Packing for a Move

Packing expert Cindy Borup shares tips on getting creative when packing for a move.

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Filed under: Organization, Housekeeping

Clear things out. If you don't need it, get rid of it.
Always prepare a "load-last" carton that contains items you want access to right away. Suggested items to include are a coffeepot, filter and coffee grounds; paper plates, cups, and napkins; paper towels, telephone, flashlight, basic tools and anything else you may not want to hunt for on moving day. Place difficult-to-locate items such as hardware and furniture to the remote control in a plastic sandwich bag. Add a label and put it in your "load-last" carton.
Get the children involved. Have them decorate a sign with their name on it and hang it outside the bedroom at their new house. Not only does it help get them involved in the moving process, it will also help movers identify where the boxes should be placed.

Be sure to mark each box, clearly indicating the room that it belongs in as well as the contents. Use a dark-colored marking pen that is easy to read.

Protect your mattresses and furniture by covering them with old sheets. Fitted sheets work especially well.

Place a clean set of sheets and bedding in a dresser drawer in each bedroom. That way, when your furniture arrives at your new home, you can easily access the fresh bedding without having to locate the carton in which they were packed.

Wrap breakables in colored wrapping paper or tissue paper before you place them in the moving box. The brightly colored paper will draw attention to the item and prevent them from being accidentally thrown out with the packing paper.

Use blankets, pillows, towels and other linens as fillers in the box when packing fragile items.

Prune houseplants about two weeks prior to the move. You may want to consult a florist or plant book for instructions. One week prior to the move, place them in a black plastic bag, along with bug/pest strips, conventional flea collars or bug powder. Close the bag and place in cool area overnight to kill any pests on the plant or in soil. The day before the move, place plants in cardboard containers. Hold them in place with dampened newspaper or packing paper. Use paper to cushion leaves and place a final layer of wet paper on top to keep them moist. Punch air holes in the top before loading into your car or moving truck.

If you are moving out of state you'll want to check with the local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another.