Have you got a move planned for the near future, or are you helping someone who does? Check out our top 15 tips to make your move easier:
1. Keep an inventory of the number of boxes packed and what is inside each. Clearly label each box with a number and contents label.
2. Supplies, supplies, supplies – if you’re moving without the help of professional movers, or if you are doing the packing yourself and a professional is doing the actual moving, purchase more boxes, tape and packing supplies than you think you’ll need. You’ll likely want to have on hand: boxes, scissors, tape, garbage bags (both for garbage and for packing items that may not fit easily in a box such as a comforter.)
3. Ask around for used boxes – a friend, or friend-of-a-friend may have recently moved and have a garage full, just waiting to be taken.
4. Don’t pack too much in one box, making the box too heavy or unwieldy.
5. Book boxes, which can be sometimes be found in a bookstore’s dumpster, work great for packing as they are sturdy and sized so you can’t pack too much and make the box too heavy.
6. On the day of the move, we suggest wearing an apron with large pockets so that you can keep markers, tape and your packing list handy at all times.
7. Keep items together that go together: Pack wires & remote controls with the TV, picture hooks and nails can be taped to the frame, and if furniture comes apart, pack all parts together.
8. Pack ahead – pack everything you won’t need during or immediately before you move: Your out-of-season clothes, your cooking utensils (except the few you may need for the last meal or two), etc.
9. Consolidate cleaning supplies so you aren’t moving 4 half-empty containers of the same thin. For long-haul moving, you’ll need to give your half-used cleaning supplies to a neighbor and start over at your new destination. By law, moving companies won’t take chemicals. (see http://www.mayflower.com/moving/full-service-movers/moving-tips/nonallowables.htm)
10. Keep your valuable possessions & important papers with you and not on the moving van.
11. Take digital photos of the set-up of electronics such as entertainment systems so that hooking them back up at your new destination will be easier.
12. Use towels, t-shirts and soft clothing to wrap dishes – dishes, clothing and towels stay clean and can be unpacked and stored without re-washing.
13. Move on a weekday when banks, business offices and utilities are open.
14. Keep a utility log of when you’ve requested turn-off and turn-on of utilities at both locations.
15. Leave pets with a friend on moving day.
More moving tips and ideas can be found at: http://www.movers-edge.com/101-Best-Moving-Tips-s/29.htm, http://interiordec.about.com/od/moving/a/org_movetips.htm, http://www.flylady.net/pages/flying_movingtips.asp, http://www.uhaul.com/tips/, http://www.movinghints.com/