You'll be impressed at how a little prep work before moving will produce a smoother shift in between homes. There are some reliable packaging pointers you can heed to take the stress out of moving, but there are other logistics to consider. Start abou ...
Packing Tips
Unless you're a major minimalist, gathering up your valuables for transportation from one house to another is an inconvenience waiting to occur. Luckily, a variety of attempted and real techniques can make it less difficult and assist ensure your products get where you're going undamaged. Whether you'll be moving across town or across the country, keep these dozen "dos" in mind to think inside the box-- er, boxes.
How to Scale down
A relocation is a major opportunity to purge, so why not be rid of all you can live without at your new abode? To make a profit, post on Craigslist or eBay some six weeks prior to moving. Have a garage sale for whatever doesn't get grabbed; anything can be donated to charity or handed out.
Make an "Open First" Box
Moving List
A clear plastic bin or more filled with basics can make moving day and your very first week's modification simpler. Think: box cutter, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, trash bags, minimal pots and pans, dishware and consuming utensils, power strips, phone battery chargers, flashlight, and fundamental tools. Remember must-take medications, a child's favorite toy and/or a pet's preferred bed.
Loading Boxes for Moving
Number all your boxes, identify them with their contents and the space they belong to-- even color-code them for a smoother, speedier action. Assign a color for each room (blue for bedroom, yellow for kitchen, say), and mark each box using colored tape; at the new location, include a piece of colored tape to each matching entrance. This will offer you (and the movers) at-a-glance details on what goes where.
Loading Breakables
Bubble wrap and packaging peanuts are expensive. To cut costs and still safeguard delicate items, more info wrap such breakables as dishes and pottery in tee shirts or towels; slip glass wares and knickknacks into socks; and cover old sheets and blankets around furnishings legs and corners to serve as bumpers. (Benefit idea: Load plates vertically, like files, instead of stacked, to reduce danger of breakage.).
How to Organize a Move.
Put hardware (for, say, drape rods or installing your flat screen) in little clear sandwich bags and tuck into the product's box. If you were lucky sufficient to keep the original boxes for your computer and electronics, pull here them out, re-insert your things, and fit those boxes into other bigger boxes for safe transportation.
How to Arrange Cords.
Snap a photo of any electronics setup so that you'll know quickly which wires go where when you're all set to plug in at the brand-new location. Plus, if you aim to recreate any gallery walls or other decorative plans, shoot those before dismantling.
How to Load for Moving.
Heavier products belong on the bottom of a box, with lighter things put on the top. A full (but not groaning) box is best-- there'll be less scrambling around throughout the move.
Break Down Your Furnishings.
How to Move a Cabinet.
No time to box up cabinets or cabinets? Eliminate drawers and secure the contents in each by covering it with Glad Press 'n Seal cover or sliding the full drawer into a trash bag; then label pieces for moving. (Best for DIY relocations-- moving business may firmly insist on traditional boxes.).
How to Load Clothes for Moving.
In case you forgot to order closet boxes, collect closet products (still on hangers) and slip into big garbage bags and tie drawstring around the hooks.