A Packing Plan for Your Move
By Vanlines.com Staff
Unorganized packing can make or break your moving experience. Some people throw items half-hazardly into boxes - mixing kitchen bowls with bathroom items and wonder why their belongings were damaged. Just as it was important to find the right moving company, it is equally important to set up an organized packing plan.
Decide what you are keeping
Moving is a great time to get rid of items that you never use or never even realized that you had. You may also find that you need to get rid of some items because you want to lower some of your moving expenses or you are downscaling your living conditions from a house to an apartment. Whatever the reason, consider donating your old items to local charities or friends and family members or you may even want to sell them (if you have the time).
Organize the boxes
A sea of brown boxes can be an overwhelming sight once the movers have left. To brighten up this situation, purchase some colorful stickers or markers to label the contents of each each box. For example, use blue for the bathroom and then further label the boxes by listing its contents (e.g. shower curtains, soaps, etc). This system also makes it easier for the moving company to know where each box should go in your new home.
The packing begins
When you are ready to pack, put the heavier items in first and lighter items on top. The empty spaces inside your large pieces of furniture – such as drawers and shelves – can be packed with smaller items. Also, try not to use boxes that are too large. Even though you can fit more items in them the mover may not be able to lift them and they are also more susceptible to breakage.
What to pack last
Some items, like your television, should be packed close until the end. Not only as source of entertainment for you, but the TV can help keep your children occupied when everything else has been packed away.
As a rule, pack last whatever you need to access quickly during your last days at the house, your stay at a hotel, or during travel, such as food or children's activities, items for your pet and your camera to document this exciting experience.
Never pack:
Legal documentation
Car titles, passports, insurance policies and marriage certificates are the most difficult items to replace but are somehow always the easiest to lose. Never pack them away in boxes, but rather, make sure they are close-by to you. You should also make a copy of them on a portable hard drive.
Jewelry
High-priced and valuable jewelry should also remain with you. These items are small enough that they can be contained a small bag; rather than packed away on a moving truck where damage can happen.
Medications
You never know if you may need your medication on the road and packing them into boxes will make it difficult to find them.
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