Packing and Moving Tips

6 Simple Packing and Moving Steps for a Smooth Transition

by Deborah Gaskill, author of BuildWisely's Home Planning Guide

Moving to a new home, apartment or office doesn't need to be complicated and stressful. 6 simple packing steps is all it takes to move to your new home, office, or dorm cost effectively and hassle free!

Step 1: Take Inventory of each room:

Taking inventory is an incredibly easy way to keep track of your belongings, weed out items that you don't want to keep, and document your belongings for insurance purposes.

The optimal time to begin your inventory is at least 6 months or more before your move. Yes, I know, 6 months seems like a long time. However, by planning a move far in advance, you are less likely to be rushed into making hasty decisions and more likely to have a smooth and organized move.

Only inventory one room at a time starting with the largest items and ending with the smallest items. Speaking of smaller items, it is a good idea to group small like-items together so that your list is kept well organized and uncluttered.

Start with rooms that are used less frequently or even your storage rooms. When you write down an item, decide whether you will be keeping it, selling it or donating it to a good cause.

Don't forget to write in the item's condition and value as this can help determine its replacement value for hazard insurance purposes or tax write off if it will be donated.

For your convenience, you may download and print my Inventory List for your use. Just fill in each row as it pertains to each item and your inventory will be a snap.

Sell/Donate Label Tip: Print on solid sheet label paper (the kind that doesn't already have perforations) and just cut out and stick to each object (in a safe spot as not to harm your objects) you want to sell/donate.

If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you will need to download this free reader first.

If you have the .pdf document reader above, click here now to download my free Inventory List.

After downloading it, make sure that you save a copy of my inventory list directly on your computer so that you can print off a copy anytime you need to. Just click on the floppy disc icon on the tool bar and save it to the folder of your choice.

For items that you will be moving to your new location, you will need to Download an Inventory Sheet for Hazard Insurance Purposes – make sure you fill this form out to ensure that your belongings are covered as outlined in your hazard insurance contract. For more information about Hazard Insurance, Click Here.

Step 2: Gather Your Packing Materials

After taking inventory it will be time to order your Packing Materials. The following list of materials are always needed to ensure that your belongings are not damaged during shipment:

Blankets
Bubble Wrap
Dish/Glass Dividers
Newspapers
Packing Peanuts
Packing Tape
Small, Medium, and Large Boxes
Wardrobe Boxes

Buy Moving Boxes and Packing Supplies at Pack Essentials

When ordering boxes, take the weight of each item into consideration. It is far better to keep from packing too much weight in larger boxes. Therefore, heavier items, such as books and dishes should be packed into smaller boxes to prevent breakage and back strain when lifting.

Step 3: Print off a Packing Slip

I have created an easy to use packing slip so that you know exactly what is inside each and every box. Print and fill out one packing slip for each box or and Individual Item Slip for single large items. Click Here to Download my Free Packing Slip.

Step 4: Carefully Pack Your Belongings:

To help prevent your boxes from getting crushed and valuables from getting broke in your move, it is always a good idea to pack each box so that there are no empty spaces within the box. Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and news print (unprinted if you want to keep ink off your belongings) to keep your items safe.

Figurines and Collectibles: It is usually a good idea to pack the figurines and delicate items in their original boxes first, and then into a larger box to prevent breakage. Use your best judgment and add packing peanuts, newspaper, or other packing materials around any gaps.

Books: Sort books by type and then pack neatly into a small to medium sized box to prevent the box from getting too heavy.

Computers and Electronics: It is optimal to pack these items in their original boxes. If you no longer have the original box and packing materials, you may want to consider taking this item to a packaging store to be professionally packed. It may cost you a little bit more, but it could save several hundreds of dollars by having to replace the item if it gets damaged in your move.

Dishes: Always pack dishes in an upright position rather than flat to prevent breakage. The bottom of the box should have a foam cushion to help absorb any impact that could occur during your move.

Glasses: The easiest way to pack your glasses is to order glass dividers.

Lamps and Lights: Remove light bulbs before packing. It is also a good idea to tie up the cord and secure it with a rubber band or twist-tie to prevent it from getting tangled with other items.

Valuables: Pack these items carefully and, if possible, keep with you during your move.

Heavy Items: Pack so that the heaviest items are closest to the bottom of the box and lighter objects are placed towards the top.

Step 5: Carefully Load Your Packed Boxes on the Truck

When packing the moving truck begin with the largest, heaviest, and least fragile items. Rather than packing layers upon layers to the top of the truck; add wooden shipping spacers to balance out your cargo. Use blankets, furniture cushions, pillows, etc... to give extra padding around your fragile belongings. By using caution and care your items are sure to arrive at their destination unharmed.

Always remember that a little prevention goes a long way. Your truck driver is a professional and will transport your belongings with great care, but if your items are not secure in the trailer or you have not protected them properly they could be damaged

Step 6: Unload Each Box or Item to Its Designated Place

Rather than unloading the truck and putting all your belongings in one place to be sorted later, unload each box from the trailer and place it directly in its respective location. Using my packing concepts and attaching a packing slip to the side of each box, you will know what is contained inside and where location it belongs.

If you have any other questions about packing and moving or would like a moving or shipping quote, please call our friendly customer service representatives at 1-800-PACKPRO (722-5776). If calling from Canada, dial 1-620-374-2186

=========================================
MOVING BOXES AND PACKING SUPPLIES
delivered to your door FREE from
Pack Essentials
FREE SHIPPING * HUGE VARIETY
Click Here to Visit
=========================================