens.

The important things about packing up your belongings is knowing what is in what box, where it is, and where going when you reach your new location.

People use many different systems to do this but the core goal is to be able to track your things so that you don't lose them and also to make sure they wind up in the right room when you arrive. As you begin to sort your things and pack them, consider:

• what you have
• how it needs to be packed
• where does it go in your new location

Get Organized

There are many methods you can use. Generally speaking, the more information you provide to people who are helping you move, the better they'll know about what to put in what room without having to ask you all the time. Here are a few suggestions ranging from the detailed to the simple:

Make an index card file consisting of an index card for each box. Each box and corresponding card can be numbered or lettered the card listing what each box contains and what room it should go into.

Keep a list on a pad of legal paper listing each box by number or letter with a note about what room it goes to and whether the contents are fragile or not.

Use colored adhesive stickers to indicate what boxes are destined for what room and whether they are fragile. For example: bright orange for the living room, day-glow green for the kitchen, Yellow for the bedroom, red if the contents are fragile.

Remember: Whatever system you come up with, make sure it is organized, that it tracks the information you need, and is easy for you to use.

Resources:
Moving Boxes and Packing Supplies

Personal Importance/Sentimental Items:

These are irreplaceable things you don't want to send with the moving company or load in the back of a truck. Some on these could create problems if they are delayed or lost. Remember to pack them safely yourself and keep them with you:

Examples include:

• Airline Tickets
• Car Keys
• Cell Phones
• Pagers
• Laptop Computers
• Checkbooks
• Cash
• School Records
• Medical & Dental Records
• Veterinarian records
• Insurance Policies (Life/Auto/Home, etc.)

• Stocks
• Certificates of Deposit
• Bonds
• IRA documents
• Deeds
• Car Titles

• Prescription Medicine
• Computer Discs and Professional Files
• Address Books
• Jewelry
• Family Photographs
• Wedding Albums
• Personal Video Tapes
• VCRs & Stereos (their remote controls!)
• Keys to your new home
• Keys to furniture, safes, and cabinets