1. Get rid of things. Consider carefully what you need to keep. People spend hundreds of dollars to move things that will undoubtedly be thrown away some day. It’s not just a matter of the expense, but the hassle too. Moving time is the best time to get rid of the things you really don’t need.

2. Have a yard sale. It’s a good way to get rid of those things, and you might even raise enough money to pay for the move.

3. Use lists. You will forget things, especially if you don’t have a list or two. Start with a list of things to do before the move. It may include getting school documents transferred, filling out change of address forms, returning borrowed books and movies, transferring prescriptions, getting maps, and arranging utility shut offs and start ups.

4. Make the the moving company reservation a month ahead. You wouldn’t want to find out they are booked up on the date you need them.

5. Pack early. It’s hard to say how long it will take until you are doing it. Start early to avoid running around looking for boxes at the last moment.

6. Have an “essentials” box. This will have things to make your arrival easier, like toilet paper, paper plates, soap and such. Pack the box where it is easily accessible.

7. Check weather reports. It’s no fun arriving in a snowstorm with your coat packed away somewhere. Allow for extra moving time if the weather is going to slow down traffic.

8. Notify family and friends of your new address and phone number(s). Do this before you have the phone shut off.

9. Save your receipts. Save receipts for moving expenses, like gas, hotel rooms, and anything else related to the move. Then ask your accountant or tax preparer if you are eligible for a tax deduction for moving expenses.

10. try to re-establish your routines quickly. It helps to quickly re-establish routines in your new home, so if Friday night is movie night, don’t break with tradition. Moving is less traumatic if you have some consistency in daily life. If you are moving with children, this may be one of the more important moving tips.

• Collect all the materials (boxes, tape, paper) you’ll
need to pack.

• Don’t put packing off until the last minute.

• Stay organized!

Here’s a list of the materials you’ll need to pack efficiently:

• Paper for wrapping your items:

Many people collect old newspapers and use them. Just remember that the news ink never dries and will come off on your belongings. If you want to avoid the need to wash everything when you arrive, you can purchase packing paper from your mover.

• Boxes:

You can collect boxes from your local supermarket and other businesses. Select strong boxes in good condition and make sure they have covers. Divided boxes like liquor boxes are great for glasses and stemware.

Your mover can also provide you with boxes especially made for moving. However, these boxes are expensive and you may want to purchase only those which are usually necessary like wardrobes for hanging clothes, mattress cartons, and cartons for large pictures, mirrors and table lamps.

• Sealing Tape – Use plastic tape that’s 1½-2” wide

• Magic Marker – to mark boxes for contents and special instructions like “fragile”, “this side up”, etc.

Now that you have all your materials, you’re ready to start packing! Start as far ahead of time as you can. Waiting until the last minute will create a nightmare you don’t want to experience! If you begin early you can pack a few boxes a day and have everything completed without stressing yourself unnecessarily.

It’s really important that you keep your packing organized; it will save a lot of confusion later. It’s best to pack a room at a time so that you can keep everything thing together that belongs together.

Start in areas containing articles that aren’t used frequently such as your attic, basement, garage, etc. You can leave an extra box to hold items that can’t be packed early.

Packing Up the Kitchen

The hardest room to pack is probably the kitchen so let’s discuss that in detail.

Remember when you’re packing fragile items to pad the bottom of the box with several sheets of paper. Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box and the more delicate things on top.

When you pack flatware like plates, saucers, etc., wrap each item separately and then combine in groups of three. Rewrap that group in more paper and seal with the plastic tape. Each group will then be better protected. Stand them on end in the box.

You can nest glasses and cups 3 or 4 together and separate with small sheets of paper. It’s best to pack them in divided containers if you have them. If the box isn’t full to the top, stuff with additional paper. If you don’t have divided containers, you can place them in other boxes where you have empty space; just be sure to fit them in toward the top of the box so they aren’t crushed.

Don’t nest Goblets and stemware, wrap them individually.

Try to keep small kitchen appliances like the toaster, crock pot, etc., all together rather than mixing them with other items. Wrap them individually with 2 or 3 sheets of paper and wad up paper to fill any empty space. However, if you have a lot of extra room you can add some pots and pans.

You can nest pots, pans and large bowls in groups of 3 with a couple sheets of paper between each of them.

When you pack boxed foods such as cereal and rice, be sure to seal the tops with plastic tape. (Remember to do this for salt and pepper shakers also!) If your things are going be stored for very long, you may want to discard these items to avoid rodents or insects.

You can pack filled canisters as long as they are individually wrapped and the tops are sealed with plastic tape.

Finally, here are some miscellaneous tips to remember:

• Don’t pack anything that’s flammable, combustive or explosive. This includes items like aerosol spray cans, gasoline, and paint thinners.

• Empty all drawers.

• Pack heavy items like books and canned goods in smaller boxes.

• Pack bulky and lightweight items like toys, blankets, and pillows in large boxes.

• You don’t need to wrap toys, books and shoes individually.

• Stand books and records on end.

It isn’t as hard as it sounds, but it you don’t want to deal with packing, your moving company will be happy to pack for you ~ of course, that service comes with a very hefty price tag!

Happy Moving!