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Fortunately, yours’ is a well-traveled road and those who have gone before have given us these tips. Some organization at the start will help this project go more smoothly.

Save Money - Pack Yourself - Packing can be time and energy-consuming. Usually, it will take two people two full days to pack a three bedroom home.

If you haven’t got the time or energy, you can always hire others to do the job for you. Discuss your needs with professional movers. They will do as little or as much packing as you want. Get quotes from several as their prices vary widely. If you have something very delicate or valuable, why not have it professionally packed? You’ll increase your chances of it safely arriving to your new home. If you pack yourself, though, it can be a real money-saver.

As soon as you know you’re moving, try to do some downsizing. Do you really want to bring absolutely everything with you? Or can you use the move as an opportunity to lighten your load? Now is a great time for that Garage Sale! If not a garage sale, perhaps there is a charity in your community willing to redistribute your extra ’stuff’.

To begin, set up your packing station. Use a large table or floor area for a work surface. Start collecting your packing materials.

Boxes - How Many Are Enough? First of all, use boxes designed for moving. They are a good investment because they will protect your things better and they’ll save you time when you are loading the moving van. Some self-storage businesses even sell used/recycled boxes.

Here is a guide for the number of boxes you might need. Most self-storage businesses will let you bring back unused boxes for a full refund, so take more than you think you need. 1 or 2 rooms: Sm. Boxes - 7, Med. Boxes - 3, Lge. Boxes - 3, China Boxes - 1, Wardrobes - 1 3 to 4 rooms: Small Boxes - 15, Med. Boxes - 8, Lge. Boxes - 6, China Boxes - 1 or 2, Wardrobes - 1 5 to 6 rooms: Small Boxes - 20, Med. Boxes - 12, Lge. Boxes - 8, China Boxes - 3, Wardrobes - 3 7 to 8 rooms: Small Boxes - 30, Med. Boxes - 20, Lge. Boxes - 12, China Boxes - 4, Wardrobes - 4

Box Descriptions Professional moving boxes come in a few different sizes: Smaller (2 cu. ft.) boxes for heavy items such as dishes, files and books Medium (4 cu. ft.) boxes for pots, pans, small appliances, lamps, shades, clothing, linens, and toys Large (6 cu. ft.) boxes for light/bulky items: pillows, bedding, stuffed toys Mirror or Picture Cartons are a great way to move art, framed posters, etc. China Barrels provide extra protection for dishes, fine china and glassware. Wardrobe Boxes are used for packing clothes and drapery (each wardrobe holds approximately 20 garments).

As well as being strong and durable, there is another, hidden benefit to using proper moving boxes. The uniform sizes allow for quick packing and stacking - and that will save you time and money. When you use boxes of every shape and size, you’ll waste a lot of time fitting them all together in the moving van. When you are moving you want less aggravation and frustration. Using professional boxes will make the move easier.

Other Packing Materials Mattress covers to protect box springs and mattresses from moisture and dust Newsprint (preferably non print and in pre cut sheets) Tissue paper and/or bubble wrap for wrapping and cushioning breakable objects Styrofoam chips are necessary fillers for empty spaces and will prevent items from bouncing around inside the boxes Packing tape to seal the boxes Twine to seal boxes and tie loose items together Scissors or a sharp knife Felt markers and/or box labels Notepad and pen to list box contents as they are packed

Final Packing Tips - Label all your boxes on several sides. Include which room the box should be delivered to. - If there are boxes that you want to open first, write a number on them. - Start by packing out of season, or least used items first. Leave the things you use everyday to the end. - Tape important things together such as pins for shelves and bookcases to the bookcase, nuts and bolts for bed frames to the bed frame, etc. - Use crushed newsprint at the bottom of each carton for cushioning. - Fill empty spaces in the boxes with crushed paper. You don’t want anything to slide around. Put heavy items on the bottom and lighter things on the top of each box.

Eventually everyone moves - and it’s a chore that we’ all rather skip! When it is your turn, learn from the experience of other’s. Make it easy on yourself by benefiting from their wisdom.