Your Kansas City Real Estate Source – Leader of the Pack

An impending move shouldn’t make you feel boxed out. Although moving is a daunting task, more than 15 million U.S. households did just that in 2004 to 2005, according to the latest Census Bureau information.

If you don’t have the luxury of being packed up by a moving company, the key to a smooth move is to plan ahead and exercise common sense, says Dean Krakel, account manager at MoveTM, an organization that provides consumers with support tools they need before, during and after a change of address. “Keep similar items together, loading the heaviest things first onto a moving van - like furniture and books,” Krakel said. “Then you can fill in with lighter items. This way, the load is less likely to shift in transit.”

Krakel also says items that are loaded last, are the first items to be unloaded, so plan what you will need immediately in your new home. Consider having easy access to toiletries, linens, garbage bags, light bulbs, pet food, medicines and simple tools for reassembling beds.

Before packing it in, you must first pack it up. The first step to any move is to have the proper packing materials. You will need:	Sturdy boxes - and lots of them. Wardrobe boxes and other specialty boxes can be purchased at local moving or shipping companies. Quality boxes can also be retrieved from wholesale companies or grocery stores, at no charge, after a shipment. Packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts. Other kinds of packing for your boxes can include wadded-up newspaper, old pillows and blankets. Pair of scissors, a note pad (for an inventory list or reminders) and a dark, water-resistant marker (for labeling) are indispensable during a move.
Box it up	Each box should weigh no more than 50 pounds. Stereo equipment and electronics should be placed in their original packaging, if possible. Similar items stay together. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be put in an envelope and attached/taped to the item with which they belong. Keep larger items (such as a cable television cord) in clear bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. Write it down. Labeling each carton will save you from unnecessarily moving boxes over and over in your new home. Assign a number to every room of your new home and label boxes with the number of the room in which they belong. Tape a number to the door of each room in your new home, so, when unloading, you can deposit boxes in the correct location.
Helpful Hints	Start by packing items you don’t use each day, such as holiday decorations, books and fine china. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap (not in newsprint, as it may rub off on item) and clearly write FRAGILE and TOP LOAD on these boxed items. Let children decorate their own boxes, so they can easily identify belongings when the truck is unloaded. Consolidate cleaning supplies. Put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies that will stay with you. Clean as you pack items up in your existing home (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows) and vacuum each room as it is emptied. Use your luggage. Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and toiletries. You’ll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your bed sheets, whereas “Box #166” might remain elusive for days.
Not on the Moving Van Plan	Safeguard valuable items. It’s a good idea to keep valued possessions, such as jewelry, collections, or small antiques, with you. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to verify what is covered during a move for items that are too large to be taken with you. Keep important papers with you. Anticipate what information you’ll need at your fingertips in your new home and plan accordingly. A list of these important papers include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, recent bank records, current bills, important phone numbers and closing papers. If you are using professional movers, ask for a checklist of items they won’t transport. Due to federal law or internal policies, movers will not take hazardous materials that are flammable, corrosive or explosive. A real stinker. Make sure garbage doesn’t inadvertently get packed and end up being transported to your new home.
If you are using professional movers:	Be on hand to answer any questions. Supervise both loading and unloading of the van. When items are unloaded, check carefully for any damaged or missing items. Note on the inventory any damaged boxes or obvious damage to unboxed items before you sign anything.

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