Moving to a new home can be a double-edged sword. While you're gripped with
the excitement of embarking on a new adventure and all the perks your new home
promises, you also have to work out the logistics of fitting your entire life
into a bunch of boxes and hauling them to a new location. But don't worry.
Moving can be easy and even fun. You just have to know how to pack it all in.
Below are a several tips we've come up with to help you put things in their
place. Check it out - it's a short, highly practical and easy-to-read list
because we know you've got a lot of work to do.
How to Pack your Life in a Box in 8 Easy Steps:
1. Start with the Right Supplies
You wouldn't bake a cake without a pan to
put it in, it would be a waste of time. Take the time to get yourself the right
supplies before you begin and packing up will be simpler. If you plan on having
others help you while you're on your packing spree, spring for doubles of
everything. Here's what you'll need:
- Fat black jiffy marker
- Loads of boxes (more on this later)
-
Newspaper, paper destined for the recycling or plain packing paper
- Paper
towels
- Rolls of packing tape and a tape gun
- Cling wrap
- Masking
tape
2. The Right Boxes will Save You
There are two things to know about boxes
when you are packing. First, the bigger the box, the more back-breaking it will
be to lift when it's full. And second, boxes that are the same size and shape
will stack better and faster. With these two things in mind, look for
medium-sized boxes that won't kill you if they're full of books and find a good
source of same-sized boxes. Don't weaken on either of these points. If you plan
on collecting boxes for free, start early so your collection will be large
enough to hold all your possessions. If you can't start early - just buy them.
3. Keep it Light
Aim for about 40 lbs maximum when you're loading your
boxes
4. Label Label Label
With your fat black jiffy marker in hand, make your
life easier and your movers more helpful by writing the final destination of the
box on the top (ie: master bedroom) and the general contents of the box on the
side.
4. The Soft Touch
Wrap all your breakables up in a cushiony layer of
softness to keep them in one piece during the move. Newspaper will work fine for
most things. If you don't want to get newsprint on your dishes and glassware
though, use towels or plain packing paper. Glasses can be wrapped in paper
towels - these can be reused when it comes time to wash the windows and mirrors
at your new home. Use blankets and quilts to wrap up picture frames, mirrors and
other large sheets of glass.
5. Make it Stick
Use enough tape to keep your boxes from spilling their
guts during the move.
6. The Magic of Static Cling
Cling wrap can be a miracle tool when it
comes to packing your things. Use it to secure items in open containers or trays
so they tiny treasures don't get lost in transit. Cling wrap also does wonders
for securing oddly shaped items to each other.
7. Avoid the Rush
Ok, you might not be able to avoid the rush entirely,
but starting to pack one or two months in advance of your big move certainly
helps. Setting aside a room or an area in your home to store the boxes that are
ready to go will make getting them in the truck much easier on moving day.
8. Build an Oasis
Though it might seem obvious, it's easy to get carried
away and start packing things you and your family are still using. To minimize
the chaos, create a "don't pack" area before moving day where you can keep
things you'll need to use right before and right after the move - items like
toothbrushes, towels, keys, wallets, medicines, cell phone etc. When it's time
to go, pack these things into "unpack first" boxes so you can have a modicum of
sanity and comfort when you arrive at your new home.
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