Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items. Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from. Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue.
Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items. Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell. Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move.