1. Plan it Out
To begin, write out a list of things to consider, including how long it will take for certain projects, such as packing, to be completed, whether professional help is required, how many services, such as telephone or cable, will be affected by the move, and anything else that may need attention before a single box is packed.
2. Start Early
Be sure to begin the moving process a couple of months before the move actually happens. Pack unneeded items first, such as seasonal clothing. Sell or give away things that are no longer wanted. Within a week of the actual move, give out the new address to service providers, financial institutions, and all others who may need it. Pack daily items, like cookware and clothing, last.
3. Organize the New Home
Any renovations, whether a bit of painting, or a whole room upgrade, should be completed before any items are moved in. Also, be sure to clean the entire home before moving, because there is no guarantee the previous owners will have done so.
4. Organize Packing
Rather than tossing things randomly into boxes, keep items from each room together. Label the boxes according to rooms, what they contain, if they are fragile or heavy, and the owner’s name and new address. Be sure they are properly sealed, to minimize loss.
5. Use What’s Available
Anything can be used to pack with, including suitcases, duffel bags, backpacks, large containers with lids, laundry baskets, or even clean, and empty trash cans. Tie dressers drawers in place with clothing still inside. Clothes on hangers can be wrapped in trash bags for easy moving.
6. Smart Packing for Fragile Items
Instead of bubble wrap or packing peanuts, use cloths, towels, clothing, or anything else soft to wrap glass and other breakables. Newspaper can also be used when the fabric wrappings are all used up. Put plates beside rather than on top of each other, to prevent breakage.
7. Moving Furniture and Electronics
If possible, disassemble any larger items, such as shelves and desks, to minimize space when moving furniture. Take photos of how plugs connect to any electronics, for easy reassembly. For each piece of equipment, put all cords and accessories together in a plastic bag, and label the item it belongs to, to limit confusion later.
8. Moving Liquids and Other Questionable Items
For cleaners, shampoos, hairsprays, or other liquids, the best thing to do is to put plastic wrap under the lids, to keep leakage to a minimum. For powders, such as cosmetics, put a cotton ball or two between it and the lid, so it will remain unbroken.
9. Ask for Help
This can mean recruiting friends and family for packing and moving items to the new home. If a professional is needed, research movers in the area to be sure they will be trustworthy, and will protect the items they are responsible for. Cost comparisons and customer references are both equally important when deciding who to hire.
10. Emergency Locksmith
It is also a good idea to keep the contact information of a local emergency locksmith close at hand. If keys are lost or locked in the car, this info can save time and minimize panic, as most can be on site within a half hour. Do not attempt to break windows to get inside the vehicle unless it is an emergency, and there is a child or pet locked inside.
11. Keep Anything Important Nearby
Documents like passports, bank books, or birth certificates should be kept close at all times. The same goes for jewelry, laptops, medication, toiletries, or chargers for any devices, because some of these items are valuable, and others because they may be needed before the move is over.
