How to Pack and Prepare for Moving
Whether you're moving across the street or across the country, the basic steps for a successful move remain the same. Organizing your belongings according to room or function and identifying items that can be donated or thrown out gives you a strong start in the process. Compare prices of local movers and research if they include hand trucks, furniture pads, boxes and packing materials. Research the history and details of your new city, including new utility companies, school districts, crime rates and community activities. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Professional moving boxes
- Recycled boxes
- Packing tape
- Shears
- Markers
- Labels
- Hand trucks
- Furniture pads
- Packing materials
Instructions
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Preparing
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Inform your landlord of your intent to move. If you own your home, begin researching real estate agents in the area and contact your homeowners association for any policies on advertising the sale of your home.
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Contact your utility companies regarding shutoff dates and any associated fees. If your move is to an area serviced by the same company, you may only need to pay a small transfer fee and set up dates for your services to be disconnected from your old address before being connected at your new address.
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Establish accounts with new utility companies and compare installation fees, contract terms and available services in your area. Often, companies will provide bonus or incentive items to new customers, including gift cards or promotional items.
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Research community activities in your new city or town, as well as organizations for you or your family members to join as a way to ease the transition to a new location. Compare public and private schools in the area and pay attention to the cost of living, crime rates and other details.
Packing
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Purchase moving boxes for fragile items such as china and crystal. According to Moving411, "used boxes may be dirty and not be as strong as new, professional quality moving and packing supplies, which are more suitable for packing fragile and expensive items." Recycled moving boxes purchased from a classified ad or similar listing can save on the cost of professional boxes without jeopardizing important items.
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Avoid packing chemicals, flammable items or hazardous materials, according to Moving411. Sentimental items such as heirlooms and jewelry should be kept with you instead of packed in a moving van or truck.
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Pack one room at a time, labeling boxes by room and contents. When you have packed the entire room, add numbers to the boxes -- box 1 of 10, box 1 of 15, for example. Clearly write FRAGILE on boxes that contain breakable or sensitive items, and add a strip of colored tape or another signifier to boxes that contain items you will need immediately at the new location.
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References
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