How can I pack efficiently for a move?

my best advice is only take what you absolutely love and/or absolutely need. you will have the rest of your life to accumulate stuff. moving is a pain and often moving big stuff (like furniture) is harder and more expensive than just replacing it at thrift shops and flea markets elsewhere. unless you really love your stuff consider donating it to salvation army or selling it on craigslist to help pay for the deposit on your new place. generally i cut my stuff in 1/2 any time i move.

1. Start collecting CARDBOARD BOXES...the kind with the flaps still on....or if you're going to be moved by a professional moving company, they also have boxes you can buy that are very strong & made right for stuff. Also, any big U-Haul store will have boxes for sale too. 2. Have a THROW-OUT PARTY...get realistic about stuff you haven't used or worn or cared much about for a year or more....then either give away, join your stuff in with your folks' or neighbors for a yard sale, or [sob] into the trash. 3. Pick out your REALLY GOOD STUFF that you know you'll want to have out first--lamps, little/big treasures, favorite pictures or nick-nacks, stuffed critters, etc. These should be wrapped in newspapers [p.s., start saving the newspapers, you'll need a whole bunch, and so will everyone else in the family!] and packed nice and tightly together in Box One. 4. Head for the SOFT STUFF...like curtains, decorative pillows, throw-rugs, special towels or quilts or bedspreads that belong in your room... these can be folded flat in Box Two-Three-Whatever. 5. If you can, get WARDROBE BOXES from the moving company [or U-Haul if dad is doing the rental truck bit] which will have a rod with it so you can hang your clothes nicely so they can go right into your new closet. Important: LABEL ALL THE BOXES - with your first name and a general hint as to what's inside---like Good Stuff, Soft Stuff and My Clothes, for instance. Suitcases can be reserved for cosmetics, hair-dryers, shampoos [tighten all lids, OK?] and stuff you'll want to get at really quick when you get there...including night clothes and towel/washcloth and set of sheets so your mom won't have to go into any big-big boxes when you get there. Hey...think of it as an Urban Safari...the natives are friendly, you can drink the water, you'll be able to understand the language, someone will have a good map, and hey - ENJOY!

Pack like things into boxes, and mark the out-side with a permanent marker and tape with brown tape. Boxes for clothes, shoes, bedding, etc, put books into smaller boxes or bags(heavy) and avoid packing things like oil and soy sauce as it gets everywhere!

Pack up the stuff you are not going to use first. That way you will be ahead of the game and you can start a week or 2 before the move date. Gradually start packing the other stuff, leaving the clothes for last. Make sure to label boxes (D.'s room or whatever) and general contents (hairdryer, socks,notebooks). It will save you time when you unpack, and best, you wont have to go searching for what you need!

As you pack only pack what is important. Don't pack things you don't need. Throw the rest away or donate to a charity.

I have moved 49 times in my life and I found the best way to start is go through all the stuff you have and make piles to keep or sell or donate. and then pack in big plastic tubs so the items dont get wet. and save old newspapers ahead of time to wrap your glassware. and mark all boxes what is inside and which room they go in. good luck