The idea is when you're moving you need to pack your personal items like your clothes, shoes and other items the way you would when you're going on a trip, with just a little more allowance for space.   For one, your shoes should be ideally packed inside their original boxes, which allows them to have their own cushion of protection and will help them keep their shape and form during transit.   Also, your clothes should be neatly packed in suitcases - one for each person - so that your suitcases double up as storage instead of just having to bundled up with everything else. In addition, suitcases are much more appropriate storage for your clothes, and sill allow you greater and much more convenient access to them, which is especially important in long distance moves where a day won't be enough.   Another tip that might help you when you're packing your personal things is to try and evaluate whether the things you have, you also need. The point is to get rid of any excess items that you might have accumulated over the years - which is normal for most people. So discard, sell, or danate these items instead of wasting time and money bringing them along.