Before you even begin to box up your possessions, look over your homeowner's insurance policy to see if your household goods are covered for loss or damage during a move. If not, you can buy the coverage you need from your insurance company or the mover.

Remember, there's more to packing than just throwing things in a box. Here are some packing pointers to help you make sure everything gets to your destination intact.

• Keep in mind that everything you move will add to the cost in money, time, and energy. If you've been a pack rat, now's the time to make a clean sweep. Consider having a garage sale or donating unused items to charity.
• Get free boxes from the supermarket, or you can buy them from your moving company.
• Start packing early, two to three weeks before the move, one room at a time. Begin with the things you use less frequently, like out-of-season clothes, knickknacks, and old books.
• If the actual move will take more than one day, watch what you pack so you don't end up searching through unnecessary boxes.
• Pack the contents of each room in separate boxes. Label the boxes by room and contents. Use only unprinted newsprint for wrapping to avoid soiling your possessions.
• Heavy items such as books should be packed in small containers. If you've packed properly, the sides of the box shouldn't bulge, and the top shouldn't cave in when you close it.
• Pack plates standing on their edges. Leave lightweight linen and clothes you may need in their drawers. Wrap fragile items in tissue paper, then cushion the boxes with extra newsprint.
• It's best to pack computers, printers, stereos, and other electronic equipment in their original boxes. If the originals are gone, wrap the components in plastic to protect them from dust and place them in a sturdy, padded box marked "fragile." Since tapes, records, CDs, and floppy disks can be damaged by heat, arrange for their safe shipment or take them with you, along with your other valuable items and legal papers.
• If you choose a professional mover, it's best to let the experts handle antiques and other delicate or fragile items. The mover can provide you with special cartons and packing instructions for specific items like mattresses, dishes, mirrors, and clothes.
• Schedule a "packing day" for the mover, usually one to two days before the moving van arrives. Be present when your goods are packed (and picked up).
• Check over all the inventory before it is packed. List your valuable items on the inventory sheet.
• Discuss the sheet with your mover; be sure you agree with it before you sign. The inventory record is one of your most important shipping documents. You will need to refer to it at your destination and will be asked to sign it again after you have received and inspected your goods.
• You can save money by packing some things yourself; however, the mover probably won't accept liability if the items you packed are damaged during the move.