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You may become worried because you're moving soon? This really doesn't have to be a stressful, chaotic time. Here are some tips to help you achieve a successful, organized move with your moving boxes.
1. USE A MOVING CHECKLIST. Make yourself a moving checklist outlining everything that needs to be done before, and after, your move.
2. LEAVE IT BEHIND. Avoid moving anything in your moving boxes that you don't really need. It is expensive, time-consuming, and physically unnecessary to move things you won't be using. If you don't use it now, you most likely won't use it later.
3. GET RID OF CLUTTER. Dispose of broken tools, old toys, old clothing and other items that your house no longer needs, before you move house. Give usable items to charity or hold a garage sale.
4. DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR REMOVAL SERVICE. Choose an experienced removal firm with an established reputation for good service and reliability. Choosing someone that is unreliable or inexperienced will waste more time and money than you can imagine.
5. ENLIST ANY HELP YOU CAN GET. You will get a lot more done, with some family members and friends helping you pack and/or unpack your moving boxes. If your children are old enough, they should be helping to move house too.
6. BOX2MOVE IT. Get moving boxes in assorted sizes. Be sure they're clean, in good condition. All moving boxes supplied from Boxes2move are new and made for the job. Seal each moving box with packing tape. By the way, an easy way to store moving boxes so they do not take up storage space is to open both ends and flatten them out. Our moving boxes already come flatpacked.
7. USE THE A-B-C SYSTEM. Everything you pack does not have to be unpacked the first day in your new house. If it contains essential items, mark it PRIORITY A. If the contents are important, but not crucial, mark the package boxes PRIORITY B. If the moving boxes contains out of season items, holiday items and other things you won't need right away, mark the package boxes PRIORITY C. Then, unpack in A, B, C order.
8. WRAP IT. You will need plenty of wrapping paper and heavy- duty tape. Anything wrapped in newspaper will most likely be soiled from the ink and will require cleaning after unpacking. Our Acid White tissue paper is ideal. For items you prefer to keep clean, you can purchase this packing paper from our products page. We also supply foam sheets for packing those delicate items such as crockery. These items also make excellent cushioning and lining material.
9. MARK IT. Marker pens are ideal for marking moving boxes with information such as its contents, destination room, fragile or this side up. We can supply the Marker Pens and we even print a handy contents grid already on our moving boxes.
10. LABEL IT. As you're packing, mark your moving boxes with a unique letter or code to easily distinguish kitchen items, from bedroom items, from bathroom items, etc. Use a different letter/code for each room. If necessary, make a master list so you'll know what is in each moving box. If you can go to your new home ahead of time, you may wish to stick a corresponding letter/code on the door, or door frame, of the room that the box will be delivered to.
11. LIGHTEN UP. Cartons can be handled easier if they do not exceed 50 lbs., fully packed. Keep this in mind when you're packing.
12. ROOM BY ROOM. Pack on a room-by-room basis, keeping the contents of each room in separate package boxes. This will eliminate confusion and save time when you're unpacking.
13. PACK EARLY. Even if you only pack two moving boxes a day, in thirty days you will have packed sixty boxes. Start in areas where the goods are not in frequent use in your house such as the cellar, attic, garage, etc.
14. ORDER ADDRESS LABELS. Order address labels before you move into your new home. They will be great to have on hand when you need to indicate a change of address on anything. Leave a few behind with the people who move into your old home or apartment so they can forward anything that gets delivered to them for you.
15. MAKE A SURVIVAL KIT. Make a survival kit for the first night after you move into your new home. This should include items that will get you through the night if it's too late to unpack or the movers didn't show up. Helpful items to include might be: non-perishable food, can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, bottled water, a flashlight, a few towels, sheets, toiletries, a blanket, toilet paper, pen/paper, a few small games or magazines and a change of clothes for everyone.
16. HAVE SOMEONE WATCH THE KIDS. If you have children, especially young children, it might be a good idea to have someone babysit them while you are doing anything that involves your move, such as packing moving boxes, unpacking moving boxes, etc. Your kids won't be interrupting your progress and you'll accomplish more. If the kids are a little older then get them involved. Not only will it be an adventure for them but it will help them see the move as an enjoyable one. Remember it’s a new start for them as well.
17. USE THE ONE ROOM RULE. Set up ONE room in your new home as quickly as possible. This way, you'll have a quiet retreat, free of boxes. You and your family will then have a place to go when you need a break from all of the unpacking activities.
18. MAKE IT PET SAFE. If you have pets, be sure you have a plan for when the movers arrive. Perhaps keep your cats in the bathroom with the litter box, or put your dogs in a fenced in yard. Also, take care to do what you can so your pets feel comfortable in your new home. Bring their favorite toys, give them attention, and don't leave them alone for long periods of time for the first few days.
19. MAKE THE FIRST NIGHT SPECIAL. Make the first night in your new home as special as possible. It can be take-out Chinese food, or pizza, but you may sweeten the evening with flowers, candles and music. It will really make a big difference and will help you to unwind and de-stress.
20. DEVISE A PLAN. Before you begin unpacking randomly, sit down with your family. Discuss a plan, including where things will go, who is responsible for what, etc. It will help things run smoothly.
21. HAVE A TOOL KIT ON HAND. One of the most important things to have on hand when you're setting up your new home is a basic toolbox that includes basic tools and hardware, such as a hammer, screwdrivers, nails, hooks, etc.
22. FUNCTION BEFORE FORM. It is best to first arrange your furniture, and then unpack accessories and personal items.
23. GET READY FOR BED. As soon as the bedroom furniture is delivered, set it up and put the sheets on the bed. You'll be grateful that everything is ready for sleeping later on tonight when you have finished moving home and you're really tired.
24. LET EVERYONE KNOW. Inform everyone that you've moved with simple postcards, or e-mail for those family members who can receive it.
25. GET ACQUAINTED. Once you moved into your new home, schedule some free days on your calendar. This is a great time to figure out where the supermarket, bank, post office, etc. are and will give you a chance to get familiar with your area. If there is a tourist office in town, stop by and see what events and opportunities your town will be offering.
HAPPY MOVING!!
