- Label all cartons with their basic contents and designated room

- Seal each carton securely with packing tape and make sure
items are well padded in container

- Pack lamp shades in separate cartons

- Wrap dishes separately. Nest cups and bowls

- Secure movable parts on appliances

A positive attitude and spirit of adventure can help children feel more comfortable with the entire moving process. A surprise can be a shock, so tell the children about the move as soon as your plans are definite. Here are some suggestions:

- Make moving a game for young children

- Hang up a map of your new city or a photo of your new house

- Plan a special activity immediately after the move

- Plan a farewell party for the kids and their friends

- Encourage exchanging phone numbers so they can stay in touch with their friends

- Defrost the refrigerator / freezer before moving

- Pack heavy things in small boxes

- Do not use newspaper to wrap fine china or lamp shades, it smudges

- Use specially designed containers for packing mirrors or framed pictures

- NEVER move flammables, aerosol cans caustic materials or explosives!

- Read our section on taking care of the little ones