The commercial movers come and go, boxes get taped shut and labeled, and everyone is happy that the move-in day has finally arrived. However, while all that excitement is taking place, it’s easy to overlook the fact that you still have another move-out day just around the corner – and that’s when things start to get really complicated.
Here are 15 of the most effective and valuable moving and packing tips to make your move like a charm. By following these steps, you can ensure that your move will be as smooth and stress-free as possible!
- When making your list and checking it twice, remember to include all items you’ll need for both home and office. This includes items such as pay stubs, stamps, bin labels (for storage bins), office keys (if you’re moving to another location within the same building), and essential phone numbers.
- If you haven’t done so already, send out change of address cards to everyone with whom you do business, including your bank, credit card companies, and magazines and newspapers.
- Make a list of everything you need to do before the big day:
cancel deliveries, arrange for pet sitters, and so on.
- Pack one box at a time. For each, determine what you need to put in it.
- Label all your boxes as soon as they’re packed! Use a thick (1/2 inch or more) black marker and make the labels easy to read. If you’re moving at a busy time, use a smaller printed label not to clog the moving process.
- Get a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval by protecting your appliances and other kitchen goods. Wrap all your small appliances from cords to stove knobs and tape the drawer and cupboard doors shut.
- When moving your glassware, pack each piece in its box. This prevents them from breaking or tipping over when stacked on top of one another.
- For items you’ll need before the movers arrive, make sure to pack them in an easily accessible place. Use clothing and linens for softer and lighter items.
- Pack your pots and pans in a sturdy box, with layers of newspaper or bubble wrap between the items (the newsprint will also help to keep your pots and pans from scratching each other).
- Pack books flat (never standing up) or on their sides in book boxes.
- Keep like items together: books in one box, DVDs and CDs in another, and so on.
- Wrap breakables in bubble wrap or packing paper, or use the original boxes they came in if you still have them.
- Wrap mirrors and pictures in bubble wrap or packing paper. Taping the glass to cardboard will help protect them from breaking when stacked.
- Move your lighter pieces first, such as lamps and knickknacks.
- Use a moving company’s wardrobe boxes to store off-season clothing or linens.
