Most movers suggest you start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until the last minute things you’ll need until moving day. Here are some more helpful hints.
- You can save a lot of money if you do the bulk of the packing on your own.
- Pack similar items together. For example, don’t pack delicate china in the same box with cast-iron frying pans.
- Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic bags and taped or tied securely to the article to which they belong.
- Wind electrical cords, fastening them so they do not tangle.
- Wrap items individually.. Use tissue paper, paper towels or even facial tissue for fine china, and delicate items. Use a double layer of newsprint for a good outer wrapping. Build up the layers, with the heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next and lightest on top.
- Have the kids pack a box of their “special” items, things that they’ll want to have nearby as soon as you all arrive at your new home. Make sure this box is one of the first to be unloaded.
- Be sure to label your boxes, makes it much easier to find things in your new home. Indicate “FRAGILE” on delicate and “THIS END UP” where appropriate.