Tips on Packing
1. Sort and
weed: Before you start thinking about
whether or not you will use a moving company, the entire family may want to
engage in a Sort and Weed Party. The goal is to reduce the
potential load as much as possible. The entire family can objectively
decide what they really will have a need for at the new address.
2. Designated
area: An area in the garage or basement can be
designated as the one location where everyone can slowly store unnecessary
items. When the process is complete, plan and conduct a garage sale.
Anything not sold may be disposed of by inviting friends and relatives to
stop by and take anything they can use. Finally, any items still
remaining can be given to a charitable organization.
3. Deciding on
a professional: It really is a pleasure to have an
experienced professional mover perform the entire task. It can also be
interesting to watch. However, it can be expensive! There is a
charge for each box provided, as well as a separate charge for labor,
usually based on the size of each container.
4. Doing it
yourself: Moving yourself does not have to be a
difficult chore; however, it requires proper supplies, prior planning, and a
whole lot of your time. At least one month ahead of time, begin
packing a few boxes a day. Designate an area in the garage, basement,
or a spare room to store the packed boxes.
5. All the
boxes you need: Obtaining free, sturdy boxes can
be accomplished if you plan ahead. The easiest place to find them is
at the local supermarket or liquor store. These boxes are perfect
since they are constructed for the purpose of carrying heavy loads.
Prior arrangements can and should be made at the stores because usually as
soon as the contents go on the shelves, these boxes are cut and thrown away.
6. Other
essential supplies: You may want to designate a
kitchen table or card table as your work area. Newspaper can be used
as an effective packing material; however, certain precautions must be made
since the ink will smudge. Any items that you wish to protect from the
ink may be placed in various-sized plastic bags. Other essential items
that you will want to keep handy at your work area are: twist ties, 2”x3”
plastic tape, a razor blade knife, and a felt-tip marker.
7. Organizing
the boxes: As each box is packed, use your
felt-tip marker to indicate in which room the box will be placed and itemize
the contents. If a professional mover is used, you will want to work
along with them to be sure the contents of each box can be identified.
Remember to itemize on the side of the box, since during the moving process
they will be stacked on top of each other.
8. Moving your
valuables: It is not a good idea to include your
valuables in the shipment of your household goods. It will be much
safer to pack valuables in a suitcase or special box which will
accompany you personally. Do not leave the container unattended.
You will probably wish to include the following items: bank account
statements, currency of any kind, jewelry, precious metals and stones,
valuable documents, coin or stamp collections, insurance policies, medical
and dental records, and school records.
Here’s to a safe and
hassle-free move!
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