Moving Tips

Moving is one of life’s most bittersweet moments.  The excitement of a new home or even a new city, having to leave a home behind or start a new school and make new friends….and then there’s the packing.  Most people dread this portion of the move, but doing it well is important in a successful transition.  You’ve worked hard to aquire your possessions and need to ensure that they make it to their new home in one piece.

Here are a few helpful tips for boxing it all up:

• Start early!  Packing well takes time, so don’t procrastinate.  The average household packing time is 1 month.
• Pack a suitcase for each family member with essentials as if they were going on holiday for 3 days.  This will help you be prepared for those first chaotic days in the new home.
• Make a list:  Create a record keeping system for tracking items and start writing everything down.  You’ll be so thankful you did when it comes to finding that one item you need when you arrive!  Number every box and itemize what it’s each.
• Make sure you have enough packing materials:  Trust me, you will need more than you think when it comes to boxes, packing tape and packing paper.  Use packing paper/unprinted newspaper or bubble wrap as printed newspaper can stain items.  The great thing about too many cardboard boxes is that you can recycle the leftovers or even return purchased ones for a refund.  Let me reiterate….have LOTS of boxes and save some for last minute moving day items that can’t be packed until you are ready to leave.
• Take pictures!  A cell phone comes in super handy….take photos of how your cables for electronics are set up.
• When it comes to breakables especially, don’t leave unused space in the box where things can shift around, bang and break.  Fill it with extra balled up paper or even grocery bags.
• Individually wrap stemware and china and ensure each piece and layer is well cushioned.  Silver can be nested together and wrapped.
• Moving companies should have special wardrobe cartons which will allow you to keep clothes on hangers.
• Be cautious when packing books as a book box becomes very heavy very quickly!  Lay the books flat and alternate spines and open sides.
• When it comes to weight be aware of just how heavy each box is getting.  This makes moving not only easier on the person doing it, but will prevent bottoms of boxes coming undone and possibly breaking a lot of precious cargo.  Keep each box below 50 lbs, and below 30 when possible.
• Wrap glass and mirrors extremely well.  Always move them on their edge, and do not lay flat.
• If you have hired a moving company, ensure you have a system in place so that the movers will know which boxes go in which room.  Color coordinated stickers for box/room can be helpful as can very clear labels on the boxes.

The moving checklist goes on and on….and on….we would be happy to help with more tips or to help you find a reputable mover.  Take care of your cargo!