(This is the second in a series of three articles on "The Organized Move")
Does the thought of packing all your belongings make you want to run for the hills? Homeowners who are moving on their own (as opposed to a corporate relocation where an employer is paying all the bills) find themselves with the dilemma of whether to do the packing themselves or contract out this huge task.
A packing crew can be a good fit for an overscheduled family, a long-distance move where you may already be living in the destination city, or individuals with physical limitations. Summer time is peak season for the moving companies, so if you do decide to use a packing crew during these months be sure to reserve them early.
If you choose the less expensive route and pack up your possessions, follow this simple plan to make the packing task more manageable.
- If you haven't already done so, now is the time to take a tough look at your belongings and purge, purge, purge. Moving is expensive and you don't want to pay to move unnecessary items!
- Purchase the proper packing materials from a local do-it-yourself moving and storage company. Use only clean, unprinted paper for wrapping and padding items.
- Pack similar items together. Remember to number your boxes and keep a separate record of the box contents, i.e. box #2 ? crystal stemware. This serves as your master list and as an itemized list for insurance, if a claim has to be filed.
- Dispose of any hazardous materials, such as paint, cleaners, ammunition, and propane tanks. These items are not allowed on the trucks or in your regular trash. Contact your local waste company to determine how to appropriately dispose of these items.
- Start with the non-essential areas of your home. Items not part of your daily routine should be packed as early as possible.
- Set a goal; it can be daily or weekly and try to pack that number of boxes.
- Pack valuables that will remain with you such as jewelry, personal records, school information, medical records, financial records, and insurance information. Be sure these boxes are segregated from the others so that they don't inadvertently end up on the moving truck!
- If you are having professional movers for the large items, I suggest you have them pack any large heavy glass items, antiques, major appliances, computer equipment, and special collections. Remember that the movers only insure what they pack.
- Back up software and data files, and keep these backups with your valuables.
- Label and color code boxes by floor and clearly designate the "unpack me first" box.
Moving is definitely one of life's more stressful events, but the packing doesn't have to add to the burden. Using these strategies for organization and proper packing can minimize stress and allow you to focus your time and emotional energy on other aspects of your transition. Your possessions will arrive safe and secure and before you know it you will start to feel at home again!
?2004 Bridget Messino
About the author: Bridget Messino is a Professional Organizer, speaker and co-owner of Clutter Free Living, Inc. Her work frequently appears on many Internet sites, on her own organizing site Clutter Free Living (http://www.clutterfreeliving.com), as well as in her monthly Home Organizing Newsletter How to Be Clutter Free. Subscribe to the FREE monthly e-newsletter by sending a blank e-mail to mailto:cflnews-subscribe@topica.email-publisher.com
Mercedes Benz s500 rentals Salem ..(This is the third in a series of three articles... Read More
Getting organized is hard. If it weren't, we wouldn't put... Read More
"I don't have enough room!" -- this is a common... Read More
Some people would say I'm the last person in the... Read More
Questions come my way all the time regarding my God-given... Read More
Remember when you charged into the office that first day,... Read More
Our children are probably the biggest clutter creators we have... Read More
1. Teach your children to use an alarm clock or... Read More
Clutter is postponed decisions?. Here are some suggestions to simplify... Read More
What does "time" have to do with getting organized? Everything!... Read More
After a long winter, this is the time of year... Read More
Laundry. You sort, you wash, you fold, you blink ?... Read More
One of the most basic ways to find papers when... Read More
Last year I attended a presentation from Parenting Expert and... Read More
There are 3 kinds of clutter: Inner (between our ears);... Read More
Have you ever been totally overwhelmed by a massive task... Read More
Worried because you're moving soon? This really doesn't have to... Read More
The Law of the 1st StepA good first step in... Read More
What's an item that can help you organize every room... Read More
It is 5:00 pm and Cindy has no idea what... Read More
Getting and staying organized is critical to achieving your goals.... Read More
When the things in your home start crowding in around... Read More
(This is the second in a series of three articles... Read More
The store reminded me of a well-worn slipper ? tattered... Read More
There are eight distinct steps to constructing and executing an... Read More
Dowagiac cheap limo service ..How many of us have enough time to do everything... Read More
We are bombarded with so many factors that perpetuate disorganization.... Read More
Many people have a huge challenge coping with the incoming... Read More
Professional organizers and helpful-hint sources often recommend storage solutions such... Read More
We are in a society where people are applauded for... Read More
You know, in psychology there is a rule, especially within... Read More
1. THE LOVE IT OR LOSE IT PRINCIPLE: Every item... Read More
Working for one of the top Marketers online (David Ledoux)... Read More
Do you ever sit down at your desk buried in... Read More
The following procedures will insure an organized and well run... Read More
The Law of the 1st StepA good first step in... Read More
What does "quality of life" mean to you? If you... Read More
At this point, you have probably run across some belongings... Read More
Article excerpted from the new book, "How to Do Space... Read More
It wasn't long ago that you spent an entire weekend... Read More
Ever wonder how they do it? How a short-order cook... Read More
Life is really all about CHANGE. In order to make... Read More
Collections are the outward manifestation of a deeply-felt principle or... Read More
So you've decided to get organized, but you just don't... Read More
"Organize" is a familiar word heard on many of today's... Read More
What do you gain if you SIMPLIFY?Dictionary* says:to reduce to... Read More
Much of my time as a Professional Organizer is spent... Read More
There is nothing worse then spending ten minutes looking for... Read More
An organized living lifestyle can cause you to weed out... Read More
The National Association of Professional Organizers has dedicated January to... Read More
Get Organized - Organization |