Tips for Packing and Moving to a New Home

When one is moving to a new home, the chances of breaking or damaging something are high. While many may think that this is a chance that can be taken, we say that it isn't. However, if one knows the tips on how to pack and move properly, then there can be no room for mishaps.

There are professional movers who can help you to move, packing everything away carefully so as to avoid any damage. However, not all companies will strive to carefully put away items for transfer, and that's where you come in. Let's take a look at how you should ideally pack your personal belongings, before moving.

Once you've decided to move, the first thing you will have to do is to plan the packing process. Never decide your moving date without careful consideration. This will give you a sufficient amount of time to pack, where you can ensure that everything is packed away carefully.

Make a checklist of things that need more careful packing first, like dinnerware, items made from glass or similarly frangible items. Before you start with the packing, make a list of all your belongings. This will help you pick the size and material of boxes that everything will go into.  It is best to have the list pasted on the outer side of the boxes.

Keep a list for your reference, so that you know where to look for certain items, whilst crosschecking. Making a computer-generated list, allows you to easily make changes to it, before making a final draft. Alternately, you can have a notebook on hand while shifting items, so that you can make notes or cross things off the checklist, as you move along.

Often people underestimate the quantity of supplies they would need when they are moving. You can either choose to get the boxes from a moving company or get them from the grocer. Find out if you can return the boxes and if there will be any extra charges incurred, should the boxes get damaged during the process.

Along with the boxes, you will also need packing tape to secure the boxes. Always keep some boxes handy, as there may be certain things that you may have overlooked. Also, get a labeling machine that allows you to keep tab on what's in each box, and placing one as you're done packing it up.

It is best to wrap small appliances in either kitchen towels or linen. It is always best to check the manufacturers instructions before you pack bigger appliances, in case specific instructions are entailed. Use old newspapers to line the bottom of the box before you place the appliance in it.

You can also stuff clothes on the outer side of the appliance, to protect it from banging against the sides of the box. If there are appliances that can be dismantled, then it is a good idea to take them apart for easy transportation.

The same method will have to be used when you are wrapping collectibles as well. It is always best to add a lot of packing around the collectibles, to keep them secure. Always make use of ink-less paper for packing, so that the collectibles do not get tarnished. Also, make use of packing peanuts if you want to skip using so much cloth.

Books
It is always best to use smaller boxes for books, so that carrying them from the house to the moving truck is easier. To save on space, you can use one large box or suitcase to pack away books, magazines, and the like, to avoid it from taking up so much room once it reaches your new home. Whatever you see as convenient, go for it.

Electronics
It is recommended that electronic goods be transported in their original boxes; if you discarded them a long time ago, no worries―you can use store-bought boxes and packing peanuts. This will ensure no harm is caused to the goods. Make sure that you mark which side is up and label it as 'Fragile', so that handlers know that extra care is needed.

Furniture
If you can dismantle furniture then it is best to take it apart before moving. However, place the nuts, bolts, and screws in a bag that can be packed last in the same box itself. Keep these little important parts in one place, so that you don't have to run around rummaging through every box looking for them.

If you are moving out of the state, then this moving out-of-state checklist may prove to be quite useful. Once you have reached the new place, make sure you check all the items according to the checklist.

If there's anything you don't need anymore, now is the time to discard or donate all of it, and not take it with you to your new home. It's always smarter to plan things ahead and get rid of what you don't need prior to moving.