FEBRUARY 23, 2015 BY LAURA
I’m committed to stop chasing my tail and start packing.
Less than a week to go. Fear is a great motivator.
This weekend was a really product weekend for packing. The kitchen, bathroom, and dresser are all 95% packed; I’m just keeping out the necessities. Last week I collected some great packing advice from you and I have a few tips of my own to share.
1. Pack a suitcase of essentials – change of clothes, make up, toothbrush, contacts, etc. When you get to your new place, you’re likely going to be too tired to unpack everything. Keep your essential items in one bag for easy access!
2. Label the tops and sides of boxes. I know you’re thinking “duh,” but it has to be said.
3. Use laundry hampers, gym bags, and suitcases to cut down on boxes.
4. Wrap your breakablesin towels and clothing to save on bubble wrap. Two birds, one stone: you’re packing your clothes and kitchenware at the same time. Blankets and leftover boxes also make great pads to protect your furniture from dents and scratches.
5. Use socks to pad your glasses and stemware. Make sure to use CLEAN socks.
6. Pack smaller items inside of containers, bowls, and pots. You’ll save space and secure the smaller stuff.
7. The fastest way to pack a closet? Use garbage bags to cover your clothes and keep them clean. Poke a hole in the bottom of the bag and pull the hangers through. Then tie a knot on the bottom. This keeps your clothes on their hangers and makes unpacking much faster.
8. Use Press ‘n Seal to secure the top of your jewelry boxes, silverware holders, and other “organizers” with the wrap so things don’t slide around. Cover toiletries with it, then put the tops back on to keep them toiletries from leaking all over your stuff during the move.
9. Take a photo of how your electronics are connected so you can remember how and where all the wires go. You’ll hate yourself less when you have to reassemble the rat’s nest.
10. Pack plates vertically, like records. Between the plates, place a styrofoam plate. Line the box with bubble wrap for extra protection.
11. Change your address BEFORE you actually move. AMEX doesn’t consider “I’m sorry, I was moving” a valid excuse for late payments.
12. Sell your stuff on eBay or Craigslist. If you toss it, you’re throwing away money. People will buy anything! Start this process at least a month before moving (do as I say, not as I do).
13. Ply your friends to help you move with all your leftover food and booze. And those CDs from 1995. You won’t listen to Ace of Base ever again. Donate it to a friend.
14. Purge. Purge as much as you can. If you didn’t use it in your current place, you won’t use it in the new one.
15. Donate anything that’s left to charity organization. Get a receipt – it’s a tax write off!