Packing your house, apartment or business for a move is a huge job. If you've decided to forgo the services of a professional moving company for the packing process, you will need to know what to pack first for your big move. By packing in the proper order, you won't find yourself opening packed boxes to use things before you move. Before you even get ready to pack anything, you need to have the right supplies on hand, which include:

• Bubble wrap

• Newspaper

• Scissors

• Labels

• Marking Pens

• Packing Tape

• Padding Supplies

• Boxes in different sizes

If you don't have the right supplies, make sure you gather them together first.

Holiday Decorations

One of the first things you can get packed and out of the way are holiday decorations. Unless they are displayed because you are moving during the holidays, these are items you won't need. They can be packed and put in storage until it's time to move.

Books and DVDs

Next, you can start packing your books and DVDs. You may want to leave out a few to enjoy before you actually move, but most of your collection can be packed away. Make sure to use smaller boxes for packing books as they can become rather heavy in larger boxes.

Collectible and Knick Knacks

As much as you may enjoy your collections and your knick knacks, they are not vital to your survival between now and the day you move. They can all be carefully packed in labeled boxes until moving day.

Winter/Summer Clothing

If you're moving in the summer, you can pack up your winter clothing early in the process. Those moving in the winter can pack up summer clothing. You won't need out of season clothing, so you can get it packed away and ready for the big day.

Clothing can even be used as padding if you want to wrap collectibles or other items in it. This is a great way to protect your belongings and save a little bit on packing supplies.

Other Seasonal Items

Any other seasonal items you won't need until after you move can be packed away. This may include lawnmowers, snow blowers, bikes, beach umbrellas, etc.

Wall Decor and Pictures

You may not want to pack your wall decor and pictures because they make your house a home, but they can be packed early in the process. Not only will it save you time later on, but it will also help you detach from your current home.

Anything Else you can do without

Early in the packing process, you can pack up anything you won't need until you get into your new home. It's smart to start packing many weeks in advance to spread it out and make it less overwhelming. Start with anything you know you will not need until you arrive at your new home.

Use these tips to help with starting the packing process. By getting a few boxes packed up every week, you will make the final few days before your move much easier. Of course, if you want to take all the stress out of the process, you can use an affordable moving company to pack, move and unpack your items.