Smart Packing

There are dozens of things to do as you plan for your cross country move. You may be looking for a new place to live, work out your current utilities, say goodbye to old friends, make arrangements for banking, and of course, pack your belongings for the long journey. Here are a few tips that should make the process a bit easier:

• Edit your belongings. Take a look around your home and determine what needs to go and what can be donated to charity. You may be surprised by the things you have been keeping around but don’t actually use. Moving is simply easier after you have edited.
• Make a list as soon as you know you’re moving. Schedule tasks so they won’t all hit at the same time. For example, four weeks out schedule utility turn offs. Two weeks out, make sure you have all the boxes and packing materials you will need to safely ship your belongings. Several days before you move, begin to fill those boxes.
• Provide adequate padding. It’s unlikely that you have ever heard anyone complain that their belongings were “too well protected.” Bubble wrap, newspaper, and old towels and bedding can all be used to wrap your items before placing them in a moving box.
• Pack carefully. Just as you would not place eggs or bread at the bottom of a shopping bag, don’t place breakable items at the bottom of a moving box unless it’s going to be the only item in there. The same holds true if you’re packing your own moving truck. Make sure heavy, sturdy boxes are at the bottom and stack more fragile items atop that base. Make sure to secure all items with moving straps in order to prevent them from spilling over in transit.

Moving can be stressful, but it can also be exhilarating. A new chapter in life just waiting to be explored.