subject: Executing A Smooth Move And Unpacking Effectively [print this page] When you are moving, it is very important that you do so safely and efficiently, to ensure that you precious items and keepsakes will make it to the new location unharmed and intact. There is nothing worse than losing or damaging irreplaceable keepsakes in a move.
To make sure your move goes smoothly, make a note of your shipment registration number and keep it with you in case you need to call your mover with questions about your shipment. Designate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so that you won't have to rummage through boxes for these essentials the first night in your new home.
After you've thoroughly cleaned and dried the inside of your refrigerator, put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda, or charcoal in a sock or nylon stocking and place it inside to keep the interior smelling fresh. Take your current phone book with you.
You may need to make calls to residents or businesses back in your former hometown. Pack heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.
Before the van foreman leaves for your destination residence, give him a phone number where you can be reached. It is also a good idea to provide him with an alternate contact in case you can't be reached.
When it comes to your items, a good rule of thumbs is If it is irreplaceable, take it with you in the car (you don't want regrets later). However, if you do decide to pack framed photos or art, place sheets or blankets between them for added protection.
Toilet paper, telephone, toiletries, snacks, coffee (and pot), soap, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, a couple of pans, paper towels, and cleaning supplies are some of the essentials you may need upon arrival at your new home. Pack a box with these types of items and ask your van foreman to load it last so that it will be unloaded first.
For your garage sale, tag all items and be prepared to wheel and deal. Garage sale gurus love to haggle.
Have children write their names and new address on the cartons from their rooms so they can become familiar with their new street and town. Keep your pet calm and away from all the activity on moving day by arranging for a friend to watch him at their house.
When moving plants to your new residence via your car, try not to let foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch. Upon arrival at your new home, let your computer "acclimate" itself to room temperature before plugging it in.
Leave the rest to the professionals, sit back and relax, and look forward to the new opportunities, friends, and experiences that are part of any move. Be sure to get a good night's rest before the pickup and delivery days!
As you look around at all the boxes and bare walls, it may not feel like home just yet, but bear in mind that soon, the dust will settle, pictures will be hung, and everything will be in its place - after unpacking.
The normal reaction when viewing the moving-day disorder is the urge to put everything in its proper place as quickly as possible so the adjustment to the new surroundings can begin. But nerves can be spared and good relations maintained if you keep in mind two important points:
First, you don't have to unpack everything in one day or even in one week. Second, unpacking after moving can be fun, so try to do everything possible to make the process feel like the end of an enjoyable adventure.
To start out, consider your family's basic needs (food, rest, and bathing) and unpack accordingly, focusing your attention on one room at a time. Once the kitchen is set up enough to function, it can become a haven where everyone can meet and take a break from the jumble in the other rooms.
Resist the urge to unpack right away everything that belongs in the kitchen. Instead, start with the basics and leave less-frequently-used items in boxes until you decide your room and storage arrangements.
The next room to prepare is the bathroom. Make sure toiletries are unpacked and put in place, and the bathroom's mechanical systems are functioning.
Once the kitchen and the bathroom are operational, the rest of the unpacking can take place without a sense of urgency. In this fashion, move from room to room until you are done-moving is great, if you do it in the right way.
