Well, if you're planning to move I'm assuming you have a short timeframe to prepare. So, first thing first: stockpile your home with boxes, boxes, boxes galore. And packing tape! Oh, and some permanent markers to label your boxes. Hmm, better stock up on newspapers and bubble wrap, too. Boxes can be purchased at office supply stores, or you can fend for some free boxes at grocery stores, liquor stores, gas stations, restaurants and really any retail business you can think of. This all unless, of course, you have a packing service. Then, you can just sit back and watch the movers do everything.
Need I even say that moving is the perfect time to get rid of belongings you no longer use or need? Set aside some boxes for donating. Or, better yet, throw a garage sale before you begin the moving process. Whatever you have left after your sale can go straight to charity. Don't overlook Internet sites like craigslist to sell appliances, furniture and even clothing.
I've already mentioned that I really hate moving. It's so much work and it's really hard to pack away your home and not be able to access those belongings. So, in order to avoid packing things you still use I would advise you to plan carefully. Start packing the things you hardly ever use: books, things in storage (which should sort of already be "packed"), extra office supplies, off-season clothing, random and hardly ever used tools, movies and CDs, and old keepsakes are good places to start. From there, go in phases as your moving date gets closer and closer. Start cleaning as you go to avoid a last minute cleaning frenzy. The last things you should pack are: daily toiletries and supplies, a few days worth of clothing and shoes, cleaning supplies (you have to leave your place clean, right?) and a few plates and glasses, etc. Think about what you use most often and go down a list until you figure out what in your home you use least often and pack according to that.
If it helps you to go room by room, I would suggest that. Start in your storage room and make sure everything is securely packed and ready for the moving truck. Work from there. I like to create a task list with specific tasks I need to accomplish and then prioritize each task into a chronological order to complete.
When it comes to packing, do pack appropriately and efficiently. Your unpacking efforts will flow seamlessly if you pack each box pertaining to one specific room. It is incredibly helpful to be very detailed when labeling boxes. If you are hiring packers make sure that you supervise this and be up front about your labeling expectations -- trust me, you don't want to be searching for your bedding and have it end up in the box labeled "pots & pans."
When it comes to unpacking I would highly suggest sticking to one room at a time. Unpack just like you packed, so you put away the items you use most often followed by your belongings used least often. This will help you get into your new home and find commonly used items without rummaging for them.
Quick Tips:
• Schedule, confirm and RE-CONFIRM your moving truck/moving company
• Obtain extra (times 10) boxes, rolls of tape and packing materials. You will run out!
• Get some easy to move snacks and water bottles for the day of your move
• Prepare an extra large cooler and ice or cold packs to put your perishables in during the move (do this last) -- only do this if you're moving close by
• Make alternate accommodations for your pet(s) the day of your move -- see if you can pawn the kids off on a friend or relative, too
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When going grocery shopping, it's always recommended to have a list to check off to make sure you get everything you need. The same applies to packing supplies that you'll need to buy for moving your home. Here is a handy list of supplies you'll need to purchase:
ReplyDeleteBoxes
* Small box- These are usually 17x12x12 in size. These are great boxes for packing heavy items such as books and files or for small items like cds and dvds.
* Medium box- These are usually 18x18x16 in size. These are the most versatile size boxes you can buy because of the ability to pack the majority of your goods in it. It is also a size that most people can see over and carry comfortably.
* Large box- These are usually 18x18x24 in size. These boxes can be used for larger, bulky items such as blankets, pillows, electronics, speakers, etc.
* Wardrobe box- These boxes will be around 24x21x46 in size. They are used for moving clothes straight from hangers in the closet onto the bar inside of the box. Some stores sell the bar separately so make sure to purchase it if you're going to be using the box for hanging your clothes in it.
http://www.boxyourstuff.com/
i havent moved since two years and i have forgotten how it feels!
ReplyDeleteThose are some great suggestions! Do you have any on where to get boxes? I found this site called usedcardboardboxes.com that looks good, but wanted to see if you had any suggestions. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking for boxes to purchase, check with moving companies, UPS/mailing companies, boxyourstuff.com (left a comment above), office supply stores generally have a good stockpile.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise if you're looking for freebies, check out pretty much any retail store: gas station, liquor store, grocery store, anywhere that serves food and alcohol (branch out from just restaurants -- golf courses, schools, etc.) and check out your local book store.
Hope that helps!
Boxes are very useful, we can use it for multipurpose way,its save our money and time too, thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that moving creates panic and is very stressful until its over. Thanks for sharing those lovely tips that will help a lot for those who wants to shift their home and offices.
ReplyDeleteYou know your stuff, Ali! As a military brat I can attest to the importance of being organized when moving. Also important: price. Cheap moving companies are hard to come by,but US-1 Van Lines fits the bill.
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