According to the Employee Relocation Council, moving is the third most stressful event in life, following death and divorce. Packing and unpacking an entire life’s worth of possessions can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you are moving for the first time and don’t know what to expect. We have all heard the horror stories about incompetent movers, stolen and broken items and other nail-biting disasters that could convince anyone to forego moving. Despite these terrifying tales, nearly one-sixth of all Americans, an estimated 43 million people, move each year. Here are a few helpful tips and trick to ensure that your move will be smooth and painless.
Start packing as soon as you find out that you’re moving.
Keep a careful inventory of each and every item being packed. Make a thorough list of your possessions and which boxes they are being stored in. Assign each box a number and, beside each item on the list, place its corresponding box number.
Label each box with your name and your address. You can write directly on the box or, to make it even easier, print out large computer labels and stick them to the box.
Keep like items together. This will make it easier to designate a room for the box and ensures that unpacking will be easier.
Use clean newsprint paper to pack small and fragile items. Old newspapers also work, but the ink may rub off onto your items.
Pack all boxes to capacity. Boxes that are under-filled are more likely to be crushed, while boxes that are overfilled can tear or fall apart.
Don’t make the boxes too heavy to lift.
Reinforce the bottom of each box with at least one strip of packing tape.
Use professional packing tape. Masking tape isn’t strong enough to support fully packed cartons.
In each carton, the heavier items should be placed at the bottom and the lighter items on top to prevent damage.
Wrap very small items in brightly colored tissue so they won’t get lost.
Place your electronics and other valuables in their original boxes, if they are still available.
Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels and paper goods.
Clothes can often be left on hangers and hung in special wardrobe cartons. These boxes are also perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows and blankets.
Tape screws, bolts and other loose items to the underside of your furniture.
Check your homeowner’s insurance to see how you are covered during the move and if you need additional insurance from the mover.
Professional moving companies are required to inspect each box they load into their trucks for liability reasons. A professional moving company will advise you on whether boxes need to be repacked or are not packed properly.
Write “open first” on cartons containing essential items such as cooking utensils and toiletries.
If you are moving locally, you might want to leave your pets with a friend during moving day. Animals can become confused and frightened during a move.
If you are planning to move your plants with you, spray them with water and put them into black plastic bags just before you move. Don’t forget to leave them an open space for fresh air.
Post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want the boxes stacked to keep them away from high traffic areas.
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Alexis
4 November 2008
Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas
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