Strong
packing boxes Bubble
wrap for packing fragile items Scissors Knife
for opening boxes Several
broad-tip markers to label boxes Rolls
of packing tape
PACKING
TIPS
Get
more boxes than you think you will need. Get
smaller boxes for books. Use bigger boxes for lighter
items. Pack
room-by-room, keeping similar items together. Reinforce
the bottom of boxes with at least one strip of packing
tape. Pack
boxes firmly to prevent the contents from shifting during
your move. Use
crumpled paper for padding. Seal boxes tightly with wide
packing tape. Pack
records and CDs vertically in boxes. Don't stack them
flat. Place
heavier items in the bottom of the box and lighter items
on top. Separate
items with paper to prevent scratches caused by
rubbing. Remove
lids from jars and ceramics. Wrap each separately. Seal
any opened boxes and bottles before packing them to avoid
spills and leakage. Use
towels, linens, curtains, etc. to pad boxes of fragile
items. Clearly mark these boxes "FRAGILE." Use
a jumbo box for lampshades and cushion them well. When
disassembling furniture, beds, lamps, etc. put the
hardware into a plastic bag along with any assembly tips
and tape it onto the item itself. Make
a master list of all household items and your
belongings. Number
boxes when they are packed and sealed. Clearly indicate
on the box its room destination. Write on the master list
the contents of the numbered boxes. Make
a box of essentials and label it "Open Me First." Put
this box to the side to be loaded last (so it's unloaded
first) or move it yourself. Your
Essentials Box may include:
*Basic
tools such as flashlights, pocket knife, hammer,
screwdrivers, nails, masking tape, tape measure, and
light bulbs.
*Bathroom essentials such as hand towel, soap, toilet
paper, shampoo, and shower curtains.
*Kitchen goodies such as paper towels, coffeemaker and
filters, paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, dish
detergent, a sponge, pet foods, dishes, and trash
bags.
Pack
rugs last so they can be the first items unloaded and
placed at your new location.
Packing
With Children
You
will need:
Lots of love and time To
pay close attention to feelings Tape
Blank newsprint Medium
and large boxes
HOW
TO PACK:
Pack
children's rooms last if they are still small.
Having the security of their routine until the very end
will make the transition go more smoothly.
Give
older children (ages 5 and up) extra time to pack their
rooms with you. Packing up is a good time to talk about
things they might be worried or feel sad about - leaving
friends, school, a home they've always lived in, and
facing a new school and strangers. Understanding feelings
and offering your reassurance will ease the transition
for them.
Allow
them to select some items to take with them in the car or
in their carry-on bag.
Most
children's toys are fairly durable and can go in boxes
with some wadded newsprint or extra clothes to fill in
spaces.
Breakable
toys like models or porcelain dolls can be wrapped in
extra clothes and packed in wadded newsprint.
While
the children are packing, ask them to think about where
they'd like things to go in their new rooms.
Make
sure you drain water from squirt guns and seal paints and
other safe but messy materials in resealable bags or
containers. Pack them together in a box lined with a
plastic bag.
Have
your children seal the boxes and write their names or put
their favorite stickers on each box.
Cleaning
Appliances for Moving Day
Clean
your appliances early for a more pleasant and odor-free
move.
Defrost
your refrigerator and freezer, propping doors open.
Afterward, place an open box of baking soda inside each
for a fresher aroma.
Clean
your oven and range. Use a powerful scrubbing agent and
brush.
Drain
your washing machine.
Place
a nylon stocking filled with baking soda or a few pieces
of charcoal inside your washer to prevent mildew. Tape
the hoses and cords to the back of the
machine.
Clean
your dishwasher and remove any leftover soap.
Cut
a lemon into pieces and grind it into the garbage
disposal to eliminate odors.
Remember
to dry interiors of all appliances to prevent
mildew.
585-377-9220
SUPPLIES
FOR PACKING
Strong
packing boxes