Taking The Stress Out of PackingWritten by dan the roommate man
Let's face it, there is no "moving fairy." No matter how long you procrastinate, no twinkling spirit is going to show up, wave a magic wand and instantly transport all your household goods from your current home to your new one. If you're going to move, you have to pack. With that in mind, here are six tips to help you get through this chore with a minimum of aggravation:1. Start early. Packing always takes longer than you expected. The sooner you start, more momentum you'll generate and more likely you'll be able to finish on time, maybe even with a few spare moments to say good-bye to your neighbors. Another advantage of starting early is that you'll have more time to round up other people's reusable moving boxes. If you have a large home, keep yourself and your helpers on track by making a packing schedule that shows a start date and a deadline for packing each room. 2. Ask your mover for advice. Moving companies naturally have a lot of experience with packing. Ask your representative for how-to-pack tip sheets, moving timelines, information about latest packing materials, availablilty of odd-size boxes and so on. 3. Clear out clutter. There's no sense packing items you should give away or will probably throw out after you move. Before you start packing, go through your entire home, including basement, attic, garage and any other storage areas. The opportunity to reduce clutter and eliminate a lot of unused stuff from your life should be one of benefits of moving to a new home.
| | Before You MoveWritten by dan the roommate man
It's said that Rome wasn't built in a day. Many strokes topple mighty oaks. You can eat an elephant a bite at at time. If you are facing a move, old axioms like these can offer some encouragement, but how about some practical advice? What you really need are step-by-step tips that will help you chip away at daunting task of packing, moving and settling in.Courtesy of NorthAmerican Van Lines, here is a checklist of things to do to prepare to move: Two-Three Weeks * Fill and transfer prescriptions for family and pets. Pack them to travel with you. * Arrange for shipment of plants and pets. Get immunization records for pets. * Dispose of or give away all flammables. One Week * Defrost refrigerator and freezer, plus allow thorough air-drying to prevent mildew. Dispose of persishables. * Transfer checking and savings accounts. * Drain fuel and oil from lawnmowers and other power equipment. Drain water hoses. * Pack items to be carried in car, and label "Do Not Move." * Gather valuables from safe deposit box, drawers, jewelry cases as well as personal records. Pack them safely to take with you. * Send clothing, draperies, curtains, rugs out for cleaning and leave in wrapping. Take down curtain rods, shelves, and TV antenna. * Have car serviced for trip and have proof of insurance in car. Moving Day * Remember to pack a box of basics you’ll need on move-in day (tools, paper products, all-purpose household cleaners, etc.) Be sure to have it loaded last so that it will be first off at your new home. * Pack suitcases for trip. Remove all bed linens. * Be available to check items on inventory sheet. . * Conduct a last minute walk through with your van operator. Make sure windows are closed, closets empty, lights out and doors locked.
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