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Packing for the Move
Whether you are moving yourself or are hiring professionals to do the job, there is a lot of work to be done when it comes to packing. Good packing will ensure that the move goes as quickly and conveniently as possible without risking damage to your personal possessions. Here are some things to keep in mind when it is time to pack.
1) Take your time. Packing is not something that you want to leave for the day you move out. This is annoying to the movers and if you are in a rush, the chances are good that you will end up with missing or broken possessions. Begin packing a week in advance of your moving date, packing according to the rooms where items you use the least are kept. For example, pack all of your storage items first, and the bedrooms last. If you are a real go getter, pack the bedrooms up the day before the move as well. You can always sleep on mattresses and sleeping bags.
You might also consider setting aside a full day to pack up your things. Hire a babysitter if you have kids, and don't be afraid to ask a friend or two for help.
2) Save packing food items until last. A lot of people forget about the perishable things they have in their refrigerators and freezers until the last second. It's actually a pretty good idea to make a list of the rooms you need to pack and the items in those rooms in order to avoid last minute surprises. If you leave your fridge and freezer until the last day, you have a chance to use up as much food in them as possible so you don't have to move it. Pack on the last day, but start planning on packing your food for a week or so. Try to determine what you will eat during the week, and don't go out and buy a lot of groceries just before the move.
3) Pack your boxes carefully and tightly. Any fragile items should be wrapped individually, and kept together in boxes marked fragile. Remember to label the boxes on the top, bottom, and all four sides so that people see it no matter which end they grab. You should also put on the box which room the box came from and which room it is going to; many people will color code for this purpose. Remember that although items like canned goods and books are small, their weight accumulates quickly. Don't pack them into big boxes, as no one will be able to lift them and they risk breaking.
4) Determine what you and your family will need out during the move and set these items aside so that they do not get packed. You should also decide which items you will be moving yourself. These items might include family photos, jewelry, and other fragile items with personal value. Everyone can see that a painting is worth money, but most people tend to have a hard time in recognizing the value of personal items. Keep them with the people who value them the most.
Moving is always stressful, no matter how well you plan or how carefully you pack. If you keep some of these tips in mind while you pack, though, some of the stress can be alleviated and the chances that your goods will be damaged are much less.
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