Packing Made Easy

 

It's more than simply packing everything and getting on the truck. Although I do not believe that you need to hire a professional to move your stuff, it is important to be familiar with the process before you begin packing. You could end up spending more time looking for the frying pan in boxes than you do Packing Tape enjoying your new home.

A PLAN

One time I helped pack a friend's house. It was amazing to see her combine food, medicine, and gardening supplies in one box. I asked her why she did it, and she replied, "That's how I picked them up." She ended up spending two full days walking around the house trying to find their belongings after she moved into her new home. It will be twice as easy to pack your treasures if you organize them by room. For example, if you put all the things that belong in the bedroom into one box and those that go in the bathroom in another, then packing for the kitchen will take half the time. Make sure you label each box with the room it is in and its contents (books, cookware, towels, etc.). It's a good idea to take a few moments to make a master inventory of all your boxes and the contents according to each room. This will help you ensure that nothing is left behind during the move.

BASICS FOR PACKING

It's something I have seen before: people pack in a hurry or get so tired of packing that they throw everything in boxes without thinking about how the container will travel. The same people are more concerned about packing if they discover their treasures have been damaged at the other end. You should not pack more than 50 lbs. in each container. Otherwise, it will make it difficult to transport and could cause damage. Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items at the top of each box as you pack. You containers will be less likely to tip during transit and more stable. Strong TWINE or threaded packaging tape is used to seal your containers. Do not fold the flaps over yourself if you don't want anything spilling as the truck unloads.

FRANCHISE PACKING

People are often afraid to pack their valuables themselves, preferring to hire a moving company to do it. This is because they don't know how to pack. With the right equipment, it is possible to pack fragile items in a way that won't cause damage. You can use the original packaging to store electronic equipment or other items that are protected with styrofoam foam padding. For padding, you can use bubble wrap, crumpled paper, or styrofoam peanuts if you don't own the original packaging. Do not be afraid to pack items that are susceptible to being bent or chipped easily. To prevent fragile items from being bumped together, you can use compartmentalized boxes such as those used to transport stemware. Avoid placing fragile items at odd angles. To avoid shifting, which is the leading cause of damage in moves, make sure you pack everything tightly.

PACKING FURNITURE

It can be difficult to move furniture due to its size and fragility. Protecting furniture from scratches and mars is a must when moving large pieces. You can do this by covering it with a sheet, blanket or paper. Extra foam or blankets should be used to protect corners -- they are attracted to sharp corners and door frames. It is tempting to store clothes and linens in chests or dressers, and it can be a great way to save space. Overloading furniture joints can lead to them separating and collapsing. Wrap each piece in a blanket and tape it securely. Make sure to mark the package with a warning not to place anything on top. Use only blank newsprint to prevent ink smudges from your belongings, particularly lampshades and fabric-covered objects.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Some items can be dangerous or difficult to transport if they aren't prepared in advance. If your appliances aren't properly stored for transport, you could cause serious damage. You should first drain all fluids, oil, and gas. Ensure that all fluids are removed from your yard and power tools to prevent them from leaking. All corrosive or volatile chemicals, such as paint, oil, antifreeze and gasoline, must be disposed of. To reduce humidity, open the doors to your fridge and freezer after you have done this. To prevent mildew or musty odors, you can place a piece of coal in the bottom of the truck before packing the items. To prevent damage from occurring during the move, you will need to cover your washer agitator. A professional piano mover should be hired if you are planning to transport a piano. Your local nursery might be able to offer advice on transporting plants. You may also need to consult your vet regarding traveling with your pet.

PACKING DOES NOT END WITH THE BOXES

You've packed everything into containers. Don't stop! You need to ensure that all your belongings are properly loaded on the truck, regardless of whether you hire movers or use a U-Haul. This is counterintuitive as many people tend to load their furniture first. It is counterintuitive to think about this: When you are ready for unpacking and getting settled in, which items should you place first? You will need boxes or furniture to hold those contents. You can start by packing things you don't use right away, such as holiday dishes, offseason clothes, memorabilia and boxes of books, on the truck's front (nearest to the cab). You should leave enough space for the things you'll need immediately, such as the sheets, coffee pot, towels, and sheets, near the back. Do not be afraid to tie down or load the truck up to the ceiling -- it is less likely that your load will shift in transit.

Ramona Creel is Professional Organizer, NAPO Golden Circle Member, and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com. She is a former social worker and has always loved helping others find the solutions and resources they need to improve their lives.

Ramona is now a full-time RVer and travels across the country sharing her story of simplicity. After more than ten years working as a Professional Organizer, she has drastically simplified her life as a full time RVer. Ramona considers herself to be a "Renaissance Woman", combining all her passions into one fulfilling career.

She is "The Traveling Organiser" and can help you organize your home or workplace. Or, she can teach your group the "Ten steps to organizing any area of your life" in a workshop. Ramona is a "Simplicity coach" and can help you make every aspect of your life easier. This program is perfect for people who want to be able to put their priorities first. She is a "Frugality coach" and can help you reduce household expenses in any economic situation.