The best way to pack is to have someone else do it for you. Realistically, this isn't an option after about the age of 10. So what's the best way to go about packing your life into boxes? First off, pare down.

Get rid of your macrame wall hanging, the recliner that still smells like grandma's house, your unused Pilates DVD and other items you've been meaning to donate for the last year. If it's questionable, get rid of it. You can always get another, if you find you made a mistake.

Make a schedule, with plenty of time left in advance of your moving day. Ideally, you can start a month before your moving day. Realistically, you can offer free pizza and beer to friends when you beg them to come over and help you for 2 frantic days before the move.

Get some boxes, newspaper and a sharpie - all packing essentials Make lists of what you pack into each box. And of course, clearly mark on the box what room the items within the box belong in.

It's also a great time to inventory your most valuable items. Write down descriptions and any corresponding serial numbers. Take photos or videos of them as well. This will help if you ever have to make an insurance claim. Fingers crossed it's not a claim on your movers insurance.