Tips for packing and moving

Packing tips and moving tips!

To help you enjoy your move more, here are a few tips to point you in the right direction.

Packing Tips

Smaller items can be wrapped in newspaper, packed together in boxes and surrounded by foam “peanuts”.

Dishes, vinyl records etc should be wrapped in bubble wrap and stacked on their “edge” rather than laid flat.

Dish towels and pot holders can be used to cushion the bottom and sides of boxes to protect the contents.

Pack heavy items in small boxes, and light items in larger boxes.

Remove light bulbs before packing lamps.

Furniture can be protected with bubble wrap secured by tape (be careful not to tape directly to wood or painted furniture – tape the bubble wrap to itself).

Wrap wooden or painted furniture in movers pads and secure with rope to keep the pads in place.

Large mirrors or pictures should be covered both sides with bubble wrap and heavy cardboard. Run masking tape around the entire object.

Inexpensive clothing, towels linens and other soft items can be packed in large garbage bags and tied at the top.

Suits, gowns and other fine clothing should be packed in “portable wardrobes” which can be purchased from the moving company or packing store.

Care should be taken when packing a computer. Make sure to back up all your files before packing your system. Pack your diskettes in a separate box that does not have anything magnetic in it. Bundle the cables and wires together and use color-coding labels so that you know which connection goes where. Upon arrival, let your PC acclimate itself to room temperature before plugging it in.

Pack a kit for immediate use in the new house – paper plates, plastic cups, bathroom tissue, aspirin, prescriptions, telephone numbers and other necessities. Take this with you – do not leave with the movers to take.

Pack a personal suitcase for each member of the household with emergency clothing supplies and toiletries. Take this with you when you move – do not leave it for the movers.

Have children write their names and new address on boxes from their room – this will help them learn the new address.

When moving plants in your own car, take care not to let the leaves rest on windows as this can scorch the leaves.

Moving Tips

Make a note of your shipment number allocated by the mover. Keep it and the mover’s telephone number with you in case you need to contact them about the move.

Pack one box, or designate a specific drawer in a dresser, for sheets and towels, so that you won’t have to unpack dozens of boxes looking for them on your first night in the new home.

After you have cleaned and dried your refrigerator, put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal in a sock or nylon stocking and leave inside your refrigerator to keep it smelling fresh.

Pack your current phone book to take with you. You may need to contact people in the area you came from so this would come in very handy.

Before the moving van leaves for your new destination, make sure they have a telephone number where they can contact you. Maybe give them an alternative contact number as well.

At your new house, consider setting up the TV and VCR first so that children can be occupied while the rest of the van is unloaded. (It is better if the children can be cared for somewhere else until the van is unloaded.)

Arrange for pets to be cared for somewhere else if possible for the duration of the move. Keep pets calm and out of the way.

Let the professionals do most of the work. Keep out of their way and let them do their jobs. Sit back, relax and look forward to enjoying life in your new residence.

We hope this information has been helpful to you. If you are ready to start looking to buy a home, why not check out “Petersens Picks” which is a selection of Kent’s more interesting properties currently for sale in the Antelope Valley. If you would like to know more about the Antelope Valley, click here. You may find that the Antelope Valley is an excellent place in which to live. For more information or if you have questions, just send us an email or give us a phone call.