Packing Tips for Relocating

Information Connection: Packing Tips

Brought to you by RPS Relocation Services

Label each box with the room it belongs to and its contents.
Drain all fluids from power & yard tools so they won't leak. Dispose of all corrosive & volatile chemicals such as oil, antifreeze and gasoline.
After cleaning refrigerator, allow the door to remain open for a while to decrease the humidity in the appliance. Place a piece of coal or a layer of baking soda inside to prevent mildew and musty smells.
Pack a safe or fireproof box with important records such as birth & marriage certificates. medical records, school records, passports, pet records, credit card & banking records, tax returns, etc.
Use strong, clean containers and twine or packing tape.
Try not to exceed 50 pounds in each packed container.
Place heavier items on bottom and lighter items on top.
Protect finished surfaces with paper to avoid mars and scratches.
Use plenty of padding (clean crumpled paper, bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts) to cushion contents. Recycle materials after move if possible.
Pack containers tightly to avoid shifting.
Fragile items should be packed with extra care in their own compartmentalized boxes.
Wrap electric items individually before packing and cushion them well.
Make certain all liquids and foodstuffs are in sealed containers.
Don't overload chests and dressers with clothing and linen items. This could cause furniture joints to separate and collapse.
Do not wrap lamp shades in newspaper; the ink can rub off and stain them. Wrap them in sheets or towels.
Once you vacate your property, any fixtures or items left behind become the property of the new owner. Make an extra "final check" sweep.
Have a master inventory list of all boxes and their contents, according to room.
If you've hired a moving company, let them pack mirrors, furniture and pictures to prevent rubbing and possible breakage.

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More thoughts on packing

It's amazing how much stuff accumulates. It's even more amazing how little of that stuff we actually need. A great way to make your move easier is to get rid of stuff. People pay big bucks to move junk that they will only stick in a closet. This makes no sense.

The vast majority of people making a move have an emotionally hard time uncluttering their lives and getting rid of pointless junk they never use. But it's not just the junk you want to get rid of. It's the good stuff you don't use, also.

Here's a way to lighten your load, and also have more room in your new home.

Pass One. With a garbage bag, start in one corner of your bedroom. Fill the bag with anything you don't use often. Move quickly, and don't take time to think about it. Repeat this process for every room in your house, using a new bag. This lightens the load by one bag. For many people, this barely scratches the surface.
Pass Two. Go through your kitchen. Discard any plastic containers that have scratches (they aren't sanitary), chipped glass, rusty utensils, and so forth.
Pass Three. Go through your garage (if you have one). Discard anything that's broken or worn out.
Pass Four. Go through your clothes closets. Pull out anything that you don't like to wear or that doesn't fit. There's no point in keeping it "just in case." Donate it to a local charity that accepts used clothing. But if it's worn out, toss it.
Pass Five. Go through your clothing drawers, and do the same thing you just did with your closets.

The above five steps won't declutter the typical person's home, due to the sheer amount of accumulation. But it will significantly reduce the amount of unused stuff that you will pay to move and spend time unpacking.