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Before you move boxes out of your home, you should create a simple inventory system so that you know where everything is. This can be computer generated, or it could be something as simple as a handwritten list in a spiral notebook. The important thing is that the list provides you with plenty of space to log everything. You should give each of your boxes a number, and then write the contents of each box down in your log as you pack.. This will help you easily take stock once you arrive at your new home. Also, it’s important that you are as specific as possible when you pack each box. You’re likely to feel drained once the actual move begins, and you may not remember precisely what each box should contain.
When you’re creating your organization system, it’s a good idea to color code your rooms. For instance, you could designate the color yellow to your kitchen and then place a yellow sticker on each box that contains kitchen items. You can then place a yellow sticker on the kitchen door in your new home, and your movers will know where to place that box. You can also print a sign that says something along the lines of “place boxes here.” Place this sign in the area of the room that you would like movers to stack your boxes.
Moving is a hassle, and failing to take into account just how many boxes you’ll need is an easy mistake to make. It’s possible to underestimate just how much stuff you actually need to transfer from one place to another. A good rule of thumb is that you will need at least 10 more boxes than you think. If you purchase your boxes from a moving company, you can likely return the boxes that you don’t use as long as they aren’t soiled or damp. Other good sources of free boxes include local grocery stores or even sympathetic restaurant owners. You will typically go through several boxes for clothing, bedding, toys and cleaning supplies, so it doesn’t hurt to set aside some for them especially.
Don’t forget to stock up on plastic packing tape. You’ll need plenty of the stuff to close your boxes securely. You can secure items within the boxes with bubble wrap, packing paper and unprinted newsprint. Keep in mind that newspaper can stain your items. Here too, you should get more supplies than you think you’ll need. This is especially true if this is your first major move.
Wardrobe boxes are twice as tall as standard cardboard boxes and are designed to allow clothes to hang upright. Even if you don’t need to pack your clothes in this way, you can still put these boxes to good use. Use them to store bulky items such as small electrical appliances, shoes, purses, toiletries, comforters, blankets and pillows. It’s a good idea to keep the weight down to around 20 lbs. per box, however.
One best practice that can save you a lot of time is to keep related items together. Keep pillows with pillowcases, bleach with other household cleaners, and oven mitts with pots and pans. You can attach small, loose items to the larger item they belong to with tape. You can also store these items in envelopes. Store cable TV cords and other small items that go with electrical appliances in re-sealable plastic bags, and tape them to the item that they work with.
As moving day approaches, you can optimize your moving efforts by packing items that you aren’t using. If it’s winter, pack your tees, shorts, sunglasses and suntan lotion. You likely have cosmetics and toiletries in your home that you aren’t using regularly. If you have multiple radios and TVs, you may consider packing them early. These items will require a lot of time to pack on moving day.
In a similar vein, you may want to create a cleaning kit a few weeks before the move. This way, you can begin to clean your home in advance of the move in your spare time. On moving day, it’s a good idea to vacuum each room as they’re emptied. If you wait until the house is empty to clean the floors, you will have to vacuum and shampoo at the same time.
You should carry as many of your valuable items with you as possible. Collectibles, silverware, antiques and first editions may not survive the trip if you advertise their presence in a box. Though theft is unlikely, there’s no need to take chances. If you must store these items in a box, bury them beneath non-valuable items and give the box a generic name. Make sure that you note the name of the box in your own private documentation so you’ll know where to look for them later. Consult your homeowner's insurance to see how your valuables are protected during the move.
Store important papers such as school records, mover estimates, contracts, utility company info, bank records and birth certificates separately from the rest of your items and keep them within sight at all times. Don’t leave these documents with movers. If you’re traveling to your new home by car, make sure you keep this box with you in the car.
Planning ahead can take a lot of the pain out of moving, and the more thorough your system is, the smoother the transition will be. Following a well-structured plan will allow you to enjoy your new home without worrying about what you may have left behind.
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