Where do you even start? You've spent years decorating the house, filling it with "stuff", making it into a family home... and now you've got to get it all packed up and out in only a few days.
Besides the emotional aspect, it's easy to get overwhelmed with the enormous task at hand. Moving a family's home can be very stressful for everyone! Here's some tips to help make it a little easier.
Before beginning your move, print out this handy moving checklist, compliments of student-athletes "Meathead Movers" from San Luis Obispo: www.MeatheadMovers.com/MovingTips/MovingChecklist.aspx.
Most damage that occurs when moving is due to improperly packed boxes. Here are some packing tips:
TO BEGIN:
· Lighten your load! Hold a garage sale or donate items to your favorite charity. Moving is a great time to de-clutter.
· Have plenty of the correct packing materials on hand: various sized boxes, packing tape, box cutter, sharpie pen, cushioning for fragile items.
· Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
· Start well ahead of the move by packing a few cartons a day. It will take longer than you think!
· Pack what you need least, first. (in winter, pack spring items first, etc.).
· Pack one room at a time, labeling each carton.
· Keep all packed boxes as close to the door as possible.
PACKING PROCEDURES:
· The heavier the items, the smaller the box. Place linens and towels in medium sized boxes.
· Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top.
· Pack an "Essenials" box with toilet paper, toothpaste, tooth brushes, snacks, coffee, coffee pot, soap, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, a couple of pans, and paper towels. Load it on the truck last, so that it will be unloaded first at your new home.
· Pack a "Survival" box with similar items in case you arrive before the movers. Keep it with you.
· Label cartons by listing what items are in the box and which room it should be delivered to.
MOVING DAY:
· Keep pets and children away from the activity on moving day.
· If you are moving long distance, be sure the mover does an inventory. Read and understand the inventory form.
· Make a "Moving" file and keep it with you! Write down your shipment registration number and other critical information.
· Give the foreman two phone numbers so you can keep in touch throughout the move.
WHEN UNPACKING:
· When unpacking from the truck, place each carton directly in the room it belongs in, according to the label. This cuts down your unpacking time tremendously!
· Let your electrical gadgets "acclimate" to room temperature before plugging them in.
More helpful tips, including packing china and crystal, kitchen items, and collectibles are available on the Meathead Movers web site: www.MeatheadMovers.com/MovingTips/PackingTips.aspx.
Or better yet, just call the pros at Meathead Movers and use their 100% guaranteed ultimate packing service. Professionally trained and certified, you can relax and be assured your items will arrive safely and securely. Call 1-866-843-6328 for details.
Then sit back and enjoy your new house!
Join my NEW group for professionals who work from their home office at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice
Regina P. Brown
Broker, Realtor®, e-Pro
Author of eBook "Stop Foreclosure Fast: Solutions to Save your House"
Text copyright © 2009 R.P. Brown, All Rights Reserved
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