By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide
The living room can be a little more complicated to move than the dining room or bedroom, simply because
of all those electronics and small items such as figurines, DVDs and books. Using this guide will help you organize and pack both the small and large items efficiently and effectively.
Step One: Sort, Select and SimplifyLike all rooms, the living/family room needs to be sorted and simplified as much as possible. Go through each drawer and over each shelf to determine what items will be moved and which ones can be donated or sold in a garage sale.
Step 2: Pack All Draperies and Wall DecorationsRemove all pictures and mirrors from the walls, including drapes, sheers and blinds. For paintings and original art that is valuable, you may wish to hire a special packing service. Call a professional packer or talk to your moving company for rates and options.
These tips and guides will help you pack the remaining items:
Pictures, Frames and Mirrors: Use this step-by-step guide.
Drapes and Curtains: Use a wardrobe box, which can be purchased from a moving store or your moving company. Hang the drapes, curtains, and sheers over the crossbar. Remove the curtain rods and place them in the box. If a wardrobe box is not available, carefully fold the drapes and place them in a bureau drawer.
Step 3: Lamps, Bases, Knick-knacks and BooksIt's a good idea to pack all the somewhat fragile items next. Removing breakables will allow you to pack the rest of the room without worry. Make sure you use lots of packing material to ensure items are well protected.
Step 4: Electronics and AccessoriesCareful packing is required for all electronics. If you've kept the owner's manual that came with each device, check the section on moving and packing. Also, if you kept the original box, that's pretty much all you need. But if you're like me and have thrown away the boxes, you can always contact the manufacturer to see if they can send you a "return box" - something you would use if the device required servicing.
Electronics: Step-by-Step Packing Guide
Speakers: For large speakers, wrap each in anti-static bubble-wrap and ask the moving company to secure padding on top. If you're moving yourself, padding can be rented from moving companies or the truck rental agency. For small speakers, wrap them inanti-static bubble-wrap and place them in a well-protected box such as a dish pack.
Step One: Sort, Select and SimplifyLike all rooms, the living/family room needs to be sorted and simplified as much as possible. Go through each drawer and over each shelf to determine what items will be moved and which ones can be donated or sold in a garage sale.
Step 2: Pack All Draperies and Wall DecorationsRemove all pictures and mirrors from the walls, including drapes, sheers and blinds. For paintings and original art that is valuable, you may wish to hire a special packing service. Call a professional packer or talk to your moving company for rates and options.
These tips and guides will help you pack the remaining items:
Pictures, Frames and Mirrors: Use this step-by-step guide.
Drapes and Curtains: Use a wardrobe box, which can be purchased from a moving store or your moving company. Hang the drapes, curtains, and sheers over the crossbar. Remove the curtain rods and place them in the box. If a wardrobe box is not available, carefully fold the drapes and place them in a bureau drawer.
Step 3: Lamps, Bases, Knick-knacks and BooksIt's a good idea to pack all the somewhat fragile items next. Removing breakables will allow you to pack the rest of the room without worry. Make sure you use lots of packing material to ensure items are well protected.
Step 4: Electronics and AccessoriesCareful packing is required for all electronics. If you've kept the owner's manual that came with each device, check the section on moving and packing. Also, if you kept the original box, that's pretty much all you need. But if you're like me and have thrown away the boxes, you can always contact the manufacturer to see if they can send you a "return box" - something you would use if the device required servicing.
Electronics: Step-by-Step Packing Guide
Speakers: For large speakers, wrap each in anti-static bubble-wrap and ask the moving company to secure padding on top. If you're moving yourself, padding can be rented from moving companies or the truck rental agency. For small speakers, wrap them inanti-static bubble-wrap and place them in a well-protected box such as a dish pack.
Television: Call the moving company to see if the television should be crated. If not, purchase a special box for heavy items and use blankets or padding to protect it. Some movers will suggest simply padding the television before securing it into the moving truck. Pack all remote controls with the television or corresponding electronic device. Keep owner's manuals with each unit.
DVDs, CDs, Video tapes: Pack CDs and DVDs on edge into a well-cushioned box. Never pack them flat. VHS tapes can be packed similarly and will require protective material beneath and on top. Separate layers of tapes or DVDs/CDs with cardboard.
Step 5: Furniture and Rugs
TV Cabinet: If your cabinet has glass doors, try to remove them before moving. If this is not possible, secure them well so they don't open during the move. The moving company may want to wrap the cabinet in padding before loading it on the truck.
Couches, Chairs, Ottomans and other Upholstered Pieces: The moving company will shrink-wrap any upholstered items to ensure they don't get dirty or stained during the move. Make sure any unattached items, such as cushions and pillows are packed separately in a box.Coffee and End Tables: If items have doors or drawers, make sure they are secured. Corners can be protected from bumps using cardboard protectors available from the moving company or rental agency.
Rugs: You may want to have your rugs professionally cleaned before you move them. Roll rugs then secure them with plastic ties, then place them in large, plastic bags. Your moving company or moving supply store can provide you with bags that are large enough to accommodate your rugs. If in doubt, have the moving company pack your more expensive area rugs.
Pianos: Pianos need to be moved by a special mover to ensure they aren't damaged during transition. The mover will proper wrap and pad the piano prior to moving. Before hiring a mover, ask about their experience moving pianos. Also note that once you've moved into your new home, the piano will have to be professionally tuned.
Source:
http://moving.about.com/od/packingtipsandtricks/a/movelivingroom.htm
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