Text by: Tanya Munshi
Moving out of a house can be emotionally and physically taxing. By following simple packing rules, it can be made a lot simpler.
Boxes & Cartons
~ For cardboard cartons, use a broad cello tape that will hold all the corners and the separated portions. In case of weight, the cartons will not open up by force.
~ Use curtains to cushion the base of the boxes before placing other items and to cushion photo frames and fragile items in between.
~ Label each box as 1, 2, 3 or a, b, c. Write down in a notebook what each number or alphabet stands for. When you shift to a new house, you will know exactly what box contains what item.
Electronics & Furniture
~ Use small boxes (such as chocolate tin boxes) to keep all the screws and bolts of your electronics/furniture while dismantling.
~ Tape loose cords, wires and cables separately, place them in separate packs and label them. This will help at the time of re-opening.
~ Ensure all your electronics are cushioned with thermocol. Usually this material is provided in all electronic packages.
~ Empty your fridge and clean it thoroughly 24 hours before packing.
Crockery & Other Items
~ Bubble wrap each crockery item. Use newspapers as an alternative if bubble wrap is not available.
~ For packing books in a carton, throw in some naphthalene balls. Sprinkle talcum powder between the pages to help absorb moisture and prevent the books from getting musty and smelly.
~ Seal all the shampoos, medicines and cooking oil bottles to prevent leaking.
~ Pack medicines separately, though it’s wise to carry a medicine kit along with you.
General Tips
~ Before packing, get the following items – bubble wrap, bold waterproof markers, lots of cello tape, scissors, paper knives, cutters and locks and keys.
~ Get printouts in big bold letters to denote the journey of the packaging and whom it belongs to. For example – ‘Name – New Delhi to Mumbai.’
~ For locks and keys, mark every lock and key with a number – either by a waterproof marker or pasting a piece of cello tape with a number on it. This will help you in opening the boxes with ease.
~ Always store the original packing material of electronics or other items.
~ Ask for an inventory sheet, an insurance paper and, most important, a receipt for all your payments from the person you hired to move your things.
~ Keep the packer’s and the driver’s cell phone number handy to help locate your truck.
~ Carry all valuables, clothes, shoes and important documents with you.
Published in Tips4me.com, on April 10, 2007
Link: http://www.tips4me.com/tips/homehints/others_main.asp?file=/tips/quick/quickhints1.htm
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