Ok, so not everyone wants to or can afford to hire a full-service moving company to pack up their house, move their things, and then unload them in the new location. So, if you’re going to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, so to speak, there are some packing tips you should know.
Tip #1 – Time
Time is everything when it comes to moving. Start packing up several boxes a day, starting three or four weeks before you move. Obviously, start with things you don’t use that often.
Tip #2 – Organization
Don’t mix items from different rooms in the same box – this will drive you crazy after you move! Pack one room at a time and focus on parts of the room as you go. To avoid throwing small things out with the trash, wrap them in brightly colored tissue first.
Tip #3 – Labeling
Labeling is not for wussies! On the front and top of each box, write not only the room where the box belongs but also a general description of what’s inside the box.
Tip #4 – Preventing Breaks
Packing paper and bubble wrap protect your items during the move, but how can you prevent breaks when unpacking? Simply unpack easily broken items over the box you’re taking them out of. That way, if you drop them, they fall into the packing material and may not break.
Tip #5 – Protect Your Valuables
Anything that is irreplaceable should be moved with you personally. That means photographs, insurance policies, stock certificates, jewelry and other similar items should go with you, not the movers driving the truck.
Jon Huser
