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You will need plenty of wrapping paper and heavy-duty tape.
Anything wrapped in newsprint will most likely be soiled from
the ink and will require cleaning after unpacking. Movers use
the same paper without the print. For items you prefer to keep
clean, you can purchase this packing paper from your mover. Kraft
paper, tissue paper and shock-resistant corrugated paper make
excellent wrapping materials and may be purchased at most major
department stores, craft stores or your mover. These papers also
make excellent cushioning and lining material.
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As you’re packing, place removable, coloured, circle stickers
on your boxes to easily distinguish which room the items in the
box belong in. Use a different colour for each room. If necessary,
make a master list so you’ll know what is in each box. If
you can go to your new space ahead of time, you may wish to stick
a corresponding coloured sticker on the door, or doorframe, of
the room that the box will be delivered to.
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Pack on a room-by-room basis, keeping the contents of each
room in separate boxes. This will eliminate confusion and save
time when you’re unpacking.
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Even if you only pack two boxes a day, in 30 days you will
have packed sixty boxes. Start in areas where the goods are not
in frequent use such as the cellar, attic, garage, etc.
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Order address labels before you move. They will be great to
have on hand when you need to indicate a change of address on
anything. Leave a few behind with the people who move into your
space so they can forward anything that gets delivered to them
for you. Give them a few bucks to cover any postage costs.
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Make a survival kit for your first day in your new space. This
should include items that will get you through if it’s too
late to unpack or the movers didn’t show up. Helpful items
to include might be: non-perishable food, can opener, paper plates,
plastic utensils, bottled water, a flashlight, a few towels, toiletries,
toilet paper, pen/paper, a few small games or magazines, etc.
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If you have children, especially young children, it might be
a good idea to have someone baby-sit them while you are doing
anything that involved your move, such as packing, unpacking,
etc. Your kids won’t be interrupting your progress and you’ll
accomplish more.
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Set up one room quickly as possible. This way, you’ll
have a quiet retreat, free of boxes. Everybody will then have
a place to go when you need a break from all of the unpacking
activities.
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If you have pets, be sure you have a plan for when the movers
arrive. Perhaps keep you cats in the bathroom with the litter
box, or put your dogs in a fenced in yard. Also, take care to
do what you can so your pets feel comfortable in your new space.
Bring their favourite toys, give them attention, and don’t
leave them alone for long periods of time for the first few days.
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Make the first night as special as possible. It can be take-out
Chinese food, or pizza, but you may sweeten the evening with flowers,
candles, music and wine. It will really make a big difference
and will help you to unwind and de-stress.
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Once you arrive at your new home, schedule some get acquainted
days on your calendar. This is a great time to figure out where
the supermarket, bank, post office, etc. are and will give you
a chance to get familiar with your area. If there is a tourist
bureau in town, stop by and see what events and opportunities
your town will be offering.
I wish you a happy moving experience ….
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