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Packing for Your Move? Some Helpful Hints...
Courtesy of Dan & Patty McInnes

Whether you hire a professional company to move you or you plan to do all or part yourself, these hints may assist you in preparing for your move to your new home.

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Boxes for packing
Moving companies and move-it-yourself companies sell packing boxes and unprinted newspaper for your packing needs. Use strong boxes that will support the weight you will be placing in them. Boxes from grocery stores are often inadequate for anything but short moves in your own car. If you are working with a moving company, they can supply boxes for the items you want to pack yourself.

Wrapping Materials
Unprinted newspaper is the best since it won't leave ink on your possessions. Ink can cause permanent stains so use it if you must with care. Pack any computer equipment or other electronic equipment in the original boxes where possible. It is also worth reading the manufacture's instructions to secure toner and other parts of the equipment for travel.

Use lots of paper in between layers to cushion movement and preserve your delicate possessions. Better yet, have the professional pack special items and have them insured that way as well.

Mark Your Boxes
Label each box on all sides with the room and contents. This will save work turning boxes and placing them at the wrong end of the house.

Strapping Tape
Strong wide tape known as strapping tape is best for sealing boxes. Rolls come in bundles and with a dispenser equipped with a cutter which makes the work go faster. Seal the tape at least half way down each side.

Inexpensive Scissors
Buy a couple of inexpensive scissors for your packing efforts to save wear and tear on your expensive ones.

Zip Lock Bags
Get assorted sizes of zip lock bags for small items. You can group small items together by use or drawer and keep they together easily. Bags can be labeled as well for easier sorting later.

Trash Bags
Put a trash bag in each room to throw out unwanted items as you pack. It's cheaper and easier to sort as you pack than to move unwanted items to your new home. If you haven't looked at it in five years, chances are you can get rid of it.

Tips for the Process
Establish one room in the house on each floor to pack. Keep all your supplies in that room and put filled boxes in that room as well. Again, label each box on all sides with the room name and contents. It's worth the time to write on all sides.

Damage occurs from improper packing. No box should weight more than 50 pounds. Boxes shouldn't bulge and the top should close flat and be well supported so it won't cave in.

Heavy items should be in small boxes. Be especially careful when packing books and records. You can easily exceed the weight with these heavy items.

Prepare separate boxes of items that will be needed immediately upon arrival so that you can settle those first and leave other less necessary items until later. This selection would be especially important for the kitchen, bathrooms, and office.

Don't mix breakable items with heavy items. To pack breakable items, place crumpled paper at the bottom of the box, and cushions them with lots of crumples paper in the middle, around all sides and top. If possible box fragile things in smaller boxes first then cushioned inside a larger box. Don't forget to mark FRAGILE on such boxes on all sides. Indicate with arrows if the box must stand upright.

Start packing early with your least used room or items. Make time to pack so that you are not rushed to diminish the frustration. Time will be well spent if everything arrives at your new home in prefect condition and placed in the right room on the first try. Whether you have movers or friends helping, be sure to check the placement of boxes so they wind up on the second floor and not in the garage for you to carry up later. Manage the final placement of the boxes so that unpacking can be less stressful. As in packing, have plenty of trash bags handy and don't rush. If you allow yourself time to unpack and get settled, the move will be less difficult as well.

Call us for a Moving Checklist and, of course, assistance in selling your home and finding a new one. Scott-McInnes Realtors can assist you with relocating any where in the U.S. through our personal association with the two best relocation networks in the country! If you are buying or selling in the Oxnard/Ventura area of California, call Dan & Patty McInnes for the best personalized real estate service available! 

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Dan and Patty McInnes Scott-McInnes & Company, Realtors 3600S. Harbor Blvd., #129 Oxnard, CA 93035 TOLL FREE - 1(800) 985-VIEW (805) 985-4949 Fax (805) 985-9552