• Choose: Do It Yourself Or Pick a Moving Company
If you enjoy packing and organizing things then self packing is the way to go. But if you have time constraints and are really not much of a packer then opting to use the services of a moving company is advisable. A quick internet search is sure to throw up a lot of options on that front, reading reviews on websites helps in gaining a wider perspective on other people’s experiences with a certain moving company. This should help you make an informed decision. Quality and friendly service are two areas you should never compromise on.
• Tips For Self Packing
If you decide to pack yourself then work with a plan. This way you will be more organized and get things done the way you want. Before you begin packing remember to stock up on packaging material like boxes, tapes and filling material like paper and old clothes, towels and napkins. Choosing inexpensive packaging material may not be the best alternative if you don’t want to end up with boxes giving way under the weight of packed goods.
Make a schedule and divide it in to targets for weekly and daily packing. You can choose to pack one room at a time and identify unused items to go in first. Mark every box with its contents and the room you would like this to be in your new home, this will help you to know where you have packed what and will prove to be life savers when you unpack.
Secure the bottom of your box with enough tape before you begin packing. Always put heavy items at the bottom of the box and lighter ones on the top. Use clever cushioning like pillows, bubble pouches or peanuts to protect fragile items like glass. Wrap sharp items like knives, scissors and cutlery in thick towels several times over as a safety measure. Do not forget to secure the top of the box with adequate tape once you are done. Keep track of the weight of each box, 25 kg for small boxes and 40 kg for large ones are usually considered manageable to carry and move.
Involve your family in the process and you will discover how many hands indeed make light work. Do not forget to sit down and discuss important do’s and don’ts with them and if possible give them a written set of instructions each to make the entire process easier for everyone around.
• A Checklist To Organize Your Move
Here is a checklist to help you organize your move better…
• Use smaller boxes for heavy things and larger ones for lighter things.
• Tape boxes along all seams and remember less isn’t more in this case.
• Close a box to check if it can hold the weight in properly, if it shuts then it is sturdy enough.
• Use labels and marker pens to put contents on the box immediately. Do not save this for the next time as chances are you will forget what you packed in the first place.
• Always use appropriate cushioning material like clothes, towels, bubble pouches and yes…cushions to protect any fragile material.
• Wrap glass items individually and place in the centre of the box with proper protection like books and CD’s on all four sides.
• Pack unused items first and the most used ones last.
• How To Choose a Moving Company
If you would much rather have somebody else pack for your move then reputed packers and movers are easy to find online and in your local yellow pages. Most of them are professional and offer their services at competitive prices. The new trend of “green” moving is fast catching on and if you would like to reduce your carbon footprint as you move then recyclable containers, bio fuel and what not are all available for the asking. Before you zero in on a moving company make time to call a few of them and ask about their services while you let them know about your requirements and specifications if any.
