Organize before you start.
If slightly downsizing use the 6-month rule. If you haven’t seen it, needed it, or used it in 6 months, get rid of it. If greatly downsizing use the 12-month rule.

Everything should be ready to go out the door when the movers arrive. The less time it takes to load, the cheaper it is to move.

Don’t move it twice.
As you sort and organize, fill boxes designated for donated items (Goodwill, church, etc.)

Label everything for its final destination.

Pictures/Mirrors
Count pictures and mirrors before you order boxes.

Do one thing at a time completely;
one closet, one cabinet, one room.

Make up small boxes for photos and papers. If they need sorting do it while watching TV.

Do one drawer at a time.

Marking Boxes
Mark each box to correspond to a drawer, e.g. desk, top left, kitchen drawer.

Bathrooms
In order to prevent damage from wetness, fill the bottom of small boxes with packing paper for last minute kitchen, refrigerator, and bath items that get packed the day of the move.

Lamps
Pack lampshades in separate boxes and label “DON’T DOUBLE STACK”. Lamps should be taken apart before packing. Harps, cords, and shades need to be labeled for the lamp it matches, e.g. blue and white lamp.

Electronics
For TVs, computers and other electronics, pack cords with the equipment. Color code cords and plug-ins with colored dots, red to red, etc. Hand-carry remotes.

Clocks
Grandfather clocks or clocks with pendulums should have pendulums taken off, bubble wrapped and taped inside the clock. Never move a clock with an unsecured pendulum.

Glasses
Alternate glass bottles with cereal type boxes or plastic containers when packing pantry items so boxes aren’t too heavy.

Never put glassware on its side, always pack standing up.

Record Albums
Transport record albums on edge, not flat.

Toys
Put toys in big boxes or wardrobe boxes.


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