A Personal Survival Guide for Packing

Packing and moving can be stressful for even the most self sufficient person. And, there’s nothing like benefiting from people who have moved several times in the past. It’s people who have moved many times and have survived that we can take advice from. Therefore, I have some tips from frequent movers that will help you get through any move successfully.

Tips from frequent movers:

* Getting ahead – The top advice from frequent movers is to get an early start. Packing can be a lengthy process and you don’t want to be in a rush. By starting early, you will be more organized and have more time to go through all your things.

* Think small – Go through your household and decide what you really need and what you really want to take to your new home. Get rid of all items that do not make this list. Have you used certain items in the last year? If not, think hard about giving them away or selling them. If it has sentimental value, keep it.

If you’re hiring a moving company, they will generally charge by weight, so lighten your load as much as possible.

* Labeling Items – When labeling, place labels on the top left side of each box. Categorize by room and list items in each box. If you need to find something in a hurry, you’ll be glad you took the time.

* Organization – Pack rooms one at a time. Packing rooms one at a time will help you know what is in each box and where the box is. It also helps eliminate miscellaneous boxes from several rooms.

* Group boxes – You can place smaller boxes in larger boxes for easier inventory. Small boxes can get lost or damaged easily, so this is a good method for keeping up with them.

* Important items – Any important papers or anything of value like jewelry should be taken with you. You can never trust anyone fully with your personal items.

* Essentials – You should always keep a box out for essentials like toilet paper, bath towels, toiletries, medicine, pens, sheets, coffee maker, cups, etc. This should be the last items packed for easy access.