Unless you have moved often in life, you will not know how to properly pack your belongings or prepare for the moving company. Here are some moving tips to help you get started on the right foot.
First, try to keep your boxes under 50 pounds. If you are carrying them yourself, only pack what you can lift. If you're using garbage bags for your clothes, remember that they can tear easily and offer no protection. Only use them if you are moving yourself, moving companies will not touch packaging that is not sturdy, and make you put it in moving boxes anyway.
When packing you should place the heavier items on the bottom and the lighter items on the top of the box. Of course, wrap fragile items separately, and use plenty of cushioning. If the box is not filled to the top, add more crumpled newspaper or bubble wrap so the contents do not shift.
Label your boxes according to the room they will go in the new location. You can mark them with permanent markers, or use colored boxes or labels, with a different color for each room or each person. Keep items that are not going in the van in a separate area and clearly labeled as such, so the movers will know not to take them.