Moving to a new house or office is a strenuous activity performed by millions each year. The overwhelming task of packing and storing your belongings is not something anyone takes lightly. Compiled below are some tips for packing and storing to help make your move less stressful and more efficient.

Packing List and Supplies: making a list of everything being moved will help keep you organized and ensure nothing is forgotten. Dividing your list into categories such as kitchen items, bedroom items, bathroom items, etc. will get you started organizing and making unpacking a synch. Enough packing supplies like boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and labels will add to your organization and ease of packing and unpacking.

Big Furniture: using plastic shrink wrap to cover your mattresses, couches, tables, chairs, dressers, and desks will help protect all your big furniture from damage, moisture, and mildew contamination. Bubble wrap is also effective underneath the plastic shrink wrap for added protection on your more sensitive furniture like the corners, or your box spring.

Cushions and pillows should be removed and placed in plastic bags with the proper identification label. Furniture parts like table legs should be disassembled and safely packed away. Screws and nuts should be placed in a small plastic bag with a label. I find it convenient to tape the small bag to the furniture it belongs to, but you may also want to place all extra parts in its own box. Just make sure you provide padding for all your furniture ends and arms by using a towel, bubble wrap, sheets, or blankets.

Breakable Items: a few layers of bubble wrap around large breakable items, such as floor lamps and mirrors, will protect them from any damage. If you want added protection then put a layer of old sheets or towels then the bubble wrap. Also, you might want to then cover each item with a garbage bag to protect them from moisture. These steps will work for smaller fragile items as well, with wash cloths, hand towels, and grocery sacks instead.

Boxes and Bags: You can put most of your items in a box or a bag. Bags are great for clothing including their hangers. Small to extra large boxes are great for your varied sized items. Just be sure to label each box, listing every item that’s included. Including which room the items belong will make your unpacking experience quick and efficient.

Pack Smart: when storing your packed items, do not place heavy boxes on top of light ones because it will cause them to collapse. Also, don’t store your belongings in a warm room because it will add moisture to your items.  Keep items away from cold and wet areas to help prevent damage.

With just a little preparation and organizing, your big moving day will not be as stressful. These small steps will ensure an easy and more enjoyable moving process.