Packing Tips
Here are some packing tips to make your move more comfortable and successful:
- Label boxes indicating what they contain and in which room they should be placed.
- Drain gas and oil from power tools so they will not leak; dispose of all volatile or corrosive chemicals.
- After cleaning out the refrigerator or freezer, place pieces of charcoal in them to prevent mildew.
- Pack important records in an easily accessible place. Include medical, dental, school, insurance, credit card and tax records. Remember that in Texas, automobile insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
- Use strong, clear containers with lids secured with twine or tape.
- Put no more than 50 pounds in each container.
- Place heavy items toward the bottom of containers; lighter items on top.
- Protect all finished surfaces from scratching by wrapping them with paper.
- Use plenty of cushioning such as shredded or crumpled paper to protect belongings in boxes.
- Pack tightly to avoid shuffling.
- Fragile items, like china, should be packed in reinforced boxes or special boxes with compartments.
- Individually wrap and cushion electrical appliances.
- Make sure liquids and food are placed carefully in sealed containers.
- Wrap and pack kitchenware tightly to prevent damage.
- Chests and dressers should not be overloaded since glued furniture joints could collapse.
- Unusually shaped or valuable items should be crated.
- Do not pack lamp shades in newspaper as the ink will rub off and stain them.
- Easily crushed items should be individually boxed and cushioned.
- Let the moving company pack furniture, mirrors and artwork to prevent damage.
Moving Checklist
The following is a checklist which should aid in advance planning for your move
SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE:
- Begin getting estimates from moving companies.
- Find out what expenses your employer will cover.
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE:
- Check the pre-registration procedures for enrolling children in school.
- Get children’s transcripts and a list of textbooks they currently use.
- Obtain a copy of the grading system at the current school. Ask teachers for a statement describing the student’s achievement level and interests. Get official written description of any unusual courses taken. Request copies of all medical, dental and veterinary records and birth certificates to be sent to your new home.
- Notify the post office of your new address and obtain a change-of-address kit. Send change-of-address cards to friends, subscription services, creditors, alumni associations, the Department of Motor Vehicles and insurance companies.
- Begin packing seldom-used-items and dispose of unwanted items through charities. (Get receipts for tax purposes).
- Contact the IRS for forms and regulations regarding tax-deductible moving expenses. Transfer or arrange for insurance to cover your home, furnishings and automobile. See the IRS website for more information on moving expenses.
THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE:
- Arrange to have appliances, utilities, newspaper, laundry, phone and cable TV disconnected. Check on deposits.
- Set up connections at your new home.
- Make travel arrangements
- Make special arrangements for transporting pets and plants. Some plants may not be transported across state lines – check with your moving company.
- Clean cupboards
- Plan remaining meals so you can pack what you don’t need.
ONE WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE:
- Discontinue delivery services such as the newspaper.
- Clean and sort items in garage and attic.
- Clean out your safety deposit box and place all valuables and documents together. Either carry them with you or send them ahead by registered, insured mail.
TWO DAYS BEFORE THE MOVE:
- Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers.
- Arrange for cash or traveler’s checks for trip expenses and payment to the mover upon delivery.
- Reconcile and close checking account. Withdraw savings.
- Conclude any financial matters relating to the lease or sale of your home.
- Pack luggage. Set aside items you will need immediately upon arrival – a few dishes, pots and pans, towels, soap, bedding, light bulbs, flash lights and toilet paper.
- Have movers pack goods.
- Leave forwarding address with new tenant.
Moving Day:
- Reconfirm your delivery date with your mover and provide directions to your new residence.
- Pay close attention to the mover’s paperwork. You will need to sign it upon completion of loading.
- Supervise the movers to make sure your instructions are understood.
- Double-check your residence for forgotten items before leaving.
Moving Tips
Moving from one home to another is one of the more stressful transitions family members will undertake. Facets of family life will undergo some change or replacement, and parents and children alike will have to move through these changes in their own ways.
These changes are sure to bring emotional or behavioral changes as the family makes adjustments.
Expect to see feelings ranging from excitement to sadness, anxiety to frustration. Don’t expect everyone to express these feelings in the same way or at the same time. Symptoms such as lack of energy, forgetfulness, indecisiveness, tension, worrying, socially withdrawing and sleep difficulties may signal emotional distress in parents and older children.
Children below the age of 10 may show more frequent rebelliousness and irritability. They may also show signs of regression as a reaction to the move. Increased clinging, a return to bed wetting or nightmares may be noticeable.
Following are some tips to help ease this emotional distress for your family members:
Get family members focused on and involved in the process of moving.
Hold a family meeting to discuss why, were, when and how the family will move. Encourage everyone to ask questions and express concerns or feelings.
If possible, drive the family to the new home and take a tour of the neighborhood schools, shops and parks. Take photos or videotape the new house and neighborhood.
To reduce confusion, make lists for each older child of things to do to prepare for the move and assign them a special task or two. For example, have the older children read aloud about the new town’s demographics, history, landmarks, special events and amusements to help familiarize the rest of the family.
Help children prepare for the move by having them assist with the packing. Let them pack a box of special clothes, toys or books they would like readily accessible at the new home.
Let each family member help plan how to set up their bedrooms.
Let them share ideas on how to arrange the furniture. When the move
takes place, set up the children’s rooms first.
Excerpted from “Moving With Children… An easier Way” by Virginia Secrest, Ph.D.