A big move can be really stressful. Let’s be honest… ANY move can be stressful!  Moving is commonly listed as one of life’s most stressful events.  It can be overwhelming to think about packing up all your belongings and making a transition to a new residence. A few simple tips (and partnering with a top-rated mover such as Steele & Vaughn) will help make the move go smoother. Some of these tips follow.

Label your Boxes

As you are packing your boxes (or totes), label them clearly so the movers can place them in the correct location at the new home (this not only helps with overall organization, but in the case of a local/hourly move, will save you money). If you decide to have Steele & Vaughn pack boxes for you, the same strategy should still be used… you will need to tell the packers how you want them labeled. One simple method is to name the room where the goods are coming from or going to (example: Master, Sarah’s Room, Office, etc.) and putting that name on the wall of that room so the packer knows how you want it labeled. Anything that requires special attention such as fragile goods should be marked as FRAGILE, TOP LOAD ONLY, THIS SIDE UP, Etc.

Use the right size box

If you choose to pack your own boxes, it is important to use the correct box size for the many different types of items being packed. There are six basic box sizes: Small (also called a Book box), Medium, Large, Dish, Mirror and Wardrobe. Here are a few general guidelines. Books should be placed in book boxes only! Soft goods such as bed linens, pillows, and folding clothes should be placed in Medium or Large boxes. These items can also be placed in the bottom of a Wardrobe box as well, in the void often left by hanging clothes. Lamp bases should go into whatever size box will hold them; dish boxes are good for taller lamps. Often, two or more lamps can be packed together. Lamp shades should go into the appropriate size box but that is all that should be placed in it (one, or two shades max if they are matching). Glassware, dishes, and china should go into Dish boxes. Minimize the weight of dish boxes; do not overload; use lots of packing paper and/or bubble wrap. Pots and pans are generally packed into whatever size box will hold them, or they can be added to the top of a nearly full dish box. Mirror cartons should be used for Wall Art and mirrors. Smaller pieces of art can be packed in regular boxes with other items. Save your TV Boxes!! The best box for packing a TV is the box it came in. If that is not available, you can purchase TV boxes. Sometimes mirror cartons can be used. Lastly, hanging clothes need to go into wardrobe boxes that use a bar at the top. Shoes can be placed at the bottom of the wardrobe (if you are concerned about dust and dirt, place the shoes in a trash bag first). Garden tools, brooms and rakes are best packed in an open wardrobe box; leave the flaps up and tape them so you are effectively creating a large, square barrel. Outdoor furniture cushions, umbrellas, garden hoses, and miscellaneous garage or shed items that don’t need a lot of protection can also be placed in these as well.

Change Your Address

Take the time to fill out a change of address form with the Post Office. Also, take the time to update your new address directly with all the companies and organizations that you do business with… insurance, banks, phone companies and any other service providers.

Use Towels and Blankets to Wrap Items

Bubble wrap and packing materials are expensive. To save money, use some of the blankets and towels that you need to take with you anyway and use those in place of the bubble or paper wrap. This is efficient on space and saves you money!