Moving? Here's Some Help!
Few people actually enjoy the process of packing and moving all of their belongings from one home to another.
However, at some point, almost everyone has to do it, and many will be doing it during the summer, the prime moving season.
The Early Show, with the help of Real Simple magazine's Kris Connelll, is offering some ideas that are designed to make the task a little easier. Click here to get your moving-countdown checklist.
Look at the bright side, Connelll says, this is a great opportunity to go through all of your stuff and get rid of anything you don't need or use.
The earlier you start, the better off you'll be. One month before your move date, you should begin packing up items you don't use frequently.
Boxes
Connelll says you can make the job easier by having the correct materials on hand. According to Real Simple, expect to spend about $250 on the materials needed to move a couple or small family. If you head online to buy these supplies, you can save 20 percent or more over office-supply stores and moving companies. Real Simple recommends www.onlinemovingboxes.com and www.boxesdelivered.com. You'll always save if you buy in bulk.
There's nothing wrong with heading to the grocery store or liquor store and requesting their used boxes. Just avoid any box that looks as though it has been wet, or is torn or smelly.
However, it is worthwhile to spend money on two types of "specialty" boxes. Large, flat picture boxes will keep your artwork safe when you move. Wardrobe boxes, which are quite tall and come with a metal hanging bar across the top, make it much easier to move clothes and coats.
Wondering how many boxes you'll need? Of course, it depends how much stuff you have and how well you pack it. But, as a rule of thumb, count on using at least 100 boxes to pack up a sparsely furnished, three-bedroom house, Real Simple suggests.
Turn to page 2 for packing basics.
Once you have everything you need, you're ready to start packing. Connell offers a few packing basics:
Packing Fragile Items
Moving can also be nerve-racking for many people. You don't want to unpack boxes and find all of your fragile belongings broken into pieces. The kitchen, in particular, is full of fragile items. So, Connell offers some advice on how to pack dishes.
For more information, visit Real Simple online.