By: Diane Fitzpatrick
It's a big job, but it can be done-safely, efficiently and inexpensively. The easiest move is one in which the moving company packs for you. Paying for professional packing, however, can be costly. If you're saving money and doing it yourself, here are some simple packing tips:
Purge first. Don't wait until after your move to get rid of things you don't want in your new house. True, sometimes you're not sure what you have room for until you start to put it away in the new place. However, some things that aren't worth packing and taking with you. Moving is expensive: The more you pack the more you pay, so purge early. Before you begin packing, go through your belongings-storage, kitchen cabinets, clothing drawers and closets, bathroom cabinets-and get rid of anything you don't want.
Start early to avoid burnout. Start packing as soon as you know you're moving. If you try to squeeze too much packing into a short period of time, you may start taking shortcuts, and you'll break your own rules on quality packing.
Prioritize. First pack items you rarely use, such as china, silver, off-season and holiday items, and formal clothes. As your move date gets closer, pack more, leaving everyday essentials for the very end.
Don't scrimp on materials. Use moving boxes, packing supply materials and other moving supplies that are from a moving supply store, or just as good. Moving your belongings in bags or flimsy boxes will result in breakage.
Use proper boxes. Moving supply companies have boxes specifically for certain items, such as lamps, paintings, mirrors and clothing on hangers. Use them for a more efficient move.
Don't overload. Don't overload boxes. With heavy items, like books and canned goods, keep the boxes small so they're not too heavy to pick up.
Keep like things together. Pack things from the same room together. If you're moving into a house with a different number of rooms from your current house, pack them for the new place. For instance, if you have two children who share a bedroom but who will have separate rooms in the new house, pack their belongings separately, so unpacking will be clear and easy.
Realize you can't use too much packing paper. There's no such thing as overpadding. If you're using moving supply packing paper, double up, and use two sheets to wrap each dish or other breakable items. Use whole double sheets to line the bottom and separate layers.
Mark everything. As soon as a box is packed, mark on it with big, black permanent marker what room it goes in and a general description of the contents. (For example, "Kitchen: everyday dishes, towels, placemats" or "Joe's Bedroom: toys, desk contents.") When your boxes arrive at the new house, you'll be able to put them in the proper rooms and unpack them in a prioritized order.
Keep a master list. Number each box and keep a complete list of its contents in a notebook. This will serve as your reference for any claims for lost boxes.
Pack a "survival kit" box or two. Pack one box that has things you know you'll need right away: Tools for assembling beds (screwdrivers and a hammer), tools for unpacking (pocket knife or an Exacto knife), items for your first hunger pangs (paper plates, paper towels, snacks, can opener, bottled water), items for your first shower (a towel, shampoo and soap), cleaning supplies (sponges, spray cleaner, a broom and dustpan) and a first-aid kit (bandages, antibacterial cream, pain relievers).
Don't pack hazardous, liquid or flammable items. If you're using a moving company to transport your belongings, get a list of items they won't move. Flammables, containers of liquids that have been opened and hazardous items are normally banned from moving trucks. Plan to transport these things yourself.
Set aside valuables. Some things you'll want to take with you on your move. Back up computer files and the backup with you; also bring along medical files, kids' school records, insurance information and valuable jewelry.
Repack items already in boxes. If you store things in bins and boxes, repack them so nothing shifts and gets broken during the move.
Source: http://www.life123.com/career-money/real-estate/moving-tips/simple-packing-tips-for-moving.shtml
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