Some Tips for Packing to Move

Here are some tips I have come up with after moving across town and also state to state.

Moving can be chaotic, by all means plan a nice lunch or a dinner for you and your loved ones. We tend to all get so caught up in the "act of moving" that we forget to take care of ourselves and of course then we make not so great decisions when stressed, etc. Especially if this is a move you're not really looking forward to, take care that you don't stress yourself out beforehand.

If you are either moving across the country and the price is steep or if you are downsizing in to a smaller place; separate what you could easily replace within a couple of months or so with what it will cost to move all of your items. Leave behind anything that is going to just cause you more trouble and cost to move. Don't keep carrying around junk! We all have some appliance that doesn't even work or can't be fixed any longer, heave it, now. Even in hard economic times you may be better off moving a lighter load than carrying around a bunch of accessories or even big items that you surely can live without or need to replace. And if you find a good home for the items; you and the recipient will both he happier.

Do what I call combine packing:

Don't go and buy Styrofoam peanuts of packing materials. When you need cushioning use socks, bath towels, wash clothes, blankets, hats, mittens, etc. you get the picture. Also in some instances you can even use sneakers or pillows, but if you are going to pack it all up you might as well use all of your resources that you have at your disposal. This goes for boxes also, if you are moving yourself with a truck; you can use drawers for boxes and also fill up all of your plastic bins, and decorative boxes and cubes. Mesh laundry bags can separate items for the move and also double as laundry bags when you get to your new place. Think of these double duty rules for all of your items and don't be afraid to combine rooms, it may save you time and money in the long run.

I think if you first prioritize the "we must have immediately at our disposal" items or boxes out of the fray of the rest of the things that you are moving, then you have more leeway in packing up the rest of your stuff. Because, boy don't we love our stuff!