When you're ready to change residences, you want to ensure you take plenty of time to pack items properly and securely. It may be easy to think that you can just toss everything you own into boxes you get from the supermarket or a nearby liquor store, but this can mean having many of your items ruined during the move, and it can make moving more stressful overall. Note a few simple but important tips when it comes to packing for your next move.

1. Invest in the right materials

Boxes from a supermarket or liquor store may look roomy, but often they are not secure enough to hold items you'll be moving. The boxes used by suppliers for these stores are often as thin as they can make them, since thicker cardboard may cost more money. If a box is only meant to hold a few heads of lettuce, it's probably not going to hold your collection of CDs or books!

Invest in actual moving boxes, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and other materials that are meant for a move so you know everything stays secure. For a better idea of where to get all these materials, you can contact companies like Absolute Packaging Solutions.

2. Start early

As soon as you know you're going to move, it's time to start packing. You can then take your time to go through your items and dispose of things you no longer need, or make a stack of items you might donate. Then, for items you will take to your new home, you have time to actually wrap and pack them properly.

You can also note what items you might want to keep in storage, such as family heirlooms, vacation souvenirs, and the like. Having the time to pack properly is even more important for items that will stay in long-term storage; you need to use acid-free tissue paper for wrapping clothes and artwork, and should double-box heavy items with plenty of cushioning so you know they'll stay secure for years to come.

3. Separate items you'll need immediately

It's probably not likely that you'll be able to unpack all your belongings on the same day that you move, so separate items you'll need immediately and buy separate packing materials for them. This might be personal hygiene items, makeup, hair care products, and enough outfits or changes of clothes to get you through the first few days after your move. Having these items separated can ensure that you can find them easily and also makes it easier for you to relax and take your time with unpacking, rather than having to tear through boxes to find your toothbrush.