Tips on Packing Up a House to Move

Gather an assortment of boxes for packing.

Moving to a new home is an exciting prospect, but can also be overwhelming when you face the task of packing for your move. Getting organized in advance will help put your mind at ease and will pay off in the end. Protecting your valuables is a priority when packing, so don't cut corners on packing material. Allow yourself plenty of time and your move will be less stressful.

Supplies

Gather boxes and moving supplies several weeks ahead of your moving date. Boxes can be purchased from your moving company or a packaging store. Some moving companies have a supply of previously used boxes they will give you. Specialty boxes, such as those for dishware and glasses, simplify packing and protect your fragile items. Have plenty of packing tape, scissors and markers available. Get a good supply of bubble wrap or newsprint to protect your valuables.

Organization

Before you pack, begin a "moving notebook." As you pack a box, write down the contents in your notebook. Number the boxes and label each box with the room that it came from. To simplify things for the movers, color code your boxes. Place a colored dot on each box, using one color for each room in your new home. At your new home, place the corresponding colored dots on rooms so the movers know where to put them.

Packing

Begin packing one room at a time, starting with things you don't use often. As you work through a room, weed out things that you no longer use or need to donate to a charitable organization or to sell at a yard sale. As you pack, place only one or two heavy items in each box. Fill in the remaining spaces with smaller items, towels, pillows or bedding. Choose small boxes for books to keep the weight manageable. Be sure to wrap items using newsprint or bubble wrap. Fill boxes completely as they will be stacked in the moving truck.

For easy transport of your hanging clothes, choose wardrobe boxes, which are specially designed with a hanging bar. Simply remove your clothes from your closet and transfer them to the box.

If you plan to move any food items, pack only sealed, non-perishable products. Keep all food items in the same box in case of accidental spills.

As you pack, create an "essentials" box filled with changes of clothes, favorite toys, toiletries, light bulbs, flashlights, a telephone, coffee pot, clock and batteries. Pack one kitchen box with cooking and eating utensils to take you through the first few days in your home. Take these boxes in the car with you or have them loaded last on the truck so they will be the first off.

Tips

Wrap any glassware, dishes, mirrors, pictures and breakables in bubble wrap or paper. Label the boxes "fragile." Place a layer of bubble wrap at the bottom and top of each box. Fill in around fragile items with clothing and towels for extra protection. Remove light bulbs from lamps. Pack lamps bases and lamp shades separately.

Dispose of all flammable materials and poisons.

Be sure to keep your moving book and your mover's paperwork with you. Keep pens, markers, scissors and a utility knife handy for unpacking when you arrive at your new home.

References

• Moving Company Guide: Packing For Your Move
• U Pack Moving: Moving Checklist