If doing your own packing, here's a checklist of supplies you'll need:

1. Boxes, boxes, boxes! You can buy these from most storage and removal places but you can also get your own. Start collecting early-you'd be surprised how many you'll need. The more you can collect beforehand, the better. They may take up space but they're a great money-saver. Note that professional moving companies have an extensive range of boxes for clothes, dishes, CD's, pictures and mattresses.

2. For clothing, best to purchase large garment boxes. They have sturdy crossbars across the top so you can hang your suits, dresses, coats, etc.

3. Thick tipped marker pens to write on boxes

4. Clear plastic bags are great for small stuff and you can easily identify their contents. 

5. Packing tape-you can't have too much. Don't forget to tape the box bottoms. 

6. Masking tape is excellent for labelling or securing covers around larger items. 

7. Rope or cord for tying up cords and boxes and framed items. 

8. Labels help you and the movers unload boxes to the right room. Use coloured labels to instantly identify each box.  

9. Foam infill sheets or pieces, newspaper, paper towels or bubble wrap.

10. Small tools, like hammer or screwdriver, for disassembly. 

11. A notepad to record and colour-code what you packed. Keep this with your important documents.