| You've chosen a new home, selected a mover, | | | | of paper. Place the heaviest items on the bottom |
| and now comes the task of packing for the | | | | of the box and the more delicate things on top. |
| move. There are 3 important things you should | | | | When you pack flatware like plates, saucers, etc., |
| remember that will save you a lot of time and | | | | wrap each item separately and then combine in |
| frustration later: | | | | groups of three. Rewrap that group in more |
| - Collect all the materials (boxes, tape, paper) | | | | paper and seal with the plastic tape. Each group |
| you'llneed to pack. | | | | will then be better protected. Stand them on end |
| - Don't put packing off until the last minute. | | | | in the box. |
| - Stay organized! | | | | You can nest glasses and cups 3 or 4 together |
| Here's a list of the materials you'll need to pack | | | | and separate with small sheets of paper. It's best |
| efficiently: | | | | to pack them in divided containers if you have |
| - Paper for wrapping your items: | | | | them. If the box isn't full to the top, stuff with |
| Many people collect old newspapers and use them. | | | | additional paper. If you don't have divided |
| Just remember that the news ink never dries and | | | | containers, you can place them in other boxes |
| will come off on your belongings. If you want to | | | | where you have empty space; just be sure to fit |
| avoid the need to wash everything when you | | | | them in toward the top of the box so they aren't |
| arrive, you can purchase packing paper from your | | | | crushed. |
| mover. | | | | Don't nest Goblets and stemware, wrap them |
| - Boxes: | | | | individually. |
| You can collect boxes from your local | | | | Try to keep small kitchen appliances like the |
| supermarket and other businesses. Select strong | | | | toaster, crock pot, etc., all together rather than |
| boxes in good condition and make sure they have | | | | mixing them with other items. Wrap them |
| covers. Divided boxes like liquor boxes are great | | | | individually with 2 or 3 sheets of paper and wad |
| for glasses and stemware. | | | | up paper to fill any empty space. However, if you |
| Your mover can also provide you with boxes | | | | have a lot of extra room you can add some pots |
| especially made for moving. However, these | | | | and pans. |
| boxes are expensive and you may want to | | | | You can nest pots, pans and large bowls in groups |
| purchase only those which are usually necessary | | | | of 3 with a couple sheets of paper between each |
| like wardrobes for hanging clothes, mattress | | | | of them. |
| cartons, and cartons for large pictures, mirrors | | | | When you pack boxed foods such as cereal and |
| and table lamps. | | | | rice, be sure to seal the tops with plastic tape. |
| - Sealing Tape - Use plastic tape that's 1½-2" | | | | (Remember to do this for salt and pepper |
| wide | | | | shakers also!) If your things are going be stored |
| - Magic Marker - to mark boxes for contents and | | | | for very long, you may want to discard these |
| special instructions like "fragile", "this side up", etc. | | | | items to avoid rodents or insects. |
| Now that you have all your materials, you're | | | | You can pack filled canisters as long as they are |
| ready to start packing! Start as far ahead of time | | | | individually wrapped and the tops are sealed with |
| as you can. Waiting until the last minute will create | | | | plastic tape. |
| a nightmare you don't want to experience! If you | | | | Finally, here are some miscellaneous tips to |
| begin early you can pack a few boxes a day and | | | | remember: |
| have everything completed without stressing | | | | - Don't pack anything that's flammable, |
| yourself unnecessarily. | | | | combustive or explosive. This includes items like |
| It's really important that you keep your packing | | | | aerosol spray cans, gasoline, and paint thinners. |
| organized; it will save a lot of confusion later. It's | | | | - Empty all drawers. |
| best to pack a room at a time so that you can | | | | - Pack heavy items like books and canned goods |
| keep everything thing together that belongs | | | | in smaller boxes. |
| together. | | | | - Pack bulky and lightweight items like toys, |
| Start in areas containing articles that aren't used | | | | blankets, and pillows in large boxes. |
| frequently such as your attic, basement, garage, | | | | - You don't need to wrap toys, books and shoes |
| etc. You can leave an extra box to hold items | | | | individually. |
| that can't be packed early. | | | | - Stand books and records on end. |
| Packing Up the Kitchen | | | | It isn't as hard as it sounds, but it you don't want |
| The hardest room to pack is probably the kitchen | | | | to deal with packing, your moving company will be |
| so let's discuss that in detail. | | | | happy to pack for you ~ of course, that service |
| Remember when you're packing fragile items to | | | | comes with a very hefty price tag! |
| pad the bottom of the box with several sheets | | | | |