1. Computers

You'll need:

• Tape
• Small pieces of cardboard
• Plastic bags
• Original cartons and foam forms

-or-

• Two sets of boxes, one larger than the other (for double-boxing components)
• Styrofoam peanuts.

How to pack:

1. Back up all the files on your computer.

2. Your computer company may recommend that you "park" your hard drive. That means using a special program (possibly called "SHIP.EXE") that makes recording heads in the hard drive pull back from the data area into a "safer" area of the CPU.

3. Pack your disks in a separate box, but not with anything magnetic.

4. Bundle cables and wires and color code them to their matching holes so it's easy to reconnect in your new home.

5. If your computer is completely cooled off, put each component part in a plastic bag to keep dirt out during the move, then inside the foam forms in their original boxes. Fit cables and other accessories in the sides of each box and fill with peanuts.

6. If you don't have the original boxes, use the double-box method. Fill the smaller of the two boxes with Styrofoam peanuts, put the "bagged" monitor or CPU in the middle, and fill the box the rest of the way so the component sits in the middle of the box without touching the sides. Fit in cables and accessories, close and seal that box, then fill the bottom of the second box with peanuts, put the sealed box in, and fill all around the rest of the way with peanuts.

7. If you have a small printer, you can pack it with your CPU. Be sure to remove the printer cartridges. If your printer uses pins to form-feed paper, leave the paper in during the move to keep the pins in place.

8. Mark each box "Fragile - Computer." Now you're finished!

2. CDs

You'll need:

• Tape
• Plastic peanuts or blank newsprint
• Small boxes

How to pack:

1. Pad the bottom of the box with wadded-up blank newsprint or Styrofoam peanuts.

2. Place a stack of CDs in the middle of the box. If your box is big enough and you don't have a lot of CDs, put your entire CD holder in the center, CDs and all. CDs can weigh a lot, so you'll probably have to divide them into several boxes.

3. Fill in tightly all around and on top with peanuts or wadded paper so the CDs won't jiggle.

4. Tape and mark "CDs." You're all done!

3. Collectibles

You'll need:

• Tape
• Small and medium boxes
• Bubble wrap
• Styrofoam peanuts or blank newsprint

How to pack:

1. Wrap each fragile item separately with bubble wrap and tape.

2. Put a layer of peanuts or wadded paper on the bottom and layer in wrapped items with peanuts or wadded paper in between.

3. Put a final layer of peanuts or wadded paper on top

4. Seal and mark "Fragile - Collectibles." Now you're done!

If your collectibles are really valuable, consider moving them in your car or shipping them separately.

4. China and Crystal

You'll need:

• Tape
• Small and medium boxes
• Cardboard
• Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap
• Blank newsprint
• Lots of patience

How to pack:

Plates and bowls:

1. Layer bubble wrap in between, leaving space at the top of the box to fill in with wadded newsprint.

2. Place wadded newsprint or peanuts in the bottom of a box and put layers of plates or bowls on top. Then fill in top and sides with peanuts or newsprint.

3. Seal and mark "Fragile - China." You're done!

Glasses and teacups

1. Wrap each glass or teacup in a piece of bubble wrap and tape it.

2. Put a layer of peanuts or newsprint on the bottom of the box. Place wrapped cups or glasses on top, upright as if you were placing them on the table.

3. Place a layer of cardboard and another layer of packing material on top and the sides.

4. Keep layering in wrapped cups and peanuts until you've reached the top. Put a final layer of packing material on top, seal, and mark "Fragile - Crystal/China." That's all!

TIP: Don't use compartmentalized liquor boxes unless the compartments are made of sturdy cardboard and you put a layer of packing material on the bottom first. (Usually the compartments are too flimsy.) Glasses and cups should still be wrapped in bubble wrap.

5. Kids' Stuff

You'll need:

• Lots of love and time
• Attention to feelings
• Tape
• Blank newsprint
• Medium and large boxes

How to pack:

1. Pack kids' rooms last if they are still small. The security of their routine until the very end will make the transition go more smoothly.

2. Give older children (probably ages 5 and up) advance time to pack their rooms with you. Packing up is a good time to talk about things they might be worried or feel sad about - leaving friends, school, a home they've always lived in, and facing a new school and strangers. Understanding feelings and offering your reassurance will ease the transition for them.

3. Allow them to select some items to take with them in the car or in their carry-on bag.

4. Most kids' toys are somewhat non-breakable and can go in boxes with some wadded newsprint or extra clothes to fill in spaces.

5. Breakable toys like models or porcelain dolls can be wrapped in extra clothes and packed in wadded newsprint.

6. While the kids are packing, ask them to think about where they'd like things to go in their new rooms.

7. Make sure you drain water from squirt guns and seal paints and other safe but messy materials in ziplock bags or containers. Pack them together in a box lined with a plastic bag.

8. Have your kids seal the boxes and write their names or put their favorite stickers on each box. Now you're done!

6. Kitchen Items - Non-Breakable

You'll need:

• Tape
• Medium and large boxes
• Your kitchen towels and linens
• Blank newsprint

How to pack:

1. Select a few pieces of essential cookware - a couple of pots, a frying pan, some cooking spoons, a spatula, and utensils for everyone - for the first day you're in your new home.

2. Put blank newsprint (or ripped-open paper bags) between the items. Fill in spaces with wadded newsprint.

3. Seal and mark "Kitchen." On the box you need for cooking when you arrive, mark "Kitchen - First Day." You're all done!

7. Kitchen Items - Breakable

You'll need:

• Tape
• Small and medium boxes
• Bubble wrap
• Peanuts or blank newsprint

How to pack:

1. Wrap each glass and mug in bubble wrap and tape shut. Put layers of bubble wrap in between plates and bowls.

2. Fill bottom of box with peanuts or wadded paper. Layer in glasses and mugs with peanuts and paper, or place stacks of layered plates and bowls on top. If your glasses have stems, place them upright, as if you were putting them on the table. Fill in sides and top with peanuts and wadded paper.

3. For larger breakable items - Pyrex dishes, china serving bowls, glass coffee pots - wrap in bubble wrap and tape shut. Put two or three smaller items or one larger item in the center of a small box filled with peanuts. Make sure you put a layer of peanuts or wadded paper between smaller items.

4. Seal and mark "Fragile - Kitchen." You're all finished!

8. Lamps

You'll need:

• Tape
• Medium or large boxes
• Bubble wrap

How to pack:

1. Take light bulbs, harps, and lamp shades off lamp.

2. Wrap lamp shades in bubble wrap and stack them in a large box with wadded paper, or put them in an armoire or large chest.

3. Wrap cord around lamp and wrap lamp in bubble wrap. Place in empty, defrosted refrigerator, unplugged dryer, or drained, unplugged washer. Or put them in boxes with wadded paper, seal, and mark "Lamps." That's it!