Boxing It All Up Without the Headaches

It’s no big secret moving can be stressful – from broken dishes to lost items. But there are a few things you can do to make the whole process a little easier on the nerves.

Start by planning your moving day well in advance. Once you select your moving company, book your reservations two to four weeks before your scheduled move day to guarantee availability.

Next, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and begin boxing up your household or office space. Choosing boxes to do this may not be as much of a no-brainer as you’d presume:

• Boxes of books get heavy fast so ensure to use only small boxes when it comes to these items. Apply this general rule to everything you’re packing: the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
• Emptying the closet can be an organizing nightmare. Use specific wardrobe boxes to simplify the process. To save space, clothes in drawers can be packed into suitcases.
• As tempting as it may be to pick up used cardboard boxes from the grocery store, don’t. You never know what little critter is hiding in the corner of food boxes – or if the box will be strong enough to support your possessions. In fact, don’t use used boxes in general; you don’t know how much weight they can handle or how much weight they’ve already handled.
• Assign boxes to specific rooms. Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box – it can make for a frustrating unpacking process or a wild goose-chase if you’re looking for kitchen utensils in the living room box. Keep a record of what goes into which box so you can find what you need instantly.
• When it comes to large appliances, take a peek at the owner’s manuals to see if there are special instructions for moving.
• Packing breakables requires the upmost care. Always stack dishes upwards and never use newsprint to wrap fine china as it can be messy to clean. Instead, choose protective packing paper or bubble wrap.

With these tips and a few deep breaths, you’re well on your way to a smooth-sailing move.