Packing Order
Optimal packing order is based entirely on preference. Some people like to pack their living room last - some like to pack rooms in two lots - one round to remove the non essentials, and one round to complete packing, others still like to pack where they can, when they can.
Deciding on what's unimportant and can be packed first is a good place to start. After de-cluttering thoroughly, packing any books, and out of season clothes, you can start deciding on a packing schedule. Your packing schedule should take into account any redecorating or repairs you want to undertake - and should also allow for anything you need to use.
These essentials should be packed over the last day, so don't leave out too much - or you'll find it very difficult to finish packing in time. Wardrobes, your garage, and shed can be packed as one of your first tasks - if you don't use your garage and its secure, you could then store any boxes there, or in cupboards.
Books, videos and DVD's are a good place to start, leaving your essentials out until you are about to move. Packing your bedrooms, toys, and clothes should take place over the four weeks preceding your move, but you may want to consider packing as much as you can and keeping out only essentials. Home offices should keep only the times they need to complete and fulfill orders over the duration of the move - and pack anything that you don't use as often.
Packing your dishes, cutlery and cooking utensils is probably best kept for last, alongside any of your home office materials you use regularly - over the morning of your move if you can - as is anything like shampoo, toiletries and work uniforms and equipment you use for your work. Packing might take over four weeks, but its worth it
Senin, 10 Desember 2007
packing fragile items
Packing Fragile Items
Fragiles are some of the hardest items to pack. From ornaments to dishes, antiques, photos and lights, you'll need to consider what you're packing, and how best to transport them.
Large photos, framed items and paintings other wall based items are easiest wrapped in bubble-wrap and then placed carefully in a safe place – they'll need to be monitored carefully when moving, as anything falling against them could cause serious damage, tear or break them.
By far and away, the most awkward items to move are computer monitors and TV are the hardest to move – unless you've kept their boxes, you'll find it very difficult to either fit them into a box that you have acquired, or find that you need the boxes for other things. These can be wrapped in sheets or dust covers and placed, with padding around them, in the van once the boxes are in. Most removal companies bind layers to stop them from shifting or falling, so you can secure your monitors, and computers in the same way.
Fragile items, such as ornaments and dishes can go in polystyrene bead lined boxes, or be packed in bubble wrap, but its important to remember that this will cut down on the volume of the items you can fit into the box, and its still no guarantee that they will survive the move.
Careful packing does minimize the risk of things being broken, but one of the only ways to actually ensure that you have no breakages whilst moving is to take them with you, or, if hiring a firm, allowing them to pack.
Newspaper is a great buffer item, but remember, the ink may rub off when you're in transit, giving you another chore at the other end. You can get white “newsprint” paper from most box suppliers, which is considered to be best for packing and wrapping fragiles.
Fragiles are some of the hardest items to pack. From ornaments to dishes, antiques, photos and lights, you'll need to consider what you're packing, and how best to transport them.
Large photos, framed items and paintings other wall based items are easiest wrapped in bubble-wrap and then placed carefully in a safe place – they'll need to be monitored carefully when moving, as anything falling against them could cause serious damage, tear or break them.
By far and away, the most awkward items to move are computer monitors and TV are the hardest to move – unless you've kept their boxes, you'll find it very difficult to either fit them into a box that you have acquired, or find that you need the boxes for other things. These can be wrapped in sheets or dust covers and placed, with padding around them, in the van once the boxes are in. Most removal companies bind layers to stop them from shifting or falling, so you can secure your monitors, and computers in the same way.
Fragile items, such as ornaments and dishes can go in polystyrene bead lined boxes, or be packed in bubble wrap, but its important to remember that this will cut down on the volume of the items you can fit into the box, and its still no guarantee that they will survive the move.
Careful packing does minimize the risk of things being broken, but one of the only ways to actually ensure that you have no breakages whilst moving is to take them with you, or, if hiring a firm, allowing them to pack.
Newspaper is a great buffer item, but remember, the ink may rub off when you're in transit, giving you another chore at the other end. You can get white “newsprint” paper from most box suppliers, which is considered to be best for packing and wrapping fragiles.
one week to go
One Week to go
Your final week will be filled with packing, rushing, and trying to arrange the last of your address changes. Your bank, credit card, mobile phone and utilities should all know that you're moving and on which date you're transferring to that address – so all that remains now is to make sure that you have new utilities in your new house and that they have a definite date for beginning.
The last week of packing is everything you have left – with an eye to ensuring that you'll be able to live out of as few boxes as possible and seal the rest. By now, you'll probably find that you've got a lot of boxes stacked in several rooms and will be sick of the whole moving process. But in just over a week you'll be in your new home, unpacking.
Your appliances should be checked and cleaned with seven days to go – you should possibly consider not buying frozen goods at all over the next week, unless you're sure that they won't defrost during the move. Wastage is easily avoided and you can use up all of the items in your freezer without needing to buy more. You may also want to start making a list of any items you'll need when you move to your new house – anything you've ran out of or will use before the move, so that you can buy more once you're in your new house.
You should also consider, if possible, cleaning any rooms you're not going to use much. Give them a through scrubbing – it will save you having to do it (or hire someone to do it) on the last few days before your move. You should also order any items notifying people of your new address now – giving them plenty of time to reach you – or plenty of time to be printed and collected.
Your final week will be filled with packing, rushing, and trying to arrange the last of your address changes. Your bank, credit card, mobile phone and utilities should all know that you're moving and on which date you're transferring to that address – so all that remains now is to make sure that you have new utilities in your new house and that they have a definite date for beginning.
The last week of packing is everything you have left – with an eye to ensuring that you'll be able to live out of as few boxes as possible and seal the rest. By now, you'll probably find that you've got a lot of boxes stacked in several rooms and will be sick of the whole moving process. But in just over a week you'll be in your new home, unpacking.
Your appliances should be checked and cleaned with seven days to go – you should possibly consider not buying frozen goods at all over the next week, unless you're sure that they won't defrost during the move. Wastage is easily avoided and you can use up all of the items in your freezer without needing to buy more. You may also want to start making a list of any items you'll need when you move to your new house – anything you've ran out of or will use before the move, so that you can buy more once you're in your new house.
You should also consider, if possible, cleaning any rooms you're not going to use much. Give them a through scrubbing – it will save you having to do it (or hire someone to do it) on the last few days before your move. You should also order any items notifying people of your new address now – giving them plenty of time to reach you – or plenty of time to be printed and collected.
one month go
One month to go
At one month out, you should consider booking your van. This is important because the longer you leave your bookings, the harder it may be to get an affordable moving company. This also goes for moving, if you're allowing a firm to pack and move you.
Packing firms may also need plenty of warning to be booked, so ensure you investigate this fully before committing to booking them with a month of time. You may need to book them sooner., or may have a little leeway. Booking at one month in advance (or more) also means its easier to collect and decide, impartially on the quotes you collected in the previous weeks. These quotes may have seemed a long way off, but at 30 or so days until you move, it may seem like a long way off, but depending on the size of your house it may be no time at all.
If you're moving house and booking a firm to help you, you may also want to consider booking a cleaning company to come in and clean behind you. They can clean your house, after your belongings are packed and have professional methods for removing stains, marks and other tricky marks on walls, doors and carpets. Even if you're moving yourself, you may need to hire a professional cleaning firm to fulfill your contract with your landlord.
At one month to go you should also start investigating utilities and other things that will transfer with you - moving is a good time to take advantage of any offers that you might get with your phone, electricity, Internet or gas. Taking advantage of this now may not make sense, but in the long run it means you can investigate your options and make an educated decision on your utilities and other billables.
At one month out, you should consider booking your van. This is important because the longer you leave your bookings, the harder it may be to get an affordable moving company. This also goes for moving, if you're allowing a firm to pack and move you.
Packing firms may also need plenty of warning to be booked, so ensure you investigate this fully before committing to booking them with a month of time. You may need to book them sooner., or may have a little leeway. Booking at one month in advance (or more) also means its easier to collect and decide, impartially on the quotes you collected in the previous weeks. These quotes may have seemed a long way off, but at 30 or so days until you move, it may seem like a long way off, but depending on the size of your house it may be no time at all.
If you're moving house and booking a firm to help you, you may also want to consider booking a cleaning company to come in and clean behind you. They can clean your house, after your belongings are packed and have professional methods for removing stains, marks and other tricky marks on walls, doors and carpets. Even if you're moving yourself, you may need to hire a professional cleaning firm to fulfill your contract with your landlord.
At one month to go you should also start investigating utilities and other things that will transfer with you - moving is a good time to take advantage of any offers that you might get with your phone, electricity, Internet or gas. Taking advantage of this now may not make sense, but in the long run it means you can investigate your options and make an educated decision on your utilities and other billables.
Moving day
Moving Day
The day of your move is all about getting you out of one house and into the new one – if you've hired a company, all you'll need do is oversee them, or stay out of their way entirely. If you haven't, its important to have some strong family members and friends on hand to help you shift everything into your van.Empty one room at a time, and ensure the cupboards (if they are walk in) are also empty – once its done, sweep, mop or vacuum, and do one final pickup then close the door. Make it clear to the others helping you that sealed rooms are finished with, so that people aren't trailing dirt into rooms that are finished and clean.
Moving day itself will probably pass in a blur, so its important to try to savor your final moments in the house you're leaving. You'll probably have many memories, good and bad, there, and full closure on that period in your life is important, so that you can move on.
You'll want to keep a couple of boxes, or bags spare and on hand so that you can catch anything that you've missed, that's been knocked into a corner, or essentials that you've kept out for the move – the latter should be marked clearly so that you can find them at the other end.
Keeping your kettle, mugs, coffee, tea, toiletries and baby supplies (if you've got a small child) separate from your packed belongings might be a good idea, as is keeping any essential work, moving, utility or ID documents in a safe place during your move. The latter will ensure that they don't accidentally go astray, or are placed somewhere that you can't find them.
You should take a final meter reading, and where appropriate, shut down any water, electricity or gas supplies if no one is going to be in the house for a few days after you.
The day of your move is all about getting you out of one house and into the new one – if you've hired a company, all you'll need do is oversee them, or stay out of their way entirely. If you haven't, its important to have some strong family members and friends on hand to help you shift everything into your van.Empty one room at a time, and ensure the cupboards (if they are walk in) are also empty – once its done, sweep, mop or vacuum, and do one final pickup then close the door. Make it clear to the others helping you that sealed rooms are finished with, so that people aren't trailing dirt into rooms that are finished and clean.
Moving day itself will probably pass in a blur, so its important to try to savor your final moments in the house you're leaving. You'll probably have many memories, good and bad, there, and full closure on that period in your life is important, so that you can move on.
You'll want to keep a couple of boxes, or bags spare and on hand so that you can catch anything that you've missed, that's been knocked into a corner, or essentials that you've kept out for the move – the latter should be marked clearly so that you can find them at the other end.
Keeping your kettle, mugs, coffee, tea, toiletries and baby supplies (if you've got a small child) separate from your packed belongings might be a good idea, as is keeping any essential work, moving, utility or ID documents in a safe place during your move. The latter will ensure that they don't accidentally go astray, or are placed somewhere that you can't find them.
You should take a final meter reading, and where appropriate, shut down any water, electricity or gas supplies if no one is going to be in the house for a few days after you.
Hiring company to move you
Hiring a company to move you
Hiring a company to move you is something that you may want to consider if you've got enough money to do so, and can't afford the time to do it yourself, or its impossible for you to pack and move. Moving companies offer several great reasons to hire them - with different levels of service. From companies who will show up and move you and your belongings to companies who will pack, clean and move your belongings from place to place.
There are also more and more 'complete' package companies springing up, designed especially professionals - allowing them to move to their job, without the hassle of it all. These companies do it all - from finding a suitable house within your price range and requirements, to packing you and moving you in. Some even unpack at the other end for you.
You'll need to check any company out thoroughly before hiring them - each company should be vetted to your satisfaction, with viable references, if possible. You should also search for any complaints or comments about them online, and see what comes up. These recommendations should also contain information on whether they were prompt, priced fairly, or added additional costs.
You may also want to ask the company themselves for references, and information on when their cheapest and most expensive times are to move. You may find moving midweek to be far more cost effective, as weekends always carry a premium.
The company you eventually choose to move you will want to come out and inspect your home, to work out what they will be moving, and to provide you with a quotation, so you may want to de-clutter before they arrive - they will take an inventory, in some cases, with you and decide what your quotation will be. These companies will also provide you with a complete overview of their insurance - review it carefully so you're sure of what they cover and what you're liable for, should the worst happen.
Hiring a company to move you is something that you may want to consider if you've got enough money to do so, and can't afford the time to do it yourself, or its impossible for you to pack and move. Moving companies offer several great reasons to hire them - with different levels of service. From companies who will show up and move you and your belongings to companies who will pack, clean and move your belongings from place to place.
There are also more and more 'complete' package companies springing up, designed especially professionals - allowing them to move to their job, without the hassle of it all. These companies do it all - from finding a suitable house within your price range and requirements, to packing you and moving you in. Some even unpack at the other end for you.
You'll need to check any company out thoroughly before hiring them - each company should be vetted to your satisfaction, with viable references, if possible. You should also search for any complaints or comments about them online, and see what comes up. These recommendations should also contain information on whether they were prompt, priced fairly, or added additional costs.
You may also want to ask the company themselves for references, and information on when their cheapest and most expensive times are to move. You may find moving midweek to be far more cost effective, as weekends always carry a premium.
The company you eventually choose to move you will want to come out and inspect your home, to work out what they will be moving, and to provide you with a quotation, so you may want to de-clutter before they arrive - they will take an inventory, in some cases, with you and decide what your quotation will be. These companies will also provide you with a complete overview of their insurance - review it carefully so you're sure of what they cover and what you're liable for, should the worst happen.
Five Top Packing Tips
Five Top Packing Tips
1) Boxes are a staple for moving because they are usually quite regular sized, easy to carry and if taped together correctly, rarely fall apart. Regular sizes are important for maximizing your van space and ensuring you're not wasting areas in your transport that could otherwise be filled. On the flip side, bags can be compressed anywhere! It is possible however for bags to be mistaken for rubbish. 2) Bags are good for items like clothing, and bedding, and when you've ran out of boxes to pack anything. Teddies and soft toys work well in bags - edged objects, or items that are likely to be too heavy to carry in a plastic bag would probably work better in boxes. Bags also work well with linens.
3) Whilst packing, it’s important to maximize space - and pack your biggest objects first, and fill space around them. Books are easiest to pack, odd shaped, awkward items such as ornaments and other items are the worst to pack, and both types should go in boxes, as should dishes and other objects that are considered fragile. 4) Mark all boxes and bags (if you can) carefully - it makes them easier to find things in, and to sort into rooms without having to break them open. This will all help in your new house. Always remember to mark bags you're using for belongings clearly so that they don't get mistaken for rubbish - or buy completely different bags for your rubbish and your belongings.
5) While it may only take you a couple of weeks to pack, it can take eight weeks - or MORE to unpack at the other end - so though you're 'just boxing items up for a couple of days' remember that you may not find it for up to two months, or perhaps more.
1) Boxes are a staple for moving because they are usually quite regular sized, easy to carry and if taped together correctly, rarely fall apart. Regular sizes are important for maximizing your van space and ensuring you're not wasting areas in your transport that could otherwise be filled. On the flip side, bags can be compressed anywhere! It is possible however for bags to be mistaken for rubbish. 2) Bags are good for items like clothing, and bedding, and when you've ran out of boxes to pack anything. Teddies and soft toys work well in bags - edged objects, or items that are likely to be too heavy to carry in a plastic bag would probably work better in boxes. Bags also work well with linens.
3) Whilst packing, it’s important to maximize space - and pack your biggest objects first, and fill space around them. Books are easiest to pack, odd shaped, awkward items such as ornaments and other items are the worst to pack, and both types should go in boxes, as should dishes and other objects that are considered fragile. 4) Mark all boxes and bags (if you can) carefully - it makes them easier to find things in, and to sort into rooms without having to break them open. This will all help in your new house. Always remember to mark bags you're using for belongings clearly so that they don't get mistaken for rubbish - or buy completely different bags for your rubbish and your belongings.
5) While it may only take you a couple of weeks to pack, it can take eight weeks - or MORE to unpack at the other end - so though you're 'just boxing items up for a couple of days' remember that you may not find it for up to two months, or perhaps more.
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