First, learn about different packing supplies that you might need for your move:

Packing boxes: Packing boxes are specifically designed in various sizes for various purposes and the contents they contain. You'll need many boxes in assorted sizes. All boxes should be in good condition, and must have covers on them in order that they can be closed up and sealed.

The rule-of-thumb here is that small, heavy articles, such as books, records, canned goods, etc. would go in smaller boxes. Bulky but not so heavy articles, such as pots and pans, linens, small kitchen appliances, etc. would go in somewhat larger boxes. Very bulky, lightweight articles, such as blankets, pillows, toys, large lampshades, shoes, etc. would go in the largest boxes.

The various containers that movers use are specially designed for the purpose. They're double or triple-walled, with reinforced corners and their sized and shaped for specific uses. Many do-it-yourselfers make the mistake of thinking that all boxes are about the same, often resulting in damage to the contents in transit.

You might want to start collecting cartons from your grocery store and liquor stores. All too often grocery store cartons have the tops removed, but if you have a talk with the store manager he/she would probably be willing to save you some cartons with the covers still intact. Liquor cartons are excellent packing cartons. They are sturdy and contain dividers, which make them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, etc.

You can purchase cartons from your mover or from any packaging store. Purchasing boxes from the moving company, however, can be very expensive. Visit our Packing Supplies section to learn about different online purchase options and prices.

Different types of moving boxes are:

Crystal/China Cartons:
These small cartons are used for packing small, very fragile items which are then put into other cartons.
Small/Medium Boxes:
The small/medium box is a carton used for heavy items such as books, CDs, canned food, tools. The heavier the contents, the smaller the carton.
Large Boxes:
The large box is often used for mid-weight, midsize items such as pots, pans, clothing, shoes, and nonperishable food items.
Extra Large Boxes:
The extra large box is generally used for items such as bedding, linen, towels, lampshades, toys, etc.
Kitchen Boxes:
Dish boxes are used for kitchen items such as dishes, pots and pans, and china. Usually come double-walled for extra protection.
Wardrobe Boxes:
Extra toll closet style box with metal bar good for hanging clothing, as well as large houseplants, dining room chairs and draperies.
TV/Electronics Boxes:
Double-walled protection boxes for TVs up to 27", microwaves and computer monitors
Frame Boxes:
Those flat boxes are specifically designed for paintings, large photos and mirrors.
File boxes:
Those boxes are specifically designed to transport or store any kind of office paperwork and files.
Lamp Boxes:
Tall, narrow boxes, suitable for transportation of tall objects such as lamps, tall plants and golf clubs.
Mattress covers:
These bags come in every size for every mattress and box spring type.
Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap can be used to wrap very delicate, fragile items such as figurines. It is also very helpful to protect fragile surfaces such as mirrors, monitor and TV screens, fish tanks, etc.

Box Name	Size	Items to Pack in Box
Book Boxes (Small)	17" x 12.5" x 12.5"	Books, records, papers, wine, liquor, tools, heavy cook ware.
(Medium) Box	18" x 18" x 16"	Pots and pans, linens (towels & sheets), shoes, games, small pictures, lamp shades, toys, silverware, purses, cooking utensils, stereo components, odds & ends.
Large Box	18" x 18" x 24"	Basically anything that won't fit in the above boxes; cookie sheet, pans, serving trays, games, pictures, blankets, pillows, lamps and lamp shades.
Extra Large Box	22" x 22" x 22"	Big lampshades, pillows, bedspreads, quilts, comforters, cushions, baskets and globes. Dishes, plates, bowls, saucers (on bottom layer); glasses, fragile figurines and knick knacks (on top layer).
Dish pack Boxes	18" x 18" x 27.5"	Dishes, plates, bowls, saucers, glasses, fragile figurines, and knickknacks. These things should be wrapped in tissue paper or bubble wrap for ultimate protection against breakage.
Mirror Box	Reg., 4 separate pieces	Pictures, mirrors, paintings, glass tabletops, small pieces of marble. These items should be wrapped in bubble wrap, or tissue paper before being boxed.
Wardrobe Boxes	21" x 20" x 47"	Hanging clothes, suits, dresses, formal wear, long coats. The bottom can be used for shoes, and other smaller, lighter objects.

For similar purposes you can use tissue wraps, foam sheets and Styrofoam peanuts. All those supplies can be purchased from packaging store. Visit our Packing Supplies section to learn about different online purchase options and prices.

Packing paper: You are going to need plenty of wrapping paper, and for that matter old newspaper can be used. Keep in mind, however, that the ink on newsprint never thoroughly dries. Consequently, the goods you wrap in newspapers are most likely going to be soiled and will require cleaning after unpacking, and before you put them away. For items you prefer to keep clean it would be best to purchase some packing paper.

Unprinted newspaper usually comes in 10 lbs, 25 lbs, 50 lbs and 100 lbs packs, and can be purchased from your mover or from packaging store. Visit our Packing Supplies section to learn about different online purchase options and prices.

Packing tape: The best tape for this purpose is plastic tape. It is not recommended to use masking tape for moving purposes. Buy good packing tape and a high-quality tape dispenser. Cheap tape may not hold the pressure, and poor dispenser will certainly spoil your packing mood.

You should use packing tape at least 1.5" or 2" wide. You can purchase good packing tape from your mover or any packaging store. Visit our Packing Supplies section to learn about different online purchase options and prices.

Labeling markers: Used to label the contents of cartons. It is smart to mark your boxes with additional information, such as "FRAGILE", "THIS SIDE UP", etc.

Get wide-tip markers of different colors (red and black markers can prove to be very useful). You can find them in any office supplies, hardware, or packaging stores.

Useful hardware tools: Some tools such as scissors and knife for opening boxes can prove to be very useful, and should be at hand when you pack and unpack.

Miscellaneous: Some other packing supplies could be very useful to help you preserve your items and furniture, such as packing peanuts and edge protectors.

You can use some of your own items and materials to cushion your breakable objects. Use crumpled paper, blankets, pillows and clothing as a buffer between fragile items.