Moving? - Top 10 Packing Tips

When you decide to make a move to a new home there are a number of things to take care of including the dreaded packing. Not many people enjoy this process, but it can be a lot less stressful if you are organized and make a plan.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Plan ahead and budget for the move. Will you be moving yourself or will you require the assistance of a moving company? If you are planning to use a moving company it’s a good idea to price this out ahead of time.
   


2. Make sure you have plenty of the following: strong packing boxes (more than you think you will need), markers and tags to label boxes, rolls of packing tape, bubble wrap for fragile items, packing paper, scissors and a knife for opening boxes.
   


3. Pack room-to-room keeping similar items together.
   


4. Use smaller boxes for heavier items so it is easier to lift.
   


5. You can use towels, linens and curtains to line the bottom and sides of boxes with fragile items. All fragile items should be individually wrapped. Clearly mark these boxes FRAGILE.
   


6. Make sure that any opened boxes or jars are tightly sealed before packing them.
   


7. Use colorful tags to identify the contents of the box and which room it will be taken to in your new home.
   


8. Pack any rugs last so that they will be the first thing unpacked and placed in the home.
   


9. Make a master list of all household items and personal belongings.
   


10. Finally pack a box with all the essentials and mark it “Open Me First”. This box may contain items such as: a few basic tools (flashlight, pocket knife, masking tape, light bulbs), bathroom essentials (toilet paper, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes & paste, hand towel), Kitchen items (paper towels, coffee maker & filter, paper plates, cups, utensils, pet food, trash bags).

Planning ahead will make all the difference to an overwhelming move. Do your research and make a pla