Tips for Packing Like a Pro
When working with home buyers and sellers in the New Hampshire and Maine Seacoast, I find that the most stressful time for my buyers and sellers is getting ready to move. With the tips listed below, I hope to make my clients a little bit easier and a little less chaotic.
1. Develop a master “to do” list so that nothing will be forgotten.
2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Garage sales, donations to charity, or recycling are great ways to dispose of things. Good Will will accept a number of donations and will issues you a receipt so your donation is tax deductible. Freecycle is another great way of recycling unwanted items.
3. Don’t throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no longer had it.
4. Pack like items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils.
5. Decide what if anything you plan to move yourself. Precious items, such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move, should probably stay with you.
6. Use the right box for the item. Loose items encourage breakage.
7. Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to lift. Keep weight under 50 lbs. if possible.
8. Don’t over-pack boxes and increase the chances they will break.
9. Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes.
10. Label every box on all sides. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.
11. Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.
12. Keep your moving documents together, including phone numbers, driver’s name, and van number. Also keep your address book handy.
13. Back up your computer files before moving your computer.
14. Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.
15. Remember, most movers won’t take plants.
16. And if it becomes too overwhelming, don’t be afraid to call a moving company. Sometimes it’s easier to just write a check. I always recommend Varney Movers. And tell them Brad sent you!
Source: REALTOR Magazine Online with permission from of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
