Perhaps you've heard the adage, "Don't move improve." Both moving and improving are stressful, but improving most of the time is far less expensive.

Moving involves such expenses as sales commissions, termite repairs, home inspection repairs closing costs, and personalizing the new home (window coverings, fencing, carpeting, etc.). Then there's the cost of moving everything from the old residence to the new. Moving can cost as much as 2 percent to 4 percent of the selling price of your home a sizable chunk.

But, if you must move, renting a moving van can save you plenty.

Before discussing how to properly pack a moving van, we want to touch on the impact moving can have on your family. A major moving company, based on a nationwide survey of child psychiatrists, recommends that you:

1) Discuss the moving process with your children.
2) Provide an address book for them to record friends' addresses and phone numbers.
3) Allow them to visit their new home before the move, if possible.
4) Let them visit their new school before the move.
5) Involve them in the move by letting them pack or sort their belongings.
6) Let them help in the planning of their new rooms in advance of the move.
And, don't forget your pets. According to one moving company, pets are easily moved if certain precautions are taken:

1) Make sure your pet is comfortable riding in the car.
2) Plan a few advance outings, especially for dogs, to help the pet adjust.
3) See your veterinarian before moving. Obtain a copy of your pet's medical history and carry those records with you. Ask your veterinarian if your pet should be given a sedative for moving day.
4) Don't feed your pet just before departure. Feed it at least several hours before beginning the trip. Provide light meals en route.
5) Confine your pet to a carrier while traveling. This is especially recommended for cats and small dogs.

Packing is a simple function of putting things in well marked boxes and loading them into the moving van in a way that maintains even weight distribution. Fragile items should be placed in safe locations and light stuff goes on top. Many moving vans have an area over the cab that is an ideal spot for fragile things like china, stereos and VCRs.

Usually, the heaviest appliances are the refrigerator, washer and dryer. A more balanced load will result if the washer and dryer are placed on the side opposite the refrigerator and as far to the front of the truck as possible. Mattresses should be placed against side walls, and desks, dressers and other easily damaged furniture should be placed front-side against them. The furniture holds the mattresses in place while the mattress protects the furniture from being damaged during the move. Usually, tie-downs are located on the side walls of a moving van. Use them to secure the load. Ask the rental clerk for advice on how to use the tie-downs and how to tie knots that will hold, yet will be easy to untie.

Finally, stack boxes that are similar in size and weight. A small, lightweight box underneath a large heavy one can mean crushed goods at the journey's end. Load lightweight, irregularly shaped items on top of the rest of the load. And make sure to pack a special box with the tools and other essentials you'll need when you arrive at your destination. Load it last so that it can be unloaded first.