Travelling: Packing Checklist

Remember, there's more to packing than just throwing things in a box. Packing takes time and patience and by taking your time things will be properly organized and will be easier to unpack once you arrive at your new home. Here is a checklist to help making packing easier.

Before you even begin to box up your possessions, look over your home insurance policy to see if your household goods are covered for loss or damage during a move. If not, you can buy the coverage you need from your insurance company or check with the removal firm to see if they do insurance.

First things first go to your local super market and get as many big boxes as you can. Then gather as much of the following
as you can.

Felt-tip pens

Large self-stick labels

Newspapers

Utility knife

Packing peanuts or bubble wrap

Masking tape

Furniture pads

String

Scissors

Now you have all the supplies that you need it is now time to have a clear out. Go through your entire home and put everything that you don't want into a pile. Sift through them and see if they are any good to sell on. If you have old pieces of furniture, china, silver etc.. that you don't want have it valued. You never know if it has been stuck in your attic for years it might be worth a small fortune. You could have a car boot sale or if you can't or don't want to sell them you can give them to a charity shop or to a friend. It is very important to have a clear out at least 8 weeks before you move.

Now make a list
This is the most important thing you will have to do when packing. Go through each room with a pen and paper and a large box or two. Label every box and make a list of it's contents, this way nothing can be lost (at least not on your side). Be specific in what you call, them for instance, you will fill at least six boxes from your kitchen, so name each one by what it is. Example, cutlery and crockery in one box, name it "cutlery crock" and so on do this in every room. By making lists you will know what has been packed and where. Keep things together. Insist on keeping things together when you are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, extension cords with appliances.

Set aside about 10 boxes to use on moving day for bedding, clothing, cleaning supplies, and other last minute items.

Here are some room codes that you could use to label the boxes
LVR= Living Room ......DR= Dining Room ......KIDB= Kids Bedroom .......KIT= Kitchen .........UR= Utility Room .......GAR= Garage MBed= Master Bedroom .......BED2= 2nd Bedroom ......BED3= 3rd Bedroom .......BR= Bathroom
Other Codes
E = Essentials .........N = Non Essential .........APP= Appliances

Instead of labels you could paint or put a coloured label onto the boxes and have a different colour for each room of the house. Green=Bathroom, Blue=Kitchen, etc.. When you arrive at your new home put a coloured sticker on each door so that the removal men know where each box needs to go.

Start packing at least 8 weeks before the move
Start packing things that you don't need right now (If it's spring pack your winter clothes and things if it's winter pack all summer clothes and things). Pack all of your books and use the library for books (but don't forget to return them before you move). Try to pack a few boxes a day, this will save you rushing around at the last minute.

Here are a few useful tips to help you
If you can keep one room free for all your packed boxes.

Be sure that the bottoms of all boxes are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.

Put all the heavier items at the bottom of the boxes and the lighter stuff on top.

Pack plates standing on their edges. Leave lightweight linen and clothes you may need in their drawers. Wrap fragile items in tissue paper, then cushion the boxes with extra newsprint.

It's best to pack computers, printers, stereos, and other electronic equipment in their original boxes. If the originals are gone, wrap the components in plastic to protect them from dust and place them in a sturdy, padded box marked "fragile."

Pack a box of stuff you'll need for your moving in day.
Light bulbs, bin bags, paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning fluids, coffee, tea-bags, sugar, kettle, soap, torch, screwdriver, pliers, hammer, tin opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, snacks and soft drinks. Take this in the car with you.

Pack an over night bag in case you arrive late.
Spare clothes for all the family, toothpaste/brush, toiletries. Pack all of your important documents, valuable (jewellery), any medications and take this in the car with you.

Take some books or a little toy for the children to keep them occupied while you unpack.

Unpacking
Be sure to check your goods for any damage. If you find any damage you should call your mover immediately.

Leave the unpacking until the day after. Only unpack the bedding and things that you need immediately.

Eat out the first day or two after moving or have take a ways, microwave food, sandwiches etc.. Use paper plates until everything is unpacked properly. It cuts the mess out as well because every thing can be thrown straight into the bin.

Good luck with your new home.

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