It's difficult to imagine moving an entire house. But when moving to a new home, that's precisely what you're doing. Every item in your home must be packed carefully and moved to a new location - hopefully all in one piece. This can seem overwhelming at first. That's why you should tackle the large task of packing one room at a time. The room-to-room guide for packing below will show you how.

Getting Started

Before getting started, make a checklist for each room. Include an inventory of the items in the room, types and sizes of cartons needed, padding, and items that will be taken care of by the movers. Also, be sure to include everything on the ceilings and walls that you will take with you! A checklist will help you stay organized while packing, and give you a sense of accomplishment as you mark items off the list.

Garage and Storage

Start packing the items that you are less likely to use prior to the move. If you have a favorite hobby such as weight-lifting or sewing, you can pack everything associated with these first. In your garage and storage area you might have lawn equipment and garden tools, bicycles, four-wheelers, a wheelbarrow, exercise equipment, etc. You name it, it's probably somewhere in the garage! To tackle the garage and storage areas first is to climb the steepest hill in your packing experience because there are so many odd shapes and items to pack.

First, bundle together any tools with long handles, brooms, mops, etc., neatly wrapping them with shipping wrap for safe travel. Remove attachments for power tools and pack them separately.

If you have a grill, clean and dry it thoroughly before the move. Remove any loose parts and pack them separately. Be sure to dispose of charcoal and grease.

For equipment or outdoor furniture, remove hardware and store it in labeled bags or boxes. Secure any attached items that can move around. Drain lawn mowers and weedeaters of any gas or oil before moving. For outdoor vehicles and very large items such as a riding mower, motor scooter, hot tub or swing set, contact your movers for details on how these items will be moved.

Office

Electronics such as televisions and computers need special care while moving. They are sensitive to bumps on the road as well as moisture. If you have the original packing materials such as the box and Styrofoam edging, use this for packing. If not, you might have to fit it on a crate labeled "extremely fragile." Office furniture should be dismantled if possible. Pack important office papers in a dry, safe place.

For computers and related equipment, be sure to detach connecting wires, trays, feeders, etc. Remove cartridges and ink trays from your printers. Store your cables in labeled bags for easy reconnection. Use well-cushioned boxes for packing speakers and trays. Just in case - back up your important computer files before packing it!

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

The bedrooms will have a little bit of everything to pack, including clothing, shoes, sheets and spreads, knick-knacks and furniture. Pack all the items you don't need to use first. Clothing can be placed in wardrobe cartons with the hangers. Folded clothing should be packed neatly in suitcases or cartons lined with clean paper. Hats can be packed in their original boxes or in a moving carton. If you don't have the original boxes for your hats, stuff tissue paper inside the crown of each hat to keep it intact.

Jewelry and other valuables should be removed from drawers and packed in luggage that can be carried with you during the move. Bedding, towels and linens should be placed in a protective plastic bag and packed neatly in a carton. Be sure every item is completely dry before packing.

Mattresses can be packed in a mattress carton, while pillows can be packed in smaller cartons either with your linens or in a separate carton. Curtains and drapes can be packed in moving cartons along with your linens.You can leave large area rugs for the movers to get as the last items. This way, your rugs will be the first in unloading so other furniture can be placed on top of the rugs.

In the bathroom, you'll have lots of small items such as deodorant, hairspray, etc. If moving to a foreign country, you will probably have to dispose of these. If packing these items, be sure to pack them with the lids tightly secured and taped to prevent spraying or spilling during travel. Also, be sure your shower curtain and bath rugs are completely dry before packing.

Living Room

Your living room will likely have items such as small tables, lamps, pictures or paintings, rugs, knick-knacks and large furniture. First, check with your mover to see if they can shrink wrap your upholstered furniture before moving. Secure lamps in a padded, safe container; remove lamp shades and pack them separately. Also, remove light bulbs before packing lamps. Fragile portraits, artwork and mirrors should be wrapped in moving cartons made specifically for mirrors. For very valuable items, consider crating them for extra precaution.

Large fragile items such as chandeliers, glass tables, pianos or statues should be handled by the movers if possible. Contact them prior to moving, and ask about these items in advance.

Kitchen and Dining Room

The kitchen and dining room require tedious planning. Make sure you have plenty of newspaper or tissue wrap for padding when packing your dishes and other fragile items. Glass and ceramic items should be wrapped individually with paper tucked inside them for extra padding. Plastic bowls, pans and other odd-shaped items can usually be stacked in moving cartons with some padding protection around them.

For small appliances such as coffee makers, cabinet-top grills, can openers or food processors, detach all loose lids and cords before packing. Drain of any water and completely dry these beforehand as well. Only pack non-perishable food items. If you're moving to a foreign country, you might throw all food out due to the long trip and various regulations to be safe.

Kitchen furnishings, cabinets and tables should be packed with other furniture. Check with your mover about the larger items.

Tip: If you want to go ahead and pack all your dishes and silverware, use paper or plastic for your last few meals!

Utility appliances should be packed carefully as these can be damaged easily during a move. If you're not sure how to prepare these for moving, contact a professional technician for help.

Every room can be tackled using the tips above - one at a time. You'll have your entire home "ready to go" before you realize it!