|
|
A Room-to-Room Guide for Packing
It's difficult to imagine moving an entire
house. But when moving to a new home, that's precisely what
you're doing. Every item in your home must be packed carefully
and moved to a new location - hopefully all in one piece. This
can seem overwhelming at first. That's why you should tackle the
large task of packing one room at a time. The room-to-room guide
for packing below will show you how.
Getting Started
Before getting started, make a checklist for each room. Include
an inventory of the items in the room, types and sizes of cartons
needed, padding, and items that will be taken care of by the
movers. Also, be sure to include everything on the ceilings and
walls that you will take with you! A checklist will help you stay
organized while packing, and give you a sense of accomplishment as you
mark items off the list.
Garage and Storage
Start packing the items that you are less likely to use prior to the
move. If you have a favorite hobby such as weight-lifting or
sewing, you can pack everything associated with these first. In
your garage and storage area you might have lawn equipment and garden
tools, bicycles, four-wheelers, a wheelbarrow, exercise equipment,
etc. You name it, it's probably somewhere in the garage! To
tackle the garage and storage areas first is to climb the steepest hill
in your packing experience because there are so many odd shapes and
items to pack.
First, bundle together any tools with long handles, brooms, mops, etc.,
neatly wrapping them with shipping wrap for safe travel. Remove
attachments for power tools and pack them separately.
If you have a grill, clean and dry it thoroughly before the move.
Remove any loose parts and pack them separately. Be sure to
dispose of charcoal and grease.
For equipment or outdoor furniture, remove hardware and store it in
labeled bags or boxes. Secure any attached items that can move
around. Drain lawn mowers and weedeaters of any gas or oil before
moving. For outdoor vehicles and very large items such as a
riding mower, motor scooter, hot tub or swing set, contact your movers
for details on how these items will be moved.
Office
Electronics such as televisions and computers need special care while
moving. They are sensitive to bumps on the road as well as
moisture. If you have the original packing materials such as the
box and Styrofoam edging, use this for packing. If not, you might
have to fit it on a crate labeled "extremely fragile." Office
furniture should be dismantled if possible. Pack important office
papers in a dry, safe place.
For computers and related equipment, be sure to detach connecting
wires, trays, feeders, etc. Remove cartridges and ink trays from
your printers. Store your cables in labeled bags for easy
reconnection. Use well-cushioned boxes for packing speakers and
trays. Just in case - back up your important computer files
before packing it!
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The bedrooms will have a little bit of everything to pack, including
clothing, shoes, sheets and spreads, knick-knacks and furniture.
Pack all the items you don't need to use first. Clothing can be
placed in wardrobe cartons with the hangers. Folded clothing
should be packed neatly in suitcases or cartons lined with clean
paper. Hats can be packed in their original boxes or in a moving
carton. If you don't have the original boxes for your hats, stuff
tissue paper inside the crown of each hat to keep it intact.
Jewelry and other valuables should be removed from drawers and packed
in luggage that can be carried with you during the move. Bedding,
towels and linens should be placed in a protective plastic bag and
packed neatly in a carton. Be sure every item is completely dry
before packing.
Mattresses can be packed in a mattress carton, while pillows can be
packed in smaller cartons either with your linens or in a separate
carton. Curtains and drapes can be packed in moving cartons along
with your linens.
You can leave large area rugs for the movers to get as the last
items. This way, your rugs will be the first in unloading so
other furniture can be placed on top of the rugs.
In the bathroom, you'll have lots of small items such as deodorant,
hairspray, etc. If moving to a foreign country, you will probably
have to dispose of these. If packing these items, be sure to pack
them with the lids tightly secured and taped to prevent spraying or
spilling during travel. Also, be sure your shower curtain and
bath rugs are completely dry before packing.
Living Room
Your living room will likely have items such as small tables, lamps,
pictures or paintings, rugs, knick-knacks and large furniture.
First, check with your mover to see if they can shrink wrap your
upholstered furniture before moving. Secure lamps in a padded,
safe container; remove lamp shades and pack them separately.
Also, remove light bulbs before packing lamps. Fragile portraits,
artwork and mirrors should be wrapped in moving cartons made
specifically for mirrors. For very valuable items, consider
crating them for extra precaution.
For electronics such as CD or DVD players, be sure to secure the laser
using the transport screws on the bottom or at the back of the
item. Lock turntables into place as well. Keep remote
controls with their related equipment, or pack them all separately in a
labeled box. Speakers can usually be padded and put on the
truck. Pack small decorative items in moving cartons with plenty
of padding for breakables.
Large fragile items such as chandeliers, glass tables, pianos or
statues should be handled by the movers if possible. Contact them
prior to moving, and ask about these items in advance.
Kitchen and Dining Room
The kitchen and dining room require tedious planning. Make sure
you have plenty of newspaper or tissue wrap for padding when packing
your dishes and other fragile items. Glass and ceramic items
should be wrapped individually with paper tucked inside them for extra
padding. Plastic bowls, pans and other odd-shaped items can
usually be stacked in moving cartons with some padding protection
around them.
For small appliances such as coffee makers, cabinet-top grills, can
openers or food processors, detach all loose lids and cords before
packing. Drain of any water and completely dry these beforehand
as well. Only pack non-perishable food items. If you're
moving to a foreign country, you might throw all food out due to the
long trip and various regulations to be safe.
Kitchen furnishings, cabinets and tables should be packed with other
furniture. Check with your mover about the larger items.
Tip:
If you want to go ahead and pack all your dishes and silverware, use
paper or plastic for your last few meals!
Utility appliances should be packed carefully as these can be damaged
easily during a move. If you're not sure how to prepare these for
moving, contact a professional technician for help.
Every room can be tackled using the tips above - one at a time.
You'll have your entire home "ready to go" before you realize it!
|
For information on adding your web site to the
International Moving Line
please
CLICK HERE
|
|
