10 Steps for a Successful Move and Relocation
By Doug Davis
Publisher: RelocationGuide.com
Step 5: Packing
Your Belongings.
Your belongings are your most emotionally valuable factors of your move, they deserve the utmost care to ensure safe arrival. Packing properly is critical to a successful move. Having a professional packer do it for you will save you valuable time and unnecessary worry
Packing Supplies.
If you decide to pack yourself, you'll need the proper packing materials to ensure your possessions arrive at their destination in tact: Moving Boxes (large, medium and small), moving blankets, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, newspaper or clean newsprint, packing tape, dividers for glasses and dishes. Try to get similar shaped boxes, they're easier to stack.
Wardrobe boxes are not only great for carrying clothes, but also large blankets, comforters, pillows and even sofa cushions. You can call your movers or trucking company for measurements.
The Heavy Things.
Pack heavier items like books, and glass bowls and dishes in smaller boxes, taking caution to always use proper lifting techniques to avoid strained backs. Leave lightweight things like linens and plastic containers for the large boxes. When combining always place heavier items on the bottom.
The Delicate Things.
For delicate items such as figurines, pack in original boxes when possible, then within a large box and fill gaps with other packing materials such as peanuts or newspaper. The ink on shiny color circulars doesn't bleed like newsprint, so use that around unwashable items, and cushion in between with newspaper.
Place a towel or foam cushion at the bottom of the box of dishes to absorb bumps during the move. For glasses use dividers or divided boxes from the liquor store
Labels.
Use labels on your boxes that shows which room the box should go and whether it's fragile or not. Also check off the items inside on your inventory list.
Clean Out.
Start of box for items you're not sure if you want to keep or not. Once done, tape it closed and if you don't get into it within a couple of weeks, it can sure go to the Salvation Army or other charitable cause.
Dedicate a room or space in the garage just for filled boxes. Move everything else out of the way and start stacking. Make sure each box is already inventoried and labeled correctly
Create a cleaning box or bucket filled with cleaning supplies such as all purpose cleaner, rags and paper towels. As shelves get empties, wipe them clean
Valuables.
When packing valuables, such as computers or things that can not be replaced, mark the box plainly and plan to move it yourself, not with the moving company. That way they are in your care and not the hands of others.
Moving Day.
It may take some planning, but have a Moving Day Box full of items you'll need right as you move in, such as medications, hygiene products like toothbrushes and shampoo, baby items, pet food, snacks, clothes to change into, etc. Maybe even the coffee pot and coffee! This will make your move in a lot easier if you have the items handy that make you comfortable.