Getting ready to move? Packing Tips!

Top 10 Packing Tips

Get your move started with these great packing tips; find out what supplies you'll need, types of boxes available and how to get organized. With the following guides and suggestions, you'll find packing isn't as hard as you first imagined.

1. Where To Start?

Be safe, smart and efficient! If you're doing your own packing, make sure you give yourself plenty of time; at least six weeks before your move date and plan carefully. Careful planning and packing will save you time, money and a lot of hair pulling.

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2. Packing Quick Tips

Use these quick tips to make your packing go a little more smoother and faster and you'll be surprised just how easy it is to get your home ready before the movers arrive.

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3. Packing Supplies

To make sure your household goods arrive at your new home without a scratch, start with purchasing the right packing supplies. This is an area where you can cut down on cost, if necessary, just remember that buying the right supplies from the beginning will save you time and energy.

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4. Packing the Moving Truck

You've booked your moving truck and packed your belongings, now it's time to think about moving day. If you're like my husband, then you'll want to plan how the truck should be loaded. I have to admit, I'm not the most patient mover, but advance planning on how to load the truck is a good idea. Just don't tell my husband I said so!

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5. Packing Major Appliances

Moving companies will insist that all major appliances are prepared before they arrive and most offer a professional service that will prepare major appliances for you for a fee. While it may seem pretty simple to prepare your appliances for moving, if it isn't done correctly, you may find units not working when they arrive at the new destination.

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6. Packing Electronics

Use this easy to follow step-by-step guide to pack all your electronics, including how to properly label the plugs and wires to ensure you can set-up the equipment when you get to your new home.

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7. Packing Pictures, Frames and Mirrors

How do you pack pictures and frames without chipping corners or breaking glass? Find out in this easy step-by-step guide. You'll be sure to have all your artwork and photos arrive in one piece.

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8. Packing Flatware and Plates

Follow this easy step-by-step guide to packing plates and flatware to ensure your favorite pieces arrive at their new home without chips or cracks.

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9. Packing the Essentials Box

Everyone should prepare an essentials box, a box full of items you'll need for your last few nights before you move and/or the first few nights in your new home.

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10. All About Moving Boxes

Moving boxes are generally the same weight and quality as ordinary shipping boxes, unless you purchase some made from thicker cardboard that allows for heavier packing. So, the question most people have is, should I purchase moving boxes or find some slightly-used from grocery stores or friends who've just recently moved.

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide

The Management Group
Property and HOA Management in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
http://www.TMGnorthwest.com

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Where to keep nonessential items during a move

So you thought you were ready for your move, until you realized that you just don’t have the space needed at your new home to house all of your belongings. What do you do? Sell your stuff, or perhaps give it away? Sounds displeasing. Instead, consider renting a Portland self-storage unit for the safe keeping of those non-essential items you can’t seem to part with.

Self-storage units are the best way to store your excess inventory during what is sure to be a stressful time. And SpareFoot is here to make sure your self-storage experience goes as smoothly as possible, so we have prepared a top 5 list of the most important components of an organized, safe storage unit.

1. Locks. Despite the modern security features in many self-storage facilities, a sturdy lock should be your number one investment to ensure the safety and security of stored belongings. Discuss with your self-storage manager to determine which lock will be best-suited for your needs.

2. Boxes. Not only are boxes easier to stack and stow, but they will create much more usable space within your storage unit. You can find boxes for free at liquor stores and supermarkets (get there early in the week when fresh inventory usually arrives), or you can cough up a few bucks for new, more durable moving boxes available at your self-storage facility and most home improvement stores. Get uniformed sizing to avoid unbalanced mixing and matching, which will help facilitate a more accessible unit.

3. Tape. A good roll of duct and/or clear packaging tape is the perfect tool to seal your boxes. And be sure to stock plenty of it, you never realize how much you need until you run out.

4. Wrapping supplies. When it comes to padding, you can never be too safe. Save newspapers while you plan the move so you don’t have to go searching, and opt for bubble wrap to protect your more precious items. Small bubbles will reduce the shock of a dropped package to fragile items like glass, while larger bubbles are well-suited for protecting antique furniture items.

5. Shelving. An organized shelving system is what separates professional-grade storage spaces from amateur closets. Shelving makes your unit accessible, and facilitates your move by providing a designated spot for each item. Many storage facilities will equip your storage unit with shelving according to your specifications, or you can snag some on the cheap through Craigslist or Ikea. Just make sure to get the correct measurements first.

During your next move, try using the security and convenience of a self-storage facility. These units will have you rest assured that your belongings are safe and ready for you whenever it is you decide that you need them.

This article was written by Matt Schexnayder. Matt is on the SpareFoot marketing team and writes for the SpareFoot blog. SpareFoot is the largest online marketplace for self-storage with more than 5,000 self-storage facilities listed nationwide. SpareFoot offers consumers the most complete comparison shopping experience in the storage industry and has been a big part of the national moving and storage industry for over 3 years.