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*Keep things together*
Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes.
Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with
appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with
tape or placed in small envelopes -- to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf
brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep
larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in Ziplock bags, and tape
these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a "Parts Box" open
on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets,
or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you,
or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located
on move-in day.
*Pack ahead*
Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it's
summer, get your winter clothes out of the way. You don't really need 5 radios
or TV's around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and
extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or
two. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials.
Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using
plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect
trash.)
*Consolidate cleaning supplies*
If you must
clean your old place after
moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean
anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven,
windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as
movers empty it. *Use your luggage*
Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods.
Even for local
moves you'll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your
favorite sweaters, whereas "Box #189" might remain elusive for days.
*Safeguard valued items*
It's a good idea to
keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with
you. If you have a long
move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled "Misc. from
kitchen pantry". Either way, check your homeowner's insurance to see how you are
covered during the
move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out
what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim
in case of loss.
*Keep important papers with you.*
Your list of "important" papers might include: birth certificates, school
records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank
records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and
more. Don't leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!
*Personal boxes*
Use brightly colored storage tote boxes, one for each person. Let each
family member fill theirs with items they'll want 'right away' in the new home
-- a set of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights,
address book, pens and paper, keys, kleenex, and travel cosmetic case, and so
on.
Moving may not be the most fun you've ever had, but
planning ahead will go a long way toward making the process bearable.
Moving Boxes, Packing
Supplies & More
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