The spring and summer months are commonly thought to be the best time to sell a home and move into a new one. People want to be settled into their new abode before kids head back to school and cooler seasons begin.
If you are like me, and most of my friends, you’ve probably helped someone move or vice-versa. Therefore, this week’s column is devoted to the best moving tips I know that should make moving much easier on everyone involved.
First, pack an overnight bag with all the essentials. Chances are you will be too tired to unpack them when they are really needed. Include a change of clothes, toiletries, and possibly even a laptop, if work will need to be completed that night.
Next, pack items that will be needed first in a clear container. Things like: a box cutter, paper towels, trash bags, eating utensils, select cookware, power strips, phone chargers, toilet paper and tools. The clear bin allows items to be seen; it also stands out from all those cardboard boxes.
Wrap breakable items in clothing to save money and time. By doing this you also pack your clothes while eliminating the need to buy wrapping paper or bubble wrap. Use socks to add extra padding for glasses and stemware. Just make sure those socks are clean!
When labeling boxes always label the side of the box instead of the top, this way boxes are able to be stacked but remain easy to identify.
Also, when you are labeling, it is a great idea to use a different color tape for each room on the boxes. Then, put a piece of the coordinating tape on the door of the particular room. This allows the friends or movers to know exactly where the particular box should go and eliminates 500 questions.
If possible, go to the new location the day before moving and clean the bathrooms and kitchen. Stock the bathroom with towels, soaps, shampoos, and toilet paper. Most people are dying for a hot shower after moving all day and do not want to have to go through boxes to find towels.
Pack plates vertically like records. This greatly reduces the chance of some breaking.
Keep items in drawers intact by wrapping them with Glad Press’n Seal. Dresser drawers are their own moving boxes; and this will keep you from having to unpack and refold all the contents.
Keep sandwich bags handy for holding any small parts or screws when taking items apart. Label the bag and tape it to the back of the corresponding item.
Take photos of how electronics are connected so guesswork is eliminated when reconnecting everything.
When packing a closet, gather as many articles of clothing that will fit into a garbage bag, sliding it up the clothing, leaving the hangers at the top. This will allow you to be able to hang things right back up, by sliding the bag off.
Make sure everything is completely packed before anyone shows up to help. This seems like common sense, but all too often it has happened to us. Do not be that person who makes everyone help pack, sort, and clean before they can actually move anything.
Number the boxes. By numbering the boxes, you will know right away if one is missing.
If renting, take photos of the cleaned out “old home.” This is essential to getting the deposit back. Also, make sure to take pictures of any damage.
Make the last grocery trip one to two weeks in advance; the more food you use before moving, the less you will have to throw out or pack.
Remember to defrost the refrigerator at least one day before moving, and wipe up any liquid.
If possible, pack items ahead of time that are not used frequently, such as out-of-season clothing, etc. Of course, this will work best if you know the moving date.
Moving can be a painstaking task, but it can be simplified. The more time allotted to making sure everything is organized and done beforehand, the less frustration there will be on moving day. There are always going to be things that do not go according to plan, so try to eliminate any avoidable problems beforehand.
April Sherrill is a staff writer for the Hamilton County Herald. Contact her at april@dailydata.com.
The spring and summer months are commonly thought to be the best time to sell a home and move into a new one. People want to be settled into their new abode before kids head back to school and cooler seasons begin.
If you are like me, and most of my friends, you’ve probably helped someone move or vice-versa. Therefore, this week’s column is devoted to the best moving tips I know that should make moving much easier on everyone involved.
First, pack an overnight bag with all the essentials. Chances are you will be too tired to unpack them when they are really needed. Include a change of clothes, toiletries, and possibly even a laptop, if work will need to be completed that night.
Next, pack items that will be needed first in a clear container. Things like: a box cutter, paper towels, trash bags, eating utensils, select cookware, power strips, phone chargers, toilet paper and tools. The clear bin allows items to be seen; it also stands out from all those cardboard boxes.
Wrap breakable items in clothing to save money and time. By doing this you also pack your clothes while eliminating the need to buy wrapping paper or bubble wrap. Use socks to add extra padding for glasses and stemware. Just make sure those socks are clean!
When labeling boxes always label the side of the box instead of the top, this way boxes are able to be stacked but remain easy to identify.
Also, when you are labeling, it is a great idea to use a different color tape for each room on the boxes. Then, put a piece of the coordinating tape on the door of the particular room. This allows the friends or movers to know exactly where the particular box should go and eliminates 500 questions.
If possible, go to the new location the day before moving and clean the bathrooms and kitchen. Stock the bathroom with towels, soaps, shampoos, and toilet paper. Most people are dying for a hot shower after moving all day and do not want to have to go through boxes to find towels.
Pack plates vertically like records. This greatly reduces the chance of some breaking.
Keep items in drawers intact by wrapping them with Glad Press’n Seal. Dresser drawers are their own moving boxes; and this will keep you from having to unpack and refold all the contents.
Keep sandwich bags handy for holding any small parts or screws when taking items apart. Label the bag and tape it to the back of the corresponding item.
Take photos of how electronics are connected so guesswork is eliminated when reconnecting everything.
When packing a closet, gather as many articles of clothing that will fit into a garbage bag, sliding it up the clothing, leaving the hangers at the top. This will allow you to be able to hang things right back up, by sliding the bag off.
Make sure everything is completely packed before anyone shows up to help. This seems like common sense, but all too often it has happened to us. Do not be that person who makes everyone help pack, sort, and clean before they can actually move anything.
Number the boxes. By numbering the boxes, you will know right away if one is missing.
If renting, take photos of the cleaned out “old home.” This is essential to getting the deposit back. Also, make sure to take pictures of any damage.
Make the last grocery trip one to two weeks in advance; the more food you use before moving, the less you will have to throw out or pack.
Remember to defrost the refrigerator at least one day before moving, and wipe up any liquid.
If possible, pack items ahead of time that are not used frequently, such as out-of-season clothing, etc. Of course, this will work best if you know the moving date.
Moving can be a painstaking task, but it can be simplified. The more time allotted to making sure everything is organized and done beforehand, the less frustration there will be on moving day. There are always going to be things that do not go according to plan, so try to eliminate any avoidable problems beforehand.
April Sherrill is a staff writer for the Hamilton County Herald. Contact her at april@dailydata.com. v