There is something uplifting about moving: a new home is a new beginning and packing
becomes a purifying ritual, a time to decide what stays and what needs to go. Packing
for a move is the packrat's only true redemption. When else are they likely to discard,
recycle or donate the unused clothes, unread magazines, and knickknacks?
Packrat or not it can seem like a daunting task. Take a deep breath and repeat the following
phrase: packing can be pleasant. All you need to know are a few tricks from the masters.
Whether you are moving to Brampton or across Ontario, it's a good idea to pack a box of
basic necessities and if possible transport the box with you to your new home rather
than putting it in the moving truck. In case of any unforeseen delays in the arrival
of your belongings, you won't be completely inconvenienced. Keeping the box with
you also means you won't have to dig through stacks of boxes when you get to your new
house. Some 'must-haves' are:
Shampoo, soap, coffee mugs, tea or instant coffee, pens, paper, a small box of laundry
detergent, scissors, a few washcloths and towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, plastic utensils
and paper plates.
Packing breakables can be the most time consuming part of preparing for your move. Each
glass, cup, plate and bowl must be wrapped. Most of us use old newspaper but this really isn't
the best idea anymore. The ink gets everywhere and the newspaper just ends up in a
crumpled pile on your floor. Try wrapping your plates in tablecloths, dishtowels clothes
or bath towels. By using these materials that you would have to pack up anyways,
you are saving space, weight and a couple trees. Good Idea!
You may be surprised at how expensive boxes can be if you decide to buy them from your
movers or other packing suppliers. Don't fall into this trap. Grocery stores or furniture stores
all have large, sturdy boxes that they need to get rid of anyways - it's a win-win situation!
These merchants are usually happy to give these away but try to ask for boxes in the first
two weeks of any month; lots of other people have the same idea and there may be none left
if you wait until the end of the month. If you work in a large office which frequently updates
its computer equipment, ask for these particularly strong boxes in anticipation of your move.
If you have storage space and plan to move again within a few years, hold onto the coveted
computer boxes.
A great way to save time is to use a system of colored labels. Even if you don't consider
yourself ultra-organized, it's a simple time-saver. Buy large office labels in four or five colors
and use different colors to denote different parts of the house (ex. yellow for the kitchen,
blue for the bathroom etc.) Colour coding can be a quick visual reference.
No self-respecting mover would ever admit to it but sometimes boxes get left in the rain
just a little too long. The result is wet belongings and occasionally clothes get ruined when
colors bleed from dark to light fabrics. It's a good idea to place any moisture-sensitive items
in clean plastic bags before packing in boxes.
A few quick reminders:
Always pack the heaviest objects on the bottom and put the light and breakable items on top.
Chemical cleaners should always be packed in a separate box, never in a box with food even
if it is canned or unopened.
Criss-crossing tape across the bottom of boxes and then up the sides will prevent boxes
from breaking open during the move.
Hopefully, by keeping these tips in mind, you will manage to avoid any moving mishaps and
make the first days in your new home as special as they should be. Call Diane Boyd and have
stress-free moving experience!
