By Boxes Used and New

04/24/2010 Make moving easy
Choosing to move is often a major decision and a lot of work. Even after making the call to relocate, selling your home or putting in the required notice at a rental property, picking a new city, state or neighborhood and finding that perfect living space, the planning still isn’t over. Getting ready for a move can be stressful, but these tips help simplify the process.
Stock Up on Moving Supplies Everyone knows that moving requires boxes, but there are other items to make moving easier that not everyone thinks about. You’ll need packing tape to seal the boxes, markers to label them, paper to insulate breakables and bubble-wrap for especially fragile objects.
Cardboard boxes can often be obtained for free from groceries stores or other businesses. If your local market has already gotten rid of their extra boxes, try asking a fast-food restaurant if they have any available.
Plastic storage boxes are also handy for items that won’t be used soon after the move. If you plan to keep boxes packed away for awhile, consider using plastic storage bins instead.
Start Packing Early If you have extra items around your home that aren’t being used, pack them first. If you’re moving in the summer, box up your winter clothes first. Books you don’t plan to read in the near future, collectables and decorations are other items you won’t need between the decision to move and moving day.
Sorting through these items can also help you decide whether you really need the all of the things in question or if you could stand to part with them. If you find you have three sets of dishes, clothes that don’t fit, extra linens or household appliances you never use, consider having a moving sale. A sale will help raise money for moving expenses and leave you with less to move on the big day.
Clearly Label Boxes Instead of just writing the name of the room a box is destined for on the side, try making the label a bit more descriptive. Write, “Silverware, kitchen utensils and knives,” on the box rather than “kitchen,” or “bath towels and washcloths” rather than “bathroom.” This way, you will better know exactly where to put boxes when you are moving them into your new place, and you will be able to locate specific items if you need them before you finish unpacking.
Plan Your Moving Day If you are planning a do-it-yourself move, recruit helpers early. Friends and family members are often happy to help, as long as they are given enough notice. Don’t expect people to volunteer their time the day before your move. You will likely know your moving date least a month before you relocate, so ask helpers early. Give them a reminder a week or so before the date.
Disassemble items like beds and desks before your helpers arrive to make less work for them, and have things ready to go. It can be frustrating for them if you aren’t prepared, and added stress for them can mean added stress for you.

• “Great Tips for a Smooth Move,” by Coral Nafie
• Century 21, Moving and Relocation
• Moving.com