Packing and Moving Tips for Those Who Are Always on the Go
When it comes to packing, you can buy those plastic boxes from Wal Mart, K-Mart or what-have-you. I mean they are kind of pricey if you are moving because you need a few. Well I bought about 10 of them. I bought the small and large ones. The small ones were about $6 where the bigger ones were $8. I remember getting these on sale at K-Mart. I spent about $50 total for them. If you know you will be moving a lot, this is a good investment. No tape involved, ha ha. They stack well and are very easy to carry.
I recommend starting with stuff that is not necessary for living. You never know that there could be a sudden change of plans. Start in the living room with nick-nacs and pictures. Be sure to wrap them well so they won’t break. You can use old newspapers or paper wrap. Don’t forget to wrap pictures and nick-nacs from other areas in the house. I understand that some people may like to keep their things organized according to the room they are in. I, on the other hand, keep things organized according to what they are. I may want them in another room when I move. Keep the boxes out of the way and stack them all up in an area of your living room.
The kid’s room can be so easy. I ask my kids to pick out the toys they want the most and MUST fit in this box. That makes it simple and fair for them. Not to mention, they are excited they have say-so and can help Mommy pack. Clothes are always separated according to sex. Well that is how I do it. I have two boys and they can wear each others clothes. I fold all the clothes they can still wear and pack them in the same box. Off to the Goodwill with clothes that don’t fit. Dresses and blouses are folded long ways and always are on the top of the rest of the laundry. Be sure to keep clothes out, that are necessary to wear during and before the move, so you won’t find yourself digging for clothes. I keep undergarments in the same box, for everyone.
If you aren’t moving for a few weeks or what not, you will need some dishes to eat from. Packing the kitchen is tricky. There is nothing more aggravating then not being able to find that utensil you need, because you packed it away. I always pack kitchen accessories that I rarely use. For example, I rarely use my food processor, so it is packed. Be sure that you wrap all that China well. Also, another tip is to KEEP any boxes that these kitchen accessories come in. Really it is easier and much more organized, when you move.
For those of you who have a spouse or significant other that keeps EVERYTHING, try to convince them that it isn’t necessary to keep old utility bills from the current residence. Geesh, you’re moving for crying out loud!! You DO NOT need old bills. Also, get rid of anything you do not need. My motto is, if you don’t use it (once a week), admire it or if it isn’t sentimental, it is history. Oh, I can’t stand pack-rat junk!
The bathroom is probably the easiest room to pack up. I mean you have all these toiletries that can be replaced. If they are 1/4 full TOSS THEM. I recommend that you tape up lids so that there are no spills. Keep towels and hair accessories out of the box of shampoos and soaps, for obvious reasons.
If at all possible, you have furniture, such as a computer desk, break it down. This saves room for your other items. You may not necessarily have to do that, but I recommend it to those of you who need to save room. I, for instance, have to break down my son’s bunk bed. There is no way it will fit any other way. Keep all screws, nuts and bolts in the same box. Better yet, put them in a Zip Loc bag. I also recommend putting the screwdriver in the same box, if you can. That makes it easier to put together when you get to your new location, without having to locate one.
If you have to do the packing alone, I recommend using these plastic boxes. You don’t know how convenient they are compared to having to go and get boxes at stores or what-not. They come with lids. They have handles on the side for easy lifting and carrying. Sometimes I have to drag mine, because they are too heavy. Still that handle just makes it easier. If they get wet, your stuff doesn’t. That is good for those who are using a truck to make a local move, in the rain. You can categorize them over and over by just using a piece of paper and tape. Regular boxes are usually marked and scribbled out or there is a bunch of tape and paper attached. Well, for those of you who move a lot and save the cardboard boxes, (ha ha) GO PLASTIC. Oh, and not to mention, they make wonderful storage boxes too.
On one move, I am the one who actually moved everything. The only help I got was to move our big TV. I remember how much easier it was with those boxes and having everything organized and stacked. It really doesn’t have to be hard to move, even when you are doing it alone. Need more reassurance? Do it with three kids under the age of 7. Good luck and have fun on your new move.
