Boxes, Moving Boxes, More Boxes....
When Will it Ever End?
REinfo4me.com
Packing correctly for moving will make things so much easier at the other end!
Before moving, pack a box of necessities that you will take with you in the car.
Include items like: medications, toilet paper, soap, light bulbs, telephone, paper towels, toiletries, a couple of towels, change of clothing, favorite toys and diapers for young children, games, books, computer games and music for the older kids, a couple of pots and pans, some cans of food (soup is a good choice) and a can opener, bottled water, some protein bars and snack food, instant coffee and tea bags and plastic plates, cups and utensils.
This is your survival box in case your things are delayed in shipment.
You will also need to pack and take with you cleaning supplies as most movers will not accept hazardous materials like bleach etc.
It's a good idea to have this with you anyway as you should clean your kitchen cabinets before puting away you dishes.
You will also need to arrange to pack any live potted plants you want to take with you as movers will not usually accept them.
The alternative is to order new plants for your new house.
If this is what you are doing, here is a good source for wholesale plants:
Pack everything room by room as to where it is going to be in the new place.
Pack like items together, but do NOT over pack the boxes.
You should try to keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds.
Be very careful packing fragile items.
Use sturdy, NEW BOXES and proper packing material, after all, what's a few extra dollars to ensure your precious cargo gets there intact!
Write FRAGILE on all four sides and the top.
Color code each box as to what room it is going to be unpacked and give the movers a color coded floorplan when they get there.
Number each box sequentially so you know if one gets lost.
Write the contents of each box on all four sides and the top so you can see what's in them no matter how they get stacked.
If you are using used, assorted size boxes from the grocery store etc., make sure to use the right size for whatever you are puting in it. Items should be snug but not jammed in.
Have the movers (or yourself) load the kitchen and bathroom last as this will be first off when they get there.
Keep a list of the approximate value in each numbered box, and record the model and serial numbers of all electronics and appliances.
Take individual photos of all your furniture and appliances, front, back and sides so you will have proof should any damage occur.
When your shipment finally gets there, check off each box from your numbered list.
Have the movers stack the boxes according to your color coded plan in the correct rooms.
You don't want to keep moving heavy boxes up and down stairs!
Have them unload and position the heavy items of furniture and appliances, exactly where you would like them as you really will be too tired to move things around.
Start by checking for visible damage crushed boxes, scratched furniture, dinged appliances and make a note of it on the movers weigh bill
You will need this to make a claim against the moving company or the Extra Moving Insurance we discussed earlier.
Before you start unpacking, you probably should get out your box of cleaning supplies and wipe down the insides of the kitchen cabinets and the medicine cabinets in the bathroom(s). Don't worry about vacuuming and cleaning floors as they will get stuff on them as you unpack.
Remember, Rome wasn't built in one day!
RELAX!
I know you want to get it all put away right now.
Start with unpacking your bedding and make up the beds.
Don't worry about unpacking the rest of the bedroom things (except if you need clothes for tomorrow).
Now, get going on the most important room, the kitchen.
Unpack your everyday dishes and food stuff so you can make a meal if you want.
Better yet, you are all tired, so why not get a pizza or something else delivered (you can skip your diet for one day).
After a good night's sleep, start unpacking room by room.
Have the kids unpack their own things if they are old enough.
Work at it until you have unpacked everything in each room before going on to the next one or you will end up "half unpacked" for months!
Hang your pictures as you finish each room and you are sure you have the furniture in the position you want it.
No use puting extra holes in the walls if you don't need to.
Talking about puting things on the walls, you might want to consider getting the most versatile ladder in the world for your new home, it's 24 LADDERS IN ONE!!. Click below for details:
Break down each box as you go and stack them for recycling.
You can call to see if the local Goodwill or other charities could use them.
Now, settle down and enjoy your new home!
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