Move it or Lose it: Packing Tips for the Big Day

Congratulations on your big move! Unfortunately, you've got plenty of hard work ahead before you can relax and enjoy the new place. Whether you're making a thousand trips in your two-seater or you've commandeered a truck and a couple of burly helpers, the whole move will go a lot smoother if you're organized.

Planning Ahead
-Make lists. Just the process of writing things down helps establish priorities. Take an inventory of belongings, especially if you're working with a moving company. Make a "to do" list of tasks like changing your address and utilities. You'll keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed by tracking small accomplishments.
-Record measurements. Know room, doorway, and stairwell dimensions before moving to avoid ugly surprises.
-Pack ahead. Pre-box seasonal and seldom-used items and get them out of the way.
-Clean ahead. Scrub hard-to-reach places early, purge the fridge, and get caught up on laundry. Now is the time to truly clean house and donate items to Goodwill. If you haven't used it for two years, don't bother packing it now. Vacuum and touch-up clean each room as it's emptied.

Moving Day Supply List
For a small-to-medium apartment, stock up beforehand on the following:
- 2 wardrobe boxes with bars
- 5 small boxes
- 4 medium boxes
- 4 large boxes
- 2 file boxes
- 1 dish box (double-walled and/or with "cells")
- poster boxes or tubes
- mirror or art "shipper" boxes
- lamp and plant boxes (as needed)
- 1 large roll of bubble wrap
- inkless newspaper
- carpet covering
- paper shades
- stretch wrap
- 2 oversized Sharpies (one always gets lost)
- 2 rolls packing tape & 1 dispenser
- garbage bags
- 1 box Ziploc freezer bags
- twist ties
- home tool kit (for dismantling and re-mantling)
- disposable cleaning supplies
- colored labels
- snacks, drinks, disposable plates and napkins

Inkless packing paper keeps china smudge-free. Purchase a box with adjustable cardboard dividers to cushion dishware. Paper shades protect your privacy when moving in or out, so you won't have to hang curtains right away. Stretch wrap helps awkward items stay together, like vacuum hoses, brooms, and skis. If space is available, hold onto substantial boxes. Either break them down to save for future moves, or use for winter wardrobe storage.

Organizational Tools
Twist ties keep electrical cords tidy.
Ziploc bags are handy for storing small hardware. Seal and place in the box with the coordinating equipment.
Color-coded labels make unpacking easy. Choose a bright color for each room or roommate. Make sure to number boxes "1 of 8," "2 of 8," etc. to keep track.
Disposable cleaning supplies, for your last week, allow you to pack more and clean less.
Household containers come in many forms. Use garbage cans, laundry baskets, luggage, and coolers for extra storage.

Keep your mind and body both in shape: lift with your knees, pack each box under 50 pounds, and enlist the help of very good friends.