Packing Guidelines

Moving into a new home is a big event for any family, but you will feel that you are in control of the situation, and things will go more smoothly, if you do some careful planning ahead of time. What follows are some guidelines that will make things less complicated for you and your family, and help to ensure that your household goods will arrive intact.

Preparing to Move

Since you are ultimately responsible for seeing that your goods are packed and loaded for the move, your personal involvement in the entire process is essential. You can start by using the right packing materials—strong boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape and packing peanuts. Also, large quantities of crumpled paper, pillows and blankets can be used as buffers to protect your breakable items as well.

Try following this suggested plan as you pack:

? If you can, pack heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry. In general, you will want the weight of all boxes that you pack to be reasonable.

? Pack each room individually, and label each box with its contents and final destination (kitchen, dining room, etc.) Since it can damage the surface, don’t apply any tape directly to any painted or polished wood surface while you are doing this.

? When the mover arrives, see to it that that the items you will need least when you get to your destination are packed first on the moving van.

? Prepare for the first night that you will spend in your new home by packing the basic items that your family will need in a separate bag, and carry that with you in your car.

Also, bring a small toolkit so that you can reassemble any items that couldn’t be moved in one piece when you unload the van.

? You should definitely keep all utilities connected in your current home through the date of your move. (Remember, you will want to be able to use the water and electricity until you take that last look around and leave.)

What Not to Pack

It’s important to remember, there are a few items that moving companies are not willing to transport. While each company’s restrictions can be different, here’s general list of things to transport yourself, discard or make alternative shipping arrangements.

·        Fuels such as gasoline, oil, kerosene, lamp oil, lighter fluid, propane and sterno cans.

·        Household items such as alcohol, batteries (household or automotive), bleach, cleaning products, liquors, nail polish or nail polish remover, paint, pesticides, stains, turpentine and varnishes.

·        Explosives and related devices such as ammunition, fireworks, loaded firearms, matches, lighters and fuses.

·        Perishables such as frozen foods, refrigerated foods and opened foods.

·        Living items such as plants and pets.

·        Valuables such as antiques, artwork, currency, furs, legal documents, securities and any other irreplaceable or sentimental items. While these items may not be prohibited, it’s a good idea to handle the transportation of them yourself.

Moving In and Unpacking

When you arrive at your new home, you can start by having all furniture and boxes placed in their assigned rooms. Then, set up one room at a time, beginning with the kitchen. (There is a psychological and a practical point to doing this; the kitchen will become a place of nourishment and refreshment, and you and your family will begin to feel that you really are “at home.”)

Next, you can focus on putting the bathrooms in order, and when these essential rooms are taken care of, you can move on from there at a more relaxed pace until everything is in place, knowing that there is no strict time limit that you have to follow.