The Art of packing and moving

The Art of Packing

Compliments of Century 21 Regal Realty Inc.
There is something uplifting about moving: a new home is a new beginning. Packing can be a purifying ritual. It’s a time to unclutter your life with unwanted items or items that have been collecting dust (old magazines, scraps, old furniture etc.), keeping only the things you truly value and need.  

Before you begin, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Don’t let this task become something daunting or stressful. By taking your time and assessing what you have to do, it can be a delightful experience.

Let’s start by making a list of some of your basic necessities.
Consider the following:
    •    shampoo
    •    soap
    •    coffee mugs
    •    tea or instant coffee
    •    pens
    •    paper
    •    small box of laundry detergent
    •    scissors
    •    washcloths and towels
    •    toothbrush
    •    toothpaste
    •    plastic utensils and paper plates
    •    If you have not mastered the Zen of unpacking ... you may also want to add aspirin to your box of essentials!
It’s good to transport these items yourself instead of packing them away in the moving truck. The last thing you want is to search through boxes upon boxes for basic necessities, and if there are any unforeseen delays then at least you won’t be without a few essential items.

PACKING BREAKABLES
This may be the most time consuming part of your move. Each glass, cup, plate, and bowl must be wrapped. Most of us use old newspaper but the ink can become messy. Try wrapping your plates in tablecloths, dishtowels, clothes or bath towels. Using fabric items as the actual wrapping material saves space, weight and mess.

MOVING BOXES
You may be surprised at how expensive boxes can be if you decide to purchase them from your movers or other packing suppliers. Veteran movers are in the know on the best places to find free, sturdy boxes: grocery and furniture stores receive most of their inventory in boxes, which must be disposed of.
TIP: Visit these grocery or furniture stores within the first two weeks of the month. Many people have the same idea and there may be none left if you wait until the end of the month.
If you work in a large office, which frequently updates its computer equipment, ask for these particularly strong boxes. If you have storage space and plan to move again within a few years, hold onto them.

SAVING TIME
A great way to save time is to use a system of coloured labels. Even if you don't consider yourself ultra-organized, it's a simple time-saver. Buy large office labels in four or five colours and use different colours to denote different parts of the house (ex. yellow for the kitchen, blue for the bathroom etc.) Colour coding can be a quick visual reference.

PROTECT YOUR BELONGINGS
Sometimes boxes get left in the rain just a little too long. The result is wet belongings and occasionally clothes get ruined when colours bleed from dark to light fabrics. It's a good idea to place any moisture-sensitive items in clean plastic bags before packing in boxes.
A few reminders:
    •     Always pack the heaviest objects on the bottom and work up to your more light and delicate objects.
    •     Chemical cleaners should never share a box with food (including canned items).
    •    Crisscross tape along the bottom of boxes, and then up the sides to prevent boxes from breaking open.

Sometimes the only way to tackle a big task is to take a step back, plan your execution and go for it! You will manage to avoid any moving mishaps and make the first days in your new home as special as they should be.