During a move many things can potentially go wrong. You can accidentally damage an important item, ship a box to the wrong address, or even leave something behind. With so many variables that can go wrong it is best to prepare as much as possible before you and your family begin the moving process. Taking these preventive measures you will surely save you and your family headaches and stress in the future.

First things first, you will need a lot of boxes. They shouldn’t be too hard to find. You can get them for free from department stores and delis or you can buy them from the moving company. Always get extra boxes, you never know when a box can break. Having extra boxes handy will save you the time and energy spent in scrambling trying to find more. You will also need strong tape, and bubble wrap (which can also be purchased from the moving company).

As you are packing your items number or label each box. Then create a checklist of what is going inside each of them. You should have a record on what is going into each box. That way if you ever need an individual item you aren’t rummaging through each box. Just consult the list and find the box containing that item. It also wise to find some way to designate which box goes to which room in your new home. For example you can mark each box that goes to the master bedroom with an orange marker.

You should also pack matching items together. Like light bulbs with lamps, picture frames with hooks/nails, books with book ends and electrical appliances with extension cords. Packing such items together will help you set up and dress your new home quickly and more efficiently.

Each family member can also pack items into their own luggage and duffel bags. Filling the bags with clothes, towels, sheets, personal items, etc will help you conserve boxes for the bigger heavier items.

Take any valuables you in your own car when traveling to the new home. Have any photos or receipts handy of all your valuables just in case you want to take out a claim if they have been damaged, lost, or destroyed. Most importantly don’t pack any important documents (birth certificate, diplomas, bank statements, etc) in any of the boxes the movers will be handling. They should be with you at all times in the bag you will be carrying for the trip.

You will surely save your family a headache or even an anxiety attack if you follow these steps. Moving can be a very stressful moment that families share. It only makes sense that everyone does their part in preventing anything from going wrong.