Moving Tips
GETTING READY
~ Start as early as possible so you can be organized.
~ Make sure you have plenty of boxes in all sizes, more than you think you
will need. Get plenty of packing tape and different colored markers.
You will also need packing paper. Newspaper can be used, but remember,
the ink can stain.
~ Use up as many canned goods and frozen foods as possible and limit grocery
buying.
~ Give away or dispose of items you don’t need.
GENERAL
~ Pack off-season things and items you use least, first.
~ Give each room in your new place a color. Use the colored markers to label
each box accordingly. Give each box in a room a number. Keep a pad of
paper nearby as you pack, and list the important items in each box.
~ Make use of all available packing spaces, like suitcases, chests, trashcans,
etc.
~ As you disassemble items, put screws, nuts, bolts, etc in plastic bags, and
tape to the object.
~ Use sheets, pillow cases, blankets, mattress pads, bedspreads, etc. to pad
breakable items and fill in spaces in boxes.
~ Make sure all boxes are full, but not too heavy. Put in extra padding if
necessary so objects don’t move around when being carried.
~ Be sure to tape each box securely with packing tape.
~ Pack one room at a time. put similar items for the same room together.
Write “OPEN FIRST” on items used most often in each room. It will make
it easier when unpacking.
~ Garabage bags are awkward to pack on the moving truck. If they must be
used, fill with linens or paper items so the can be stuffed between things.
~ Pack heavier objects such as books in smaller boxes and lighter objects in
big boxes so they are easier to handle. Be sure and fill the spaces around
the small objects so they don’t move around.
~ Pack a box with essential items for the first night or two. For
example, can opener, coffee pot, filters, coffee, paper towels, paper
plates, plastic cups and utensils, a few snacks and drinks, a flashlight,
alarm clock, extension cords, batteries, light bulbs, first aid kit, pain
reliever, a few cleaning supplies, a shower curtain, some trash bags, a
hammer, screwdriver, pet food and bowls, toilet paper, soap, and a set of
sheets and a towel for everybody. Label it in the kitchen color, and mark
it “OPEN FIRST”.
~ Pack a small bag for everyone in the family and keep with you. Put in
pajamas, a change of clothes, makeup, medicine, toiletries, and a favorite
toy for the children.
~ Keep important papers, jewelry, medicines, records, photos, and personal
video tapes with you.
~ Have everything packed and ready to go when the movers arrive.
~ Sort boxes by weight to make the loading process easier for the movers.
~ Pack everything possible in boxes. It’s the small, unstackable things that
take the most time to load.
~ Don’t stack boxes in front of the door. Leave the movers a clear path to
make it easier for them to move in and out.
~ It is very important to mark each box that contains delicate, fragile,
glass or breakable items. The movers need to know !!!
KITCHEN
~ Put spices, food coloring, or other small jars or boxes, inside crock pots,
roasting pans, and other big pots and pans to save space. Pad with
dishcloths, or pot holders, etc.
~ Use kitchen towels, dishcloths, potholders, and placemats to wrap and pad
breakable kitchen items.
~ Wrap small kitchen appliances and pack together in big boxes. Fill empty
spaces with lighter items.
~ Clean and dry out refigeratiors and freezers. Use inside space for
lightweight, bulky items such as pillows, and stuffed animals. Use the of
washer and dryer the same way.
Pack cleaning supplies inside trash cans.
BEDROOM
~ Fill empty suitcases with closet items like shoes, belts, purses,
accessories, etc.
~ Take breakable and spillable items out of dresser drawers. You can leave
clothes in, just be sure they aren’t too heavy.
~ Remove shades and bulbs from lamps. Wrap cords around bases. Most
bases can be wrapped and packed in big boxes, with plenty of padding.
~ Shades can also be boxed, but be sure to surround with plenty of light
packing material such as wadded up paper, syrofoam, or even silk flowers
and plants.
~ Tape bed frame rails together.
BATHROOMS
~ Use towels, washcloths, and shower curtains to wrap and pad breakable
items.
GARAGE
~ Drain hoses. coil and pack in boxes. Fill remaining holes with sprinklers,
hand tools, etc.
~ Drain gas from lawn equipment.
~ Tape rakes, shovels, hoes, and other long handled tools together.
UNPACKING
~ Make sure each room in the new place has the color assigned to it clearly
posted on the door frame or above the door so the movers know which
room each box goes in.
~ Unpack one box at a time, one room at a time. Put things away. Dispose of
packing material, and breakdown boxes as you go.
DO NOT PACK
~ Flammable fluids
~ Fireworks
~ Paints and paint thinners
~ Combustable objects such as oxygen or propane
~ Firearms
