Packing Supplies
When you are packing for a self-move, you will want plenty of the appropriate packing supplies. Self-moving can be quite a detailed process, but if you are prepared with the right supplies for packing, the move will seem much smoother.
You will need the following supplies when packing:

1. Boxes: Obviously you will need lots of boxes of various size and shape in which you will pack your household items.
2. Tape measure: A tape measure comes in handy when moving and packing in order to measure the size of objects to see if they will fit through a doorway or into a box.
3. Bubble wrap or packing peanuts: These are needed to wrap breakable items before placing them in a box or to add extra padding to a box.
4. Tissue paper: Many people use newspaper, but it is recommended that you wrap breakable things in tissue paper along with bubble wrap, to protect the item. Newspaper often leaves black smudges behind from the newsprint.
5. Marker: A permanent marker works well for marking the tops of boxes with what is inside after closing the box. You will want all of your boxes labeled with what is inside and what room the box should go to when unloading.
6. Packing tape: Packing tape is necessary for taping together the bottom and the top of each box you are packing. You can buy packing tape that has a sharp piece attached to it, which will cut the tape when you are done taping the box, otherwise you must use scissors to cut the tape, and so have those handy as well.

DIY moving is something you must be prepared for; having all the necessary items is a must!

Pack Room By Room

1. Start packing several weeks before your move date, taking it one room at a time. Begin with things you use less frequently, such as books and knick knacks.
2. When packing, pack only one room at a time. Don't start one room and then go to another. Stick with one room and pack that entire room until the room is completely packed.
3. Go through all desk and cupboard drawers and pack any of those items. Do this when you first start packing a room; take care of the drawers first.
4. Pack each room in separate boxes and label each box with its contents. This will make it easier to unpack and have the boxes left in the correct room.

Packing Big Items

1. Bed or bed frame: It is best to take apart your mattress and box spring from the bed frame. Experts recommend tying the pieces of your bed frame, two at a time, together. Make sure to put labels on each piece as to where it goes when assembling the bed again.
2. Table: Your kitchen or dining room table may come apart. This is really helpful when moving it. Take the legs off the table and wrap with bubble wrap, pack in a box if it fits. If the legs don't fit, tie or tape the legs to the tabletop. You can even tape the screws and bolts to the bottom of the tabletop so that you don't lose them.
3. Appliances: Most people leave their stoves and dishwashers when moving, but many take their fridge. If you are moving a refrigerator, make sure you start the process well in advance. Remove all food, defrost the freezer and drain any excess water. Remove any drawers to keep them from sliding out. Once that is done, protect any blades by covering with a towel. Then wrap the fridge in blankets and tie them.

These are just some of the big items you may be moving in a do-it-yourself move. If you are moving a large item that isn't listed here and aren't sure how to pack it appropriately, try doing an Internet search for packing and that specific item's name.

Packing Small Items
Packing big things may seem difficult and people may worry more about getting the large items packed appropriately and forget about packing small items the correct way. It is important to pack small items the right way to ensure that they arrive safely at your new home.

1. Pack any small appliances in the original box. Didn't save that box? You can purchase small appliance boxes at retail stores or moving stores that should fit most small appliances. Make sure you wrap the appliance as well.
2. Books should be packed in a box securely without the box exceeding 30 pounds. Anything over that is just too heavy for lifting safely and too heavy to keep the box from breaking.
3. Your collectibles, such as Precious Moments, Lladro or even baseball cards should be wrapped with plenty of padding or put back in original boxes and then packed in box with "top load" written on it so that nothing is set on top of the box, thus potentially causing damage to your items.
4. Kitchen dishes and china will need each piece individually wrapped with lots of padding on the bottom of each box the dishware will go in. Don't set the dishes flat inside the box, instead put the plates on their sides and put the bowls and glasses around them.

What to Pack Last

There are certain things you want to pack last, in order to make sure you have the necessary items you need to live day-to-day when everything else is packed into the moving truck.
Pack your toiletries in a separate box that is clearly marked. You will want to take this box with you so that you have the things you will need to get ready each morning. Keep pain relievers and other first aid supplies separated as well.
You will want to pack your coffee maker (if you are a coffee drinker) last, so that you can get to it first. Pack cleaning supplies last as well; you will want to clean when you arrive at your new place, so make these items easily accessible in the moving truck.
Pack kid toys and bedroom furniture last as well. Setting up your child's room first can help her feel more at home in her new place - just knowing her things are all there for her to enjoy.
Make sure when packing and loading these items that you have them clearly labeled as "Load Last" so that they aren't placed on the truck until the end.

What Not to Pack
There are a few things you must not pack when moving, either a DIY move or a move where you pack and someone else drives for you, you must not put the following items on the moving truck.

1. Explosives or flammable items such as: aerosols, acids, ammunition, propane tanks, matches and motor oil. The list for this type of item is extensive; you should check with the moving company or rental truck company for a complete list of items.
2. Perishable items such as: food, plants and animals. Food that is perishable can be packed in a cooler and driven by you to your new home; moving companies rarely take food that is perishable. Plants need air to breath, grow and live, and the inside of a moving truck is not conducive to this, therefore no live plants on moving trucks. Of course your animals should never be packed and sent on a moving truck, all pets should travel with you in your vehicle.
3. Some moving companies may agree to move your perishables if you are going a short distance, check with the moving company to find out their rules on this subject.

Others

1. Pack your heavy items in smaller boxes rather than stuffing many heavy items into a huge box. Small boxes are easier to carry even when filled with a heavy item.
2. When packing a box, make sure the heavy items are on the bottom and the lighter things on top.
3. Use only unprinted newsprint paper or bubble wrap to wrap your items. Regular newspapers are messy and can soil and ruin your possessions.
4. You can use filler items such as socks, pillows, t-shirts, towels, blankets, and sheets to wrap your items in and fill space in boxes. It's worth spending the extra money to protect your possessions during the move.

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