If you need boxes and packing supplies, you might want to purchase them as part of your contract with your moving company. Otherwise, check out local supermarkets, janitorial supply stores and club warehouses. Many of these establishments will give away their empty boxes if you show up when inventory is being unpacked. Ask friends or coworkers who've recently moved whether they'd like you to cart away and recycle their boxes. To purchase moving supplies online, try U-Haul, which will take your order electronically and deliver a complete package of boxes, bubble wrap and masking tape right to your front door. (There is a shipping charge.)

Don't forget to pack a use-right-away kit of paper plates, plastic cups, bathroom tissue, aspirin, prescription medicines, telephone numbers and other necessities. You'll also want a personal suitcase for each person containing clothing, toiletries and other immediate-use items. Put kit and suitcases aside where they won't get mixed up with boxes destined for moving van. On moving day, take kit and suitcases, along with any particularly precious or valuable items, with you in your personal vehicle.

More information about packing is available on moving company and other Web sites, including Allied Van, NorthAmerica Van Lines, Move Doctor and Art of Moving. One of best resources is MoversNet from U.S. Postal Service. This site offers step-by-step instructions to pack everything from air conditioners and artwork to televisions and washing machines. There are even some humorous hints about how to pack a hippopotamus.

Finally, remember that some things simply shouldn't be moved with your household goods. Dispose of paint, solvents, insecticides, motor oil and other hazardous or inflammable materials before you move. Give them away to your neighbors or take advantage of a local hazardous materials drop-off event. If you suspect something might be dangerous, use your better judgment and don't pack it.

Don't neglect inside of your old house. Vacated homes always look awful; that's inevitable. From furniture leg indentations to dust to scuffs and various debris, it won't be a pretty sight after movers have finished their job. Now it's your job to vacuum, dust and leave your old home in presentable condition. You may even want to hire a local maid service to clean house before its new owners arrive. Sure, it's money out of your pocket, but it's a generous and extremely considerate act. With any luck, previous owners of your new home have shown you same regard.

Before moving day arrives, you should have asked yourself for whom you made duplicate copies of your house key. With any luck, new owners will change locks and have new keys made for safety reasons. But if they don't, and your teenage son gave his buddy a spare key that was never returned, new owners could have a problem - particularly if house is left vacant for any period before new owners take possession.

A word to all pet owners: During your move, you'll need to keep Fido and Fluffy confined to a separate room away from commotion. Better yet, find a trusted friend or family member with whom your beloved pet can bunk until you're ready to have him join you in your new residence. Even if your pets are typically well-behaved, they could easily escape during move; or they could be easily frightened by unusual level of activity and presence of strangers. Dogs who are usually friendly could turn on your movers.

And speaking of your movers, you'd be wise to have some basic refreshments ready for your trusty crew. We're not talking lobster and champagne (although if you went this route, you wouldn't be met with protest) - soda and ice water are very much appreciated, especially during this time of year, when movers have to withstand blistering summertime temperatures.

If you're moving during winter months, keep a thermos of hot coffee and some paper cups on hand. I happen to know a very nice customer who picked up hamburgers for her moving crew, but that's going above and beyond. If your movers showed up on time and have done a terrific job, however, there's nothing wrong with showing a little gratitude beyond your standard tip, which averages about $25 per crew member.

If you were lucky enough to convince your friends or family members to help you move without aid of bribery, you should express your gratitude on moving day by treating them to a nice dinner, or at very least, digging into your own pocket to spring for a pizza. Once again, a little benevolence goes a long way, and should you assist them in their own moves someday, you'll hope they'll do same.

Published: September 14, 2000