More Moving Tips

Being well-prepared for your upcoming move will help eliminate any unnecessary stress as you pack up from one house to move to another. Here are some helpful tips and reminders.

1. For each member of the family moving, pack a suitcase as if you’re all going on a 3-day vacation, including changes of clothes, medications, eyeglasses, toiletries, etc. Keep the suitcases separated from all the other items to be moved, such as in your car, at your workplace, etc. so you’ll have everything you need for the first few days without searching through boxes.

2. Pick one or two boxes per room as "Open Me First" boxes. Put in them the things you'll need first at your new location. Then mark the sides of the boxes so you'll know which ones are which.

3. Which leads to the next tip....label everything clearly! Use wide, permanent black markers. Label by room and general contents.

4. Wherever possible, work on packing just one room at a time (instead of several all at once) to keep things focused and organized.

5. Use packing as a way to clean out belongings for donations, a yard sale, and/or the recycling center. Aim to eliminate 1/3 of your belongings. You'll save time and expense.

6. When taking apart items to be moved, such as tables, tape screws and other small parts securely to the underside of the item. You'll always know where to look and can save time putting things back together.

7. Use towels, pillows and t-shirts you’re packing as extra padding around fragile items. It will save room in your boxes.