Tips
for Packing Like a Pro
1. Develop a master “to
do” list so you won’t forget something critical.
2. Sort and get rid of
things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to
a charity, or recycle.
3. Don’t throw out
everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, ask yourself
how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no
longer had it.
4. Pack like items
together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen
utensils.
5. Decide what if
anything you plan to move yourself. Precious items, such as
family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the
move, should probably stay with you.
6. Use the right box
for the item. Loose items encourage breakage.
7. Put heavy items in
small boxes so they’re easier to lift. Keep weight under 50
lbs. if possible.
8. Don’t over-pack
boxes and increase the chances they will break.
9. Wrap every fragile
item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes.
10. Label every box on
all sides. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you
don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out
what’s there.
11. Use color-coded
labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code
a floor plan for your new house to help movers.
12. Keep your moving
documents together, including phone numbers, driver’s name,
and van number. Also keep your address book handy.
13. Back up your
computer files before moving your computer.
14. Inspect each box
and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.
15. Remember, most
movers won’t take plants.
Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. www.REALTOR.org/realtormag
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