Moving Tips

When it comes to moving, packing can be the most stressful part of the whole process, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  Listed below are a few tips to help you get organized and reduce the stresses of packing and moving your items.

To make sure that your packing goes smoothly, the first thing that you want to do is make sure that you have plenty of packing supplies.  There is nothing worse than having to stop in the middle of packing to run out and purchase more boxes or tape.  The typical packing supplies that you will need are:

·         Plenty of boxes (be sure to set boxes aside for last minute items, such as clothing or bedding)

·         Packing tape

·         Bubble wrap or unprinted news-print or packing paper

It is usually better to prepare yourself with extra supplies, anything that is unused can be returned to the store after packing.

Pack one room at a time, that way everything in that room stays in the same boxes.

Start packing up items as soon as you find out that you will be moving.  By doing this it helps alleviate the stress of feeling rushed and packing at the last minute.  Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day.  

Utilize wardrobe boxes.  These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging.

Color coordinate or mark the boxes with numbers to designate which room the boxes belong in.  Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room. This will help the movers know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination.

Carefully wrap all fragile items in either bubble wrap or packing paper.  Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no unfilled spaces. Add two or three inches of crushed paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier.   Be sure to mark FRAGILE on boxes that contain breakable items.

If possible, pack electronics back in the original boxes that were bought in.  If you do not still have the purchased boxes, be sure to wrap the items in bubble wrap or packing paper.

Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable; generally boxes that are less than 50 lbs are safer to move. If possible, put heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry.