It can be devastating when you pack a beloved keepsake only to open the box later to discover that it's broken into 6 different pieces. Make sure your household items arrive safe and sound by using these expert packing tips.

Dishes

When packing dishes, use white china wrap. Wrap each dish individually, and remove any extra space so they won't move around in the box. Use a dish box, which is a thicker, sturdier box made to protect fragile pieces like dishes.

Flat-Screen TV

When you prepare to pack your flat-screen TV, wrap the corners with Styrofoam. Put the TV in the box by itself. It's best to pack the cable, remotes, accessories, and stand in a separate box so that they don't have the opportunity to move around and damage your TV. Again, use a double-walled box to lend extra protection, and be sure to fill all the extra space with paper or foam filler.

Clothes

Use wardrobe-style boxes to pack your clothes in. These boxes are double-corrugated to provide extra strength and protection. They have a metal rod to hang your clothes on, keeping them in great condition so you don't have to re-wash or iron them once you arrive at your destination. Most wardrobe boxes provide a front access panel so you can get to your clothes easily. The built-in handles make these boxes easy to carry.

Picture frames

It is best to let professional movers handle your precious picture frames, as well as your mirrors. Broken glass isn't just dangerous, it can move around and damage your other household items. If a picture frame breaks, it can damage or destroy sentimental photos that are irreplaceable.

Miscellaneous Garage Items

When packing miscellaneous items from your garage, use plastic or rubber bins or other heavy-duty tubs. Pack all of your hardware (nuts, bolts, nails, etc.) inside puncture-proof containers and seal the lids with tape. If you have sharp tools like axes, hammers, or chisels, cover the sharp edge with tape and pack them separately in a toolbox or a bin. Empty the fuel out of your lawnmowers and other equipment before transporting them.

Barbecue Grills

When moving your barbecue grill, clean it first and remove the propane tank. Remove loose parts like the grill racks and briquettes and pack those separately. Shrink wrap the grill so that none of the parts move or get the opportunity to incur damage during transport. Cover it with a thick moving blanket to prevent it from getting scratched.

Bathroom Items

Sort your bathroom items and pack them in small- or medium-sized boxes. Anything liquid that can potentially spill (e.g., shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, liquid soap, etc.) should be sealed in a Ziploc bag before packing. It's a good idea to throw away anything that can be cheaply and easily replaced when you get to your location, such as old toilet brushes and half-empty bottles of cleaning supplies.

You can use your towels and washcloths as box-fillers to help fill in any extra space in your boxes. Medicine and first-aid items should be packed at the top where they are easily accessible. Make sure you mark the boxes, so you can get to them quickly if you need to.

Rugs

Rugs should be cleaned, free of debris, and dry. Roll them up as tightly as you can, starting with the short end. Secure the roll with twine, and then protect the ends of the roll. Wrap the ends with Styrofoam and tape it into place to prevent them from getting damaged.

Your move can be a successful one if you take the time to follow these tips for packing your household items. Avoid the stress and expense of broken or damaged belongings by using the correct types of boxes and securing your items with the suggestions presented here.