The thrill and excitement of moving in to your dream house or shifting to that snazzy apartment that you have recently purchased seems to be quite palpable! You had waited for this for so long and now you are just rearing to 'pack' and move! Well, apparently it all sounds quite simple. But "Hey! Give it a second thought is it really so simple as it seems to be?"
The entire idea of 'packing and shifting' all your priced possessions and belongings to another place can be pretty daunting! Only if you can be a bit organized in planning out your packing, then situations can become a lot easier.
2 BASIC STEPS BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:
o Get your maid to help you trim excess baggage.
o Decide whether you're engaging professional packers for the whole project or for partial packing or packing on your own totally.
Why go in for professional movers and packers?
They prove to be quite efficient and well-organized especially when you need to pack and crate
§ Heavy and/or fragile furniture
§ Heavy-duty electrical appliances (fridge, A.C., ovens, T.V. etc.)
§ Large, precious and/or breakable antiques, paintings, crockery.
Tips for Self-packers:
v Start 8-10 weeks ahead.
v Arrange a van/truck for moving your goods (if within the same city) or if transporting by train (to another city) make arrangements to book an entire buggy on a goods train as per your need.
v Hire people for loading/unloading and carting your stuff.
Packing equipments you need to procure before starting to pack:
· Original packaging for items of crockery, electrical appliances and electronic gadgets for repacking them.
· Get sheets of self-adhesive labels to number and describe the contents of each crate.
· Permanent marker pens.
· Plastic ropes, ribbons, staplers, packing tapes.
· Plastic sheets, canvas, lengths of jute ropes, strong glue, hammer and nails.
· Collect old newspapers, paper rolls, thermocol, packing foam, etc.
· Collect empty cartons, boxes, and plastic bags as much as possible.
Now, start the packing!
Ø Before you begin to fill each box, make sure that the bottom flaps aren't just closed securely, but that they're also taped shut with heavy-duty packing tape.
Ø Although it takes more time in the beginning, pack boxes according to their assigned place in your new home (i.e., living room, kitchen, etc.). This saves you loads of time upon your arrival. Your movers know where to place your belongings so that you don't have to lug them elsewhere before unpacking them.
Ø Pack your boxes with heavier items on the bottom, lighter items on the top.
Ø As you're packing, you'll undoubtedly be looking for cushioning material for your valuables. While newspaper is a great choice, just make sure that newsprint isn't rubbing off on fabric or other linens.
Ø Put several small boxes of 'fragiles' inside a large box for easy carting.
Ø Don't pack flammables/explosives.
Don't forget to pack the must-have items!
The must-have items for all family members include: Special foods, prescription drugs, basic tools, few large garbage bags, basic kitchenware, tea things, few packets of biscuits, plastic / paper plates, cutlery, paper napkins, toothpaste, toothbrush, scissors, pen and paper, keys to all doors and windows in your new home and the keys to all your suitcase, trunks and bags in transit.
Make sure that the must-have items travels as your 'personal baggage'.
What about my plants?
You would surely not want to say 'good-bye' to all those beautiful priceless and painstakingly collected greeneries in your old home! Consult a reputed nursery, keeping in mind transit time. Give away plants that won't survive a journey.
Following these simple guidelines will save you an enormous amount of time (and money) after your arrival in your new home. Instead of rummaging through unmarked boxes, straining back muscles and mourning the shattered remains of Grandmother's fine China, you'll be able to unpack efficiently and enjoy this milestone occasion.
