Organizing With Shoe Boxes for a Move
I recently moved. I was VERY disorganized but am getting better. The one thing I found out is that Target stores are more then happy to let you have empty shoe boxes. I drove my family nuts I had shoes boxes all over.
Ask Friends To Help With Moving
Having just moved about 1 1/2 months ago, I can definitely testify that it is an exhausting process. One thing that helped us out a lot was to ask friends to help us with loading and unloading. We have one of the coolers with a water dispenser.
Move A Few Essentials In Early
When you move, many places will allow you to have access a few days early. If this is possible, before the major move, bring enough kitchen tools to the new place to be able to fix a simple meal. Put them away in their new places. How LOVELY, to have a coffee pot, can opener, plates and glasses on the first chaotic morning in your new house.
Newspaper End Rolls for Packing
If you need packing paper to wrap your valuables, go to your local newspaper and ask for an end roll of paper. They give it away for free here and it has no print on it and has plenty of paper for getting your things packed. You can also cut it to the exact size you need.
Set Aside A Box Of Necessities When Moving
I have moved well over 20 times in my life and the following tip has saved me a lot of frustration and money. I pack 1 box of necessities needed immediately. For my family of four I pack: 4 sets of cutlery, plates, cups, pots, frying pan, condiment, salt and pepper, sugar (packets from restaurants) etc. Toilet paper, towels, toiletry samples. You get the idea.
Use a Bathroom Rug to Move Furniture
Recently I needed to switch furniture in two rooms in my house. I have beautiful hardwood floors that are 57 years old and was afraid of scratching them. The furniture I needed to move (by myself) was heavy, big pieces and cumbersome. I thought about getting some of those mover thingies you put under the legs to move things but I didn't trust them to not scratch the floors.
Moving Tip: Keep Inventory Of Box Contents
If you are moving long distance using a professional mover, try to make itemized list of what is in the boxes. We lost 9 boxes on our last move and lost money from insurance because we could not tell them exactly what was in each box.
Moving Tip: Finding the Bedding
This is an added tip on moving. Pack bedding in washer and dryer if you have them. Then they are handy to get to for making the bed the first night.
Reusing Moving Boxes for Frequent Moves
If you know that you are going to be moving again shortly, or if you expect to relocate frequently, you might appreciate this tip from my military wife former mother-in-law, Mary Jo (who is now in a nursing home. I submit her ideas with admiration and as a tribute to her genius at efficiency matters)
When moving, what is the best way to pack pantsuits and skirt suits? Last time I moved I left them on the hangers and laid them in the trunk but when I got to my location they were scattered all over the trunk and hangers were all tangled up. Any advice?
Mark Back of Drawers When Moving
If you plan to refinish or move a dresser, chest, or any furniture with more than a couple of drawers; an easy way to remember where each drawer goes is mark on the back of the drawer with a marker pen with "A", "B", "C", "D" or "1", "2", "3", "4".
Use towels, wash cloths, sheets, etc. to wrap lamps, dishes, fragile items, etc. to prevent breakage during a move. They are clean and you do not have to rewash and clean everything after moving.
When Moving, Set Up Beds First
When moving, the first piece of furniture you want to move into your new house are the beds. Place them in the designated bedrooms, put them together, and make them up. At the end of the day, all you want to think about is a shower, food, and a good night's rest.
Leave Drawers Filled When Moving
Another good tip for moving; remove filled drawers with clothing, sheets, or whatever. Load the empty dresser, night stand, etc. on the truck. Replace the drawers and turn the furniture to the inside of the truck, so the drawers will not come open while traveling.
Use Cellophane Instead Of Tape To Keep Drawers Closed When Moving
When moving, be careful not to use tape on your furniture to hold dresser or night stand drawers closed. The tape can easily damage the finish, especially in hot weather. Use a self clinging cellophane wrap.
Finding Boxes for Packing Household Goods
Where is a good place to find boxes to pack household goods?
Having moved countless times/lived in 5-6 states, I've used this tips many times! I bought a new outdoor garbage can with lid and 2 wheels. When I moved, I put a contractor's garbage bag inside, filled the can with canned goods and boxed groceries.
Check For Library Fines Before Moving
If you are moving and you and/or your children use the public library, check to see all your fines are paid. The public libraries are strapped for $ and are sending people with overdue accounts to collections!
A pal recently asked if we had any moving boxes they could have. I told her that any time we need any boxes for storage, etc., that we usually head for one of the nearest fast food restaurants and get their strong sturdy boxes that frozen french fries come in.
When you are lifting something heavy, bend your knees, not your waist. Use your legs to support the weight. You'll put less pressure on your back that way.
