Use right boxes, and pack them carefully

Professional moving companies use only sturdy, reinforced cartons. The boxes you can get at your neighborhood supermarket or liquor store might be free, but they are not nearly as strong or padded, and so can't shield your valuables as well from harm in transit.

Use sheets, blankets, pillows and towels to separate pictures and other fragile objects from each other and sides of carton. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked.

Be sure to point out to your mover boxes in which you've packed fragile items, especially if those items are exceptionally valuable. The mover will advise you whether those valuables need to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes.

The heavier item, smaller box it should occupy. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift carton easily, it's too heavy. Label your boxes, especially one containing sheets and towels, so you can find everything you need first night in your new home.

For your family's safety and comfort

Teach your children your new address. Let them practice writing it on packed cartons. You can lighten your load and reduce any storage space you need to rent by hosting a garage or yard sale.

Less is more

If you're new to investing or real estate and don't know first thing about interest rates, here's a good tip: higher interest rate, more expensive it's going to be. High interest rates mean you will have to pay back more on money you borrow. Another good rule of thumb is that affordability increases if you use an adjustable rate mortgage (it's easier to qualify this way). Of course, there will be a wide range of prices that you can choose from, depending on what kind of financing you choose.

Not even Fed knows for sure