Moving can be one of the most stressful events anyone can deal with, even if it's a move you wanted and planned for. The trick to reducing the stress, however, is effective planning. Here are packing moving and storage tips to make your move as uneventful as possible.<br><br>The minute you know you are moving is the time to start planning. Even if you are moving next door, there are things to do that can't wait till the last minute. Collecting boxes is only a small portion of what needs to be done, yet it's one of the most important tasks that never seems to be given the importance it deserves. It maybe a good time to think about using public storage or even self storage to reduce stress.<br><br>This is the perfect time to clean out the closets, the basement, attic, garage, kids' rooms ' any area that has been accumulating junk for years. Sell what you can and donate the rest for a tax deduction. If you haven't used it, worn it, seen it or missed it in a year ' get rid of it. Moving it will take and money ' all wasted.<br><br>Decide how you will move. If you need a professional moving company, get references, check with the local Better Business Bureau, and read the fine print in any contract they want you to sign. Moving companies have many ways to overcharge you at the last minute. You don't need any unexpected surprises at your new home because they are holding your furniture hostage in a truck until you pay for fees and services you are sure you never asked for.<br><br>If you plan on moving everything yourself, only ask for help from friends who are reliable. Hanging around and wasting hours on the big day while your friends are sleeping late or forgot to show is a common nightmare told over and over by families who wanted to do it themselves. Also, forget about providing beer. Too many valuable antiques and expensive furniture has been dropped because friends were drinking beer. Save the beer and heavy refreshments for after everything is in the new home.<br><br>Start packing early on. Don't wait till a week before the move. There are plenty of things you can pack away for a few months without missing them. Books, extra dishes, off season clothes, extra bedding'pack them up and put them to the side.<br><br>Don't pay a fortune for brand new moving boxes for regular items. You may want to invest in professional wardrobe carriers and boxes that are designed specifically for china. Other than that, boxes from grocery and liquor stores work just fine.<br><br>Stay away from huge boxes. They tend to get overpacked and almost too heavy to pick up. If someone can pick them up, the bottom usually falls out. Use boxes that anyone can carry and stuff accordingly.<br><br>Mark everything in a logical manner that will help at your new destination. If people don't know where to put boxes, everything ends up in the wrong place. Mark boxes in large letters, on all sides! When you are looking at stacks of boxes and the label is in the wrong place, you're in trouble.