• Anticipate. Decide early which items you'll be taking with you. Take a complete written inventory of your items and furniture. Toss aside or donate all unwanted items.
  
• Facilitate. Begin packing well ahead of the move. Know which items you'll be packing yourself and which items you'll leave to your movers.
  
• Organize. Concentrate on one room at a time. Label every box. This will help insure that they end up in the right rooms at your final destination.
  
• Prioritize. Pack items for storage. For example, if you are moving during the summer, pack your winter articles first.
  
• Calculate. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes. Try to keep each box under 50lbs. Fully secure the bottoms of each box and place heavier items toward the bottom.
  
• Consider. If you have a piano or large appliances such as refrigerators or stoves, or plants, you'll have to prep them or have them serviced before they can be moved. Consult with your mover as well as specialists.

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