You can certainly have movers pack for you, and they’ll do a professional and efficient job of it, but you can save a lot of money if you pack your boxes yourself. Even if you have the movers pack some of your stuff (called a Partial Pack), do not let them pack things you really treasure, such as jewelry or priceless heirlooms. Those items should go with you in your car or suitcase.
You can get most of the boxes you’ll need from a local grocery or liquor store. Some stores will save boxes for you if you call in advance and ask. You’ll also need several rolls of strong packing tape, a few thick permanent markers, a pair of scissors, a stack of old newspapers and some bubble wrap. The moving companies (even the do-it-yourself ones) can provide (for a price) blankets to pad your furniture.
You will probably want to buy a few specialty boxes such as wardrobe boxes for hanging up clothes, frame boxes for your nice wall art, or padded dish boxes. If you have a friend who’s moved recently, ask for his boxes. They’re absolutely reusable. By the same token, save yours for someone else.
Now it’s time to get packing. Clear out a place near the door (but not blocking it too much) to stack things. To keep it under control, do one room at a time, starting with the least used room in your house. Do your kitchen and the children’s rooms last to create the least upset.
Start with non-breakable items such as books, clothing, and toys. Use small boxes for heavier items, such as books. You don’t want a large box to be too heavy to lift. If you have to strain to lift it, it’s too heavy. Your box (or your back!) might break. Ideally, each box should weigh less than 50 pounds. Extra large boxes should hold light items such as clothes or awkward shaped toys.
Label your boxes as you go. Just simple labels: bathroom, dining room, kitchen, etc. There’s no need to list everything in the box. This will make the unpacking easier.
Use your linens as packing material around not-too-expensive breakables, such as picture frames, figurines, or other inexpensive items. Again, smallish boxes are better - less weight on breakables makes more sense. Use newspaper and bubble wrap to pad items as well. Stuff boxes full so that items don’t rattle around.
When you’re ready to pack the kitchen, do a little advance planning. Get some paper plates, forks and cups on hand. You can pack up the pots and pans, cookie sheets, and small appliances, such as the toaster and the coffee pot. If you have movers, let them pack your every-day dishes. They’ll do a better job at it than you. But if you have irreplaceable fine china handed down from your great-grandma, pack them yourself and tuck them away safely in your car.
Leave all the heavy stuff for the movers. Don’t try to get it all out for them. They will take apart beds and other furniture that needs to be disassembled. They’ll get the furniture, mattresses (stripped of bedding), any appliances you’re taking, and other heavy stuff with dollies. If you’re moving yourself, try to have the disassembling done the day before to save yourself some time. Load the big items first, and then pack the smaller boxes around them. Use your dolly to move large furniture. Lift with your knees, not your back.