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You've decided to move. You will have to start packing at least a month prior to relocation, but where do you start?
First off, know what packing items you will need:
* cardboard boxes of all sizes. Heavier items should go in smaller boxes; light items can be packed in larger boxes. If a large box is too heavy there is a chance it will break or open.
* large clear plastic bags so you can see what is inside without opening them.
* rope to tie together items of a similar length and size (shovels, brooms, skis, etc.)
* many rolls of industrial strength packing tape. Preferably the type that can be written on with permanent marker.
* permanent marker (s)
* orange FRAGILE stickers. It's a good idea to write 'fragile' on the box, but an orange sticker will catch the eye of the carrier easier than a black marker.
Don't run out and pick up twenty boxes, unless you plan on packing twenty boxes right away. Pick up as many as you think you will pack at one time. It's very frustrating to have a bunch of empty boxes hanging around the house.
SEASONAL
It's a good idea to begin with those items that are already packed, such as seasonal clothes, holiday ornaments, etc. Anything that is already bagged or boxed and will not get broken in transit, doesn't need to be repacked.
Many people put their seasonal clothes in bags and store them until they are needed. Part of the work is already done for you. Don't repack it, unless there is a chance that something can get broken.
In the case of bags of clothes, clear bags are ideal because you can see the contents. Write the name of the person the items belong to. This will make it easier when you arrive at the new location.
Small boxes of prepacked seasonal items, can be packaged into a larger box as long as they are not too heavy. A large heavy box can potentially break or open. Keep heavier items in smaller boxes if possible.
Seasonal items that are shaped inappropriately for a box or bag can be grouped and tied with rope. This is a good idea for skis, shovels, pool equipment, etc.
After these seasonal items are packed, in other words, items that you are certain won't be required before the move, you can begin to pack the remaining household items. Instead of packing up one entire room, you should do portions of each room in your house.
When you pack a box, lay the tape in both directions, to ensure it is sealed properly. Always label the box with a general statement of what is contains. For example: dishes, winter coats, wall paintings, bathroom accessories, shoes, etc. If the box contains fragile items, write the word fragile on all four sides of the box as well as on the top AND/OR place orange FRAGILE stickers on the box.
Items that may break should be wrapped in either paper or soft covering (towel, sheet, blanket) and placed in the box so that it won't directly connect with another breakable item.
WALL HANGINGS
Start by clearing off the walls. These are for looks rather than for need. Remove paintings, mirrors, shelves and anything other wall hangings you intend to bring with you. Be careful packing these items. Instead of using paper to wrap these treasures in, you can use extra blankets, sheet sets, towels, etc. Not only are you packing up your wall hangings, but also you are packing up your linens at the same time.
BEDROOMS
Start with a bedroom. Pack into bags, all the clothes you know you won't be wearing before the move. Continue this process with the remaining bedrooms.
BATHROOMS
Go to the bathroom(s) and pack up all the items that are not necessary. For example, the luxury bath items, the 12-pack of soap you bought on sale, the hot rollers you use occasionally, the extra towels, etc.
CHILDREN'S TOYS
Start packing away your children's toys and accessories. Most children have more than their fair share of toys and play items. Pack up into boxes, their puzzles, board games, lego, etc. This is a good time to donate or sell any items that the children have outgrown. There is no point is packing up items that your children will not play with once moved.
GARAGE/WORKSHOP
Pack the garage and/or workshop in the same manner you packed up your kid's toys. Begin with those items you know you will not need and slowly work your way to an empty room. Keep a hammer, screw drivers and nails available for when you unpack in your new location. These items will be necessary for you to install and hang certain items at your new residence.
KITCHEN
Start emptying the shelves in the kitchen. You probably have a collection of baking pans you only use on occasion. Why not pack these up. You can plan your meals to omit those that need these pans. If you have more than one set of dishes, why not pack up the extras. If you have to wash dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher, why not? If you have food products that you know you won't need before you move, why not pack them up. The pickling spices, the dry condiments for soup, the boxes of Jello powder, the extra bottles of ketchup you keep on hand, etc.
After you have done each room once around, you are getting closer to your moving date. You can then continue in each room, packing up those items which are now not likely to be needed.
By following the packing cycle in this manner, you are not entirely packing one room and leaving yourself with nothing. Gradually pack in these steps. You will begin to notice that the cupboards, drawers and shelves are becoming emptier and the floors are becoming fuller with boxes and bags.
The week before you move, you should have very little left, with the exception of some clothes, bath and kitchen necessities.
You can pack up most of your kitchen, if you don't mind using paper plates, plastic cutlery and glasses. Arrange your eating habits so that you eliminate the majority of your perishable items before moving date. There's nothing wrong with treating yourselves to a restaurant for the last couple of days (if you can afford it).
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