10 Moving Tips
by Amanda Baker
from wisconsin-home-inspectors.com

Moving out of Mom and Dad’s for the first time? Moving out of that cramped studio apartment and into a new house? In order to make your packing day run smoothly, there are ten serious essentials that you’ll need.

Good quality boxes are a must. This is probably one of the most important things that are taken for granted. A proper packing box should be sturdy and made up of cardboard that is not easily bent. Most removal companies and companies that specialize in packing boxes will have good quality boxes for sale.

With good quality boxes, you should have a good quality tape made for sealing packing boxes. This will ensure that the tape won’t break or come unstuck during the moving process. A good quality tape should be tough enough to resist center seam splitting, even when the boxes are being handled roughly. This kind of tape can be purchased at any hardware store.

Don’t pack your boxes with newsprint. It has a tendency to rub off on items that you wrap and can stain and damage your belongings. Instead, use tissue paper or bubble wrap when packing your breakables. You can buy these items from packing stores.

An inventory is so important during moving. Make a comprehensive inventory as you go along. This will save you time and hassle in the long run, especially if you need to fill out an insurance claim after the move. Number each box and keep a list of everything that you pack into each box. Take the lists with you and keep them in a safe place so you don’t lose them.

Clean as you go. Moving can be a great time to go through all your belongings and throw out or donate items that you no longer use or you don’t want any more. A general rule is that if you haven’t used or worn something in the last year, you should probably throw it out. Keep separate boxes or piles for items that you want to donate and keep trash bags handy for garbage.

Remember the correct way to lift. An injured back is extremely painful and, depending on the severity of the injury, could take up to a couple of months to heal fully. When lifting, it’s important to follow these simple instructions to help avoid injury. Start by gently warming up your muscles by doing some basic stretching. Next, bend your knees and while keeping your back straight, lift with the legs. To put heavy items down again, bend your knees and slowly lower it to the ground while keeping your back straight. If you have had back trouble in the past, you may want to wear a lower-back support brace as well.

Packing is hard work so it’s essential to remember to keep your energy and hydration levels up by eating healthy and drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

As we all know well, packing can be extremely tedious and boring, so add a little fun to your day by listening to your favorite radio station or CD. A great song can help boost energy, and you know they say time flies when you’re having fun!

Take a break! It might be tempting to work nonstop to get everything done quickly, but it’s more beneficial to take a fifteen minute break every two hours. You will feel refreshed afterwards and be able to work more efficiently afterwards.

Set aside plenty of time. Don’t try and cram all of your packing into a couple of hours. If you can, try and set aside a whole weekend. The more time you have to pack, the better the job you will do. Rushing things will only make you stressed and do a bad job, which may cause items to break while in transit. Take your time to ensure that everything is packed properly and safely.