MOVING TIPS

Ways To Make Your Move Go Smoother

Moving—it’s every household’s least favorite job. There’s no escaping the upheaval and hard work ahead, but with planning and preparation, you can make your next move your smoothest ever. Here are a few tips.

Don’t Skimp on Supplies — Gather what you’ll need to do the job right. For the average household, this will include:

• Moving boxes (in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes)
• Wardrobe boxes
• Newsprint paper
• Bubble wrap and/or packing peanuts
• Permanent markers
• Sealing tape and tape gun
• Blank labels
• Box cutters and spare blades

De-Clutter — Don’t even think of packing and moving junk you never use. Have a yard sale, donate to thrift stores and feed a dumpster until your household is down to the stuff worth keeping. You shouldn’t pack flammable liquids/aerosols, paint, batteries, pesticides and other dangerous items, so give them away or take them to your local hazardous waste site for proper disposal.

Have a Plan — Consider all your belongings and what possessions you could do without the longest—off-season clothing and sports equipment, for example—and pack those items first. Also decide which order you’ll pack up the rooms. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for moving day. Imagine how much time you’ll think you’ll need, and then add 50% more.

Record What’s Inside — On the outside of every box, write its contents and what room it belongs in. Mark this information on one side and the top of each box. Also number each box and keep a written record of the contents as you pack. This will smooth your re-entry into life at your new home, as you’ll be able to find what you need even before you’re fully unpacked.

Pack Tightly — Things break when they rattle around inside a box. Pack tightly to save space and prevent breaking.

Keep It Logical — Items that go together should be packed together.  Pairs of shoes. Pots and their lids. Computer and cables. Hanging hardware and picture frames (just tape the hangers to the back of the frame). Also, avoid losing loose knobs and furniture parts by removing them, placing them in a plastic lock-top bag and taping it to the item it belongs to. Also, if you take furniture apart for the move, keep the nuts and bolts in an attached plastic bag.

Designate an “Open Me First” Box — Save a box or two for essentials that you’ll want right away at the new location, such as a few cooking utensils, a telephone and phone cable, extension cords, sheets and towels, etc.

Keep Important Papers Together — Don’t send important papers—birth certificates, passports, medical records, etc.—with the moving van. Keep them in a folder with you as you travel to your new home, along with jewelry and other expensive and/or irreplaceable small items.

Use Empty Spaces — Don’t let luggage, storage chests and ottomans travel empty. Fill them with pillows and other soft, bulky items. You can keep clothing and other lightweight contents inside dresser drawers unless your belongings are going into storage between moves.

Pack Cleaning Supplies Last — You’ll need your vacuum, mop, broom and other equipment and supplies for your final housecleaning, so make these items the final things you pack. This helps on the other end, too, because whatever goes into the moving van last comes out first and you’ll probably want to do some touch-up cleaning in the new house before moving in.

Prepare for a Smooth Landing – Make arrangements before your move for your utilities—phone, electric, gas, cable, etc.—to be activated at your new home. It’ll feel more like home if you’re not sitting in the dark or taking cold showers!