There are two options for moving your household goods and 'treasures': professional movers or self moving.

Professional movers come in all varieties. The important thing to remember is you get what you pay for. Most moving companies provide sturdy boxes. The costs of these are included in the estimate or quote for the move. They also use padded blankets to protect your furniture. The blankets are secured with either bungee cords or ropes to ensure no damage is sustained. Similar blankets or rugs are used to walk on in your home so no elements are tracked in. Some companies will load the semi truck or other truck with more than one household. Make sure your items are carefully labeled and easily identifiable. Be sure to have phone numbers of the movers themselves and the company in case questions arise or if the movers are late, behind schedule, etc. Be sure to give them your contact numbers as well.

Moving your household yourself can save you money. You can obtain boxes either by purchasing them at mail stores or buy getting them at grocery stores, outside dumpsters, etc. You too can use blankets to protect your furniture. Old towels or pillows will work very well for protecting your furniture as well. Be sure you pack your fragile and breakable items carefully. Don't stack boxes of breakables on top of each other. Mark your boxes carefully. Keep your breakable items separate from your other items. Some people prefer to move them in a family owned vehicle instead of a truck rental. Don't over pack your boxes. Keep the weight reasonable and evenly distributed.

Moving guidelines:

1. It's a good idea to have a yard sale before moving. This is a great time for cleaning out unused and unwanted items before you move so you don't have to pack and then unpack them, only to sell them later.
2. Make sure the items you will need to use immediately are clearly marked. Unpack these first, as you will likely need them sooner.
3. Utilize your family in the moving process. Have them (yes kids too) write out the labels, pack their clothes, etc. This could free you up to attend to other details.
4. Make sure your pets are kept locked in a room that won't be used during the moving process. This will keep them safe from harm and escaping.
5. Let electrical items to return to room temperature before plugging them in and using them. If it's cold outside, condensation could form inside the items. When you plug them in, you get shocked.
6. Notify your friends and neighbors of your move. Give them your new address and phone number.
7. If you are moving a few or more hours away, don't pack perishable items. It's better to give them away then to have to deal with keeping them on ice to prevent spoiling.