Comments on: How to Move Yourself

on 1/1/2007 I always pack a bag as though we are going on vacation. One weeks worth of clothes and toiletries for every member of my family. Then, I don't have to open the bathroom boxes to get shampoo or hurry to unpack anything. Who knows how many delays there will be. There's nothing worse than being dead tired, behind schedule, and still having to unpack necesities. Also, have a NEW movie for your kids to watch, NEW coloring books and books to read. The old favorites won't work when there's a new environment to explore, and make mischief in.

on 7/31/2006 Regardless of the mileage of your move, you will still need the same things almost the instant you arrive at your new home. Make sure when the truck is packed that the first things you will need are the last to go on. Parents who have moved can attest to this: make sure there is one large box filled with stuff for the kids-craft items, paint with water books, crayons, videos, etc. so they are entertained while you attend to the remainder. It also helps to number or one box per family member with their most cherished mementos, a clean change of clothes, pictures for each of their rooms. This can help make the first night in a new place much easier for everyone.

One more thing: hopefully you plan on ordering in the first night or two, but you will still need the basic items in your kitchen - pack an essentials box with a few key items (pizza cutter, baby utensils, pitcher for water or juice, etc. For heaven's sake, find a local dollar store and buy paper products to use until you get settled. There's nothing less appealing after a full day of unpacking than facing a kitchen full of dirty dishes! Good luck!

on 11/22/2005 When packing stuff from a particular room (such as the kitchen), label your boxes (K) for kitchen, followed by a number. For example, make "K1" the stuff you use and need the most. When you arrive at your new home or apartment, you can place all the number 1's in the most convenient places. Less important stuff would get a higher number.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of labeling all of your boxes "Kitchen," "Bedroom," etc, use color-coded tape on each box. Blue for bedroom, red for kitchen, etc. This means no markers, no mess, and less time trying to figure out where you should place each box in your new home.

on 11/22/2005 It's incredible how much stuff is in your house that you don't even need....or is this just me? Start with the areas that you know need to be cleaned out (junk drawers, closets). Then go and look through clothes, shoes, etc. Are you really going to wear "that" again? Get rid of it. One of the best things about moving is starting off clean. No clutter. Soon enough, your junk drawer will be overflowing.

on 11/22/2005 Get shredded paper from your office to protect china and glass. This will save you time from wrapping.

on 11/22/2005 For all your knick-knacks and small breakables, place them inside balloons and blow them up a little. The air bubble protects them from damage. This is also a great way to include the kids -- tell them it's a moving party.

on 11/22/2005 Use your comforters and bedspreads to wrap your pictures, mirrors and tables. This is an excellent way of keeping them safe from scratches and also cuts down on packing boxes.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of packing all your clothes in boxes, use them to wrap breakable items and to pack boxes. I used all my clothes, t-shirts and sweatshirts to wrap my breakables and pack my stereo speakers in boxes. This conserved money as I needed fewer boxes.

on 11/22/2005 Take an old sheet and put a stack of clothes on their hangers into the middle of the sheet. Tie the opposite ends of the sheet together and carry off. Most clothes will stay on their hangers and will not get dirty during the move.

on 11/22/2005 Having moved many times, this is what is most appreciated: a friend with a large vehicle finds & brings boxes; an organized person packs the kitchen; a patient friend takes the small children for the day; & homemade meals brought in by an excellent cook.

on 11/22/2005 Save money by renting a truck and driving yourself, but hire professionals to load and unload the truck. They can load the truck more efficiently, and you are less tired with no sore back. This is especially helpful on cross-country trips.

on 11/22/2005 Go to a bookstore and liquor store for boxes. Go to the newspaper for end rolls - no ink rub off. Drive in a good neighborhood for dish boxes. Make a list, and pack a room a day. Get lots of Gatorade. Take frequent breaks. Last thing packed: the vacuum.

on 11/22/2005 Let your kids be more of a help then a hindrance. Provide them with their own packing materials, and let them pack their own rooms. Not only will it save you time, but they will feel included. Plus they'll know where their own stuff is after the move.

on 11/22/2005 Get lots of boxes in one or two sizes. Put everything in boxes, and transport them on a handtruck. Do not carry individual lamps, hanging clothes, etc. on their own; it will take forever and will not pack as well in the truck.