Now that you've used a gigantic mound of boxes and tape, your garage is overflowing with packed boxes, and you're dining on paper plates with forks you took from the fast food joint, the easy part is over. Now that you are in the home stretch, a day or two ahead of the move itself, it's time to work on the last few items.
You'll most likely require a ladder for this part, along with the tools listed in our last post. If you've had large window treatments you will likely need some wood filler, too. If you are moving yourself, you will need moving blankets, baggies or small containers, and plastic wrap on a large spool for furniture, mirrors, art and lighting.
Be Adaptable and Plan Ahead
Packing for a move takes a long time, and you need to plan for that if you are going to do it yourself. A large dry-erase calendar will help you stay on schedule, and you can edit it as needed. There are three stages of a move--purging, packing, and the move itself--and staying organized with steps 1 and 2 will make step 3 a lot less stressful.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a pack-it-yourselfer is putting too much in boxes. Books are the worst offender; they are relatively not large but they're heavy. Four or five hardbacks is adequate for a small box, so fill in the rest of the box with lighter weight accessories--coasters, photos, magazines--that will go back in the same room or part of the house with the books themselves.
The Day Prior to M-Day in Killeen
Since the big day is tomorrow, it's time to get going on the pantry and the fridge. Unless you are moving locally, it’s advisable to take all the unwrapped non-perishables to a food pantry, and toss the rest. For a short trip, you can place perishables in coolers containing dry ice, but food is a lot like your other stuff--is unpacking those half-empty jelly jars worth your time?
Movers most of the time want the art and mirrors covered in bubble wrap or crated before they load them. If not, you still need to protect each piece (flannel sheets, beach towels, etc. work great between pieces) and move them in your car instead of the moving truck. You can secure lighting with a seatbelt if you are moving yourself.
If you assembled any of your furniture, now is when you should dismantle it. Most furniture can be dismantled using a slot or Phillips head screwdriver and a small hammer. Keep the bolts, screws, and other hardware in a baggie or container and label it, and secure it to the inside of a bed rail or a drawer so you can put it all back together again without having to go to the local hardware store. It's a smart idea to take photos of the hardware in case something gets lost--and it will.
Box up your cleaning supplies and plan to take them to the new home in your vehicle--the chemicals can't go on the truck.
Cover furniture with the moving blankets and hold the blankets in place with the plastic wrap. The wrap won't ding finishes and keeps drawers in place when chests are moving around.
Moving Day in Killeen
If you have spent the final night in your residence, you probably slept on mattresses on the floor, because your beds are in pieces. You have also packed a small duffel with necessities for the day since all your clothes packed. Place your linens and towels in a large box or bag, and away you go. Movers schedule their days in blocks, so a large move could take multiple days. They will likely be at your house first thing and ready to get started—the timeclock starts when they get there, not after you've had your coffee. It is going to be a strenuous day, so respect their time and expertise by being ready for them.
Follow these tips for proper packing and you'll be incredibly pleased with your new house—expecially when you can find the coffee pot.
