• Strategic packing of boxes makes the moving process easier.cardboard box image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Moving to a new home is a stressful, time-consuming process. Careful planning and strategic packing eases the difficulty of moving. While larger items such as furniture can be moved with little packing, smaller items are best moved in boxes. Familiarity with several basic guidelines makes moving boxes a smoother experience.
  
  

Organization

• Planning ahead is important for efficient packing and ease of moving boxes. Organize things that will go in boxes, sorting by the room they are from or the type of item. This makes unpacking more organized, as similar items remain together.
  
  Use colored stickers to indicate the room of the house the box is from or the type of item it contains. Consider making a comprehensive list of items packed in a particular box or label the side of each box with a description of its contents.
  
  

Packing

• The most important consideration when packing each box is to keep it manageable in weight. Put seldom-used and heavier items in the bottom of the box. Wrap fragile pieces in newspaper or bubble wrap to prevent breakage. Stack each box to its top with lighter items or packaging peanuts. Pick it up to make sure it is not too heavy to move comfortably before securely taping it shut.
  
  

Transportation

• If you are hauling boxes in a trailer, first load heavier boxes near the front of the trailer (near the vehicle) for optimal weight dispersion. Stack lighter boxes on top and behind the heavy boxes until the trailer is full. Put boxes containing fragile items on top of other boxes. Pack them in tightly to prevent shifting and breakage of delicate items.