Basic Packing Tips, Part 1

Packing for a move is never a fun experience.  The good news is that taking just a few steps can lead to less stress and better results.  I’m presenting the tips in both today’s post (part 1) and the one to follow (part 2):

 

1.    Luggage for Everyone.

Before packing boxes and wrapping furniture, pack a suitcase or backpack the same way you would if you were going on vacation for a few days. You'll nee top pack 3 full outfits, eyeglasses, toiletries, prescriptions (very important to include), etc. The idea is a simple one- if you have all the basics you'll need in the suitcases and keep them nearby (kept separate from all the boxes), you can avoid a lot of scrambling and hunting through boxes when you reach your new home.

2.   “Open Me First” boxes.


This is a similar idea to the suitcase suggestion listed in Step 1. For every room in your house, there will be certain items you'll need right away. Rather than mixing all your items together in different boxes, keep those "needed immediately" things in one or two boxes for that room. Label these special boxes with bright red markers so they'll stand out from all the others. This will make it easy to get the basics set up right away.

3.    Focus on one room at a time.

It's easy to get overwhelmed with packing all your treasures. That can tempt you into trying to pack parts of different rooms, then ending up with a sense of chaos and little actually finished. Instead, focus on packing just one room at a time. This will do wonders to keep things focused and organized.

4.    "Clean house" before "packing house."

One of the big reasons that packing takes so long is because of the shear volume of possessions we accumulate. Use packing as a way to clean out items for donations, a moving sale, and/or the recycling center. Aim to eliminate 1/3 of your belongings- that might be more than you can stand, but will give you a noble goal. You'll save time and expense.

5.    Try using a card table.

Whenever possible, use a portable table (such as a card table, a completely cleared-off furniture top or counter in each room for packing boxes. Using the floor limits your mobility and can cause aches and cramps. You'll find you get much more accomplished if you stick to the card table.

For tips on finding the right movers or moving companies, please visit http://www.movers-edge.com/Movers-s/2.htm.

Tags: packing