Smooth Moves: Moving and Packing Tips and Ideas

Make a List

I suggest a blank spiral bound notebook that will be your moving "bible". Jot down idea and reminders to yourself whenever you think of something. As your moving day becomes closer who will be AMAZED at how much you will forget.

Write everything down!

Packing Station:

Have a packing station where you keep your supplies- labels, lots of markers. bubble wrap, paper and packing tape.

Label Boxes

Be SPECIFIC! Instead of "kitchen" or "dishes" write "everyday dishes" or "good china"

Do NOT skimp on supplies. When buying packing tape spend a little extra and get the tape gun- an automatic dispenser for the tape- will save you the aggravation of finding the end of the tape and taping will be faster and easier. Have lots and lots of boxes- you can always return the ones you don’t use.

Use unprinted newspaper sheets- you can get this at any moving supply store (local u-haul rental or storage companies).

Buy rolls of bubble wrap. You can get a better price at Staples or Office Depot.

Watch out for the weight of the boxes! Don’t make them to heavy. Hard on backs but also can break the bottom of box open.

Use a Colour Code System

Assign a color for each room. Yellow for kitchen, green for dining room, pink for master bedroom, etc. DUse coloured labels (you can buy in bulk at office supply store or print your own). At new house you can post sign with colour on door of each room and your movers- professional or otherwise- will easily be able to tell where boxes go. A box simply marked dishes meant for your china cabinet may end up in kitchen, and the will be inevitable problems with people trying to remember what bedroom belongs to whom. Easier to have a different colour for each Childs room, etc. Some people aren’t sure what the difference between a family room, great room or rec room... Take the guess work out with colours.

Good Luck with Your Move!

LJ Stewart is freelance writer living in Mississauga, Ontario. She has an active interest in real estate and has lots of moving tips and ideas for selling Mississauga homes.