I move next sat and this weekend is the weekend to pack and declutter.
I have boxes, garbage bags, packing tape and colored magic markers. Now I need motivation and some good tips on how you made this awful process not so bad.
"Why would you ruin perfectly good peanuts by adding candy corn? That's like saying hey, I have these awesome nachos, guess I better add some dryer lint." - Nonny
Post by DotAndBuzz on Jul 11, 2014 19:00:14 GMT -5
Just do it. You're kind of short on time to really re-organize much. Just pack it as is, and if you come across something as you pack that you don't think you want, put it in the donate or trash pile. This isn't the time to do a big purge (like, going through old stuff, taking your time going though old boxes of stuff). If you find something in the bedroom that belonged in the kitchen (or whatever), but had already packed the kitchen, don't try to re-pack it. Put it int he kitchen, and do a leftovers box at the end.
Save the following for last - coffee maker, beans, filters. Cleaning supplies (I'd actually just keep those consolidated in a laundry basket), vacuum, booze. Get some paper plates, and disposable cutlery, cups, etc so you can pack the dishes. Keep out one pot, one baking dish, a spatula, knife, and cooking utensil to use, pack the rest.
Make sure you know what's in each box, and try to avoid labeling things like "Kitchen Misc." because God knows you'll be searching for something essential for ages. H likes to spreadsheet our moving boxes, which I think is excessive, but I'll admit it's been nice to know exactly which box number has my hairdryer and which one has my good kitchen knives the morning after a big move.
Oh, and pull all important documents and valuables tonight and put them (along with anything else you don't want the moving helpers touching) in a bathroom or closet with a "Do Not Enter" sign taped to the door.
Post by missmaddie on Jul 11, 2014 20:05:30 GMT -5
I also like to use clear garbage/leaf bags as garment bags. Cut a small hole and then slips over a half-dozen hangers; carry from one closet to another. None of that folding and packing clothes shit.
We didn't touch a single thing last time we moved but I did use it as an excuse to do a huge purge which I'd definitely do if I was packing everything myself. I love getting rid of stuff.
Write the contents of the box on the SIDE of each box, not the top in case they box gets stacked.
Instead of using tons of newspaper or bubble wrap to pack plates, get styrofoam plates and put one in between each "real" plate.
I also make use of tea towels, face clothes, pillow cases, etc. to wrap/layer dishes. They need to be packed anyhow.
I used newspaper exactly one. F-ing newsprint on all of my dishes, etc.
Lurker here. I found out recently that wrapping dishes, glasses, etc in old Christmas wrapping paper (which didn't sell at garage sale) meant not having to wash anything after unpacking. It was genius. Also, drink. A lot.
Post by lexxasaurus on Jul 11, 2014 23:45:25 GMT -5
Most of my tips have been covered here... Make sure boxes have detailed notes on what's inside. Use garbage bags and just pull them up over hung clothes so you don't have to take them off hangers, pack, etc. Use your towels/cloth napkins/etc to wrap plates, bowls, and fragiles. Make sure your essentials are last. I tend to pack them in duffel bags so I can find them and get them out quickly. Pack room by room. Get one totally finished, and then move on.
I spent the last couple weeks moving and it sucks. Regardless of what you do and how you do it, it sucks. I'd rather burn the house down and start from scratch.
I also like to use clear garbage/leaf bags as garment bags. Cut a small hole and then slips over a half-dozen hangers; carry from one closet to another. None of that folding and packing clothes shit.
I've always been able to buy garment bags for like ten cents apiece from the dry cleaner. I also do what you do with the hangers, but I duct-tape them together right below the curvy hanger part, put a few bundles on a broom, and carry them around that way. This works best with plastic hangers, not so much with wire hangers.
Set aside a suitcase or box and put everything in it you will need for your first night - sheets, towels, soap, toilet paper, pajamas, clothes for the next day, etc. Take this in your car and put it in your closet so you can find it easily. As soon as you can get your bed set up (I usually do this first thing) make the bed right away - by the end of the day you will be exhausted and will be happy it's ready to fall into.
Oh, and if you're hiring movers ask them to bring some wardrobe boxes, then you can empty your closets directly into them.
If you're having people help you move, go into your new apartment and label where the furniture goes. I used regular paper and taped it to the wall so people could see just where the furniture would go. That way, I didn't have to be in every room directing where the stuff goes.
Keep all moving supplies in a basket. Include ziploc bags of various sizes, because it's handy to use it to keep small things separate in larger boxes. As you take apart furniture and shelves, store the hardware for each item in a separate labeled ziploc bag and keep the bags in your handy dandy basket.
For this move, I'm using colored stickers for every room and when we move, I'm going to put up a sign showing what color goes in what room. This is mostly because we're reusing boxes from the past several moves, so we've got other writings on it.
I sometimes use old T-shirts and linens for packing material, especially with things that I don't want the ink from newsprint rubbing off. It kills 2 birds with 1 stone: pack breakables in stuff you need to pack anyway.
When packing clothes, keep out 2 weeks worth and pack everything else ahead of time. It's less stressful when you're trying to find your work clothes on Monday morning if you already have a suitcase of necessities that you can unpack right away.
Drink, pack a duffle bag with essentials for the next day. Toilet paper, I know most people forget to leave some or need to immediately and have to look for it. Keep your papers handy in the duffle bag or even a copy. Headache meds, and maybe an extra key for that just in case moment of losing one in the move. Oh and DRINK LOTS.