When it comes time to move, there are about one million things you have to think about. Moving small and breakable items can be a tedious and/or nerve wrecking part of the moving experience, because it is just so easy for something to break or go missing. By following these six tips, it’ll ensure that your small treasures make it to your new home safely.

1. Do NOT Rush

The biggest mistake that anyone can make when packing is rushing through any part of the process, but this is especially true when it comes to packing small and breakable items. Since these types of items are not usually absolutely necessary to have around, consider packing them up as soon as you know you’re going to move. This will give you plenty of time to pack each item with the care that is needed.

2. Inventory

It is a good idea to take an inventory of all your items, but smaller items it becomes even more key. You’ll notice if you lose something like a big screen television, but if you lose a small, sentimental item you may not notice until months and months after the move is complete.

3. Special Packaging

For expensive items, especially glassware, it can be a good idea to consider getting boxes that are created for just the purpose of transporting these types of items. It is a small added cost that adds a significant amount of protection to the items during the process of the move.

4. Tissue Paper

Use bright colored tissue paper to wrap smaller items in the box, so that they don’t accidentally get thrown away in the process of unpacking. Even if you don’t pack all of your items in tissue paper due to the added expense, bright colored tissue paper will stick out from cheaper/free packing materials like newspapers and old magazines.

5. Write Specifics on the Outside of the Box

If you are really concerned about losing items in the boxes, list all of the items that are in the box on the outside of the box. Although be careful with this tip, because listing expensive items on the outside of boxes may encourage outside theft.

6. Fill the Box Completely

To prevent boxes from collapsing from the weight of boxes stacked on top of them, fill each box completely. For boxes holding non-cubic items this means filling up empty corners and areas with extra packing material. Make sure to do this on the bottom as well as the top of the box.