1. Never use used boxes. The boxes are at risk to buckle, and when boxes buckle the mover is more likely to drop the box. If you are packing wine use new boxes. Avoid going to the liquor store to avoid spending a few extra dollars. If you need boxes, contact me. I have a great connection to a box surplus store! Unless you are moving all of the boxes yourself. Keep in mind the movers expect that you have packed everything adequately enough that they can stack three boxes on top of each other on a dolly down a flight of stairs. Always use extra padding on the bottom, be it packing paper, pillows, towels or newspaper.
2. Pack like with likes. If you are packing the glasses in your kitchen try to keep them all together.
3. Be sure to put your address on the box, just in case there is a screw up. This way your boxes won’t end up in Bell town instead of Queen Anne.
4. Get a copy of your floor plan. If you can’t get one, sketch it out and take measurements. Be sure your furniture will fit up stairwells and doors. A friend of mine had to buy a new bed because he couldn’t get it up the stairs! Make sure all of your current furniture will fit into your new home. There are plenty of needy people out there who could use what you cannot (see my list of donation stations at the end of this article).
5. Be sure to contact the following to notify them of your address change:
• Phone company
• Gas & Electric company
• Waste management
• Sewer
• Water company
• Newspaper
• Security company
• Post office (you get a ton of discounts with the address change booklet! These may come in handy if you decide to do any work on your new home)
6. Never assume that your framed artwork will be ok on top of other boxes in a moving truck. (if the company is good, they won’t let you move it that way) Always use bubble wrap and or boxes for mirrors for your valuable artwork. Sometimes spending a few extra dollars on a box can save you thousands later.
7. Purchase standard sized boxes, instead of irregular ones. When the movers pack the truck it is a lot tighter packed (a good thing for you and your things) if they are able to use uniform boxes.
8. Always label what room your boxes are to go into. This way you can have the movers move them into that room and start unpacking!
9. Avoid packing flammable objects at all costs. These include:
• Turpentine
• Aerosol sprays – including spray paint and household cleaners
• Lighter fluid
10. Try to avoid packing food. When you are aware you are moving, be sure to stop purchasing groceries the week before the move. Only keep dry object liked boxed crackers and unopened tea. If you do pack opened articles, like flour, be sure to tape them shut. Pack condiments in a box that has separators, to avoid breakage. For refrigerated items, purchase an inexpensive Styrofoam cooler.
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