Tips for Packing Wisely
So it’s time to pack for your relocation. You put it off, a sinking feeling springing up every time you consider the long, dreadful process of packing all your belongings. You’re wondering how you will ever get it all done, and where-oh-where should you start?
Take a deep breath and read the following tips.
Get Started
Try not to put off the packing process until a week before you’re supposed to move. There are plenty of items you don’t use on a daily basis that can be packed up several weeks in advance. Head out to the garage, for example, to pack the tools and games, or pack the good china that’s only used at Thanksgiving and Christmas. First, though, you’ll need supplies. You can get good, strong boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and packing peanuts at moving and truck-rental companies, or most office supply stores. You’ll also need permanent markers and newspaper, linens, cushions, and even clothing from around the house that can be used for padding.
Stay Organized
Once you’re getting closer to the move, try to pack room by room. This will help ensure that items from the kitchen aren’t getting mixed up with items from the bedroom, etc. You will also feel a sense of accomplishment when you complete one room, rather than the feeling that you’ll never get it all done when you stand at the end of the hall reflecting on all the rooms that you need to pack.
Label, Label, Label!
To help make the unpacking process go smoothly, you’ll want to be sure that all your boxes are clearly labeled. Pull out those permanent markers and mark each box with a brief description of contents as well as the room in which that box belongs. You can even try color-coding tactics such as placing colorful dots (found at any office supply store) on each box. Choose a color for each room and then make signs for the movers that show which colors go into which rooms. Whatever method you choose, labeling is the key to a smooth relocation.
Tricks of the Trade
The following tricks will really help make things go smoothly:
- Personally transport items of importance or value – family heirlooms, expensive paintings, invaluable documents, etc.
- When you’re unpacking your dishes, or any items that are breakable, unpack them over the box from which they just came. That way, if you drop something, you’ll drop it back into a box of bubble wrap or padding instead of on the hard floor.
- Use clean boxes and unprinted newspaper to avoid covering your belongings with grease and grime.
- Make sure to keep your boxes at a reasonable weight – you don’t want anyone, including movers, breaking their backs over your stuff.
- Especially fragile items should be double-boxed with extra padding.
- Make sure to leave out the items that you and your family will need for the first night. These may include toothbrushes, toothpaste, changes of clothes, towels, soap, plastic utensils and plates, and a first aid kit.
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