MOVING & PACKING

Regardless of whether you have bought or sold your home, the stress doesn't end with the transaction itself. Moving is added to the top of a very complicated and already stressful situation. Moving itself is difficult. Do you do it yourself or hire professionals? Do you pack yourself or hire? What is the best way to pack? Where should you put the boxes in your new home? These are just some of the many questions you will end up asking yourself.

As moving is a very personal experience just like buying or selling your home, no two people or families tackle the situation the same. To help you, we have provided some tips from clients, and others we have read in magazines and uncovered in our years as agents. While not all-inclusive, we are hopeful that they will help alleviate some of the stress and make your home buying or selling experience a truly positive one!

If you are using a professional service and are doing the packing yourself you should ask them if they will provide you with the materials. If the company is packing you, then you won't need any materials. They should be supplied as part of the job pricing....though it doesn't hurt to confirm this.

Here is a sample list of supplies you will need to pack:
Packing tape, markers, plain packing paper and/or bubble wrap (not newspaper), book boxes, medium boxes, large & extra large boxes, lamp boxes, wardrobe boxes, dish packs/china barrels.

If you are using a professional service, you will not be allowed to pack and ship everything so you may need to throw/give away or personally transport the following flammable or hazardous items: candles, fireworks, firearms or ammunition, gas or propane, paint, turpentine or paint thinner, varnishes, oils, fuel of any kind, bleach, nail polish remover, and aerosol cans.

General Packing Tips

• Use the right box for the job. Each box is created with a specific use and weight. For heavier items use smaller boxes. Most weight limits can be found on the bottom of the box.
• Have enough wardrobe boxes for all your hanging clothes. This will make unpacking easier and negate any additional work (including ironing)!
• Separate fragile items with a layer of materials. Wrap each fragile item separately. Fill in empty spaces to avoid shifting and possible damage during shipping. Pack plates and glass items vertically, not flat. Purchase strong packing tape - don't use other types of tape which may allow boxes to open causing damage to items.
• Make loading and unloading go smoother by designating one room in your new home as the place for all boxes. Most often this should be closest to the door, however it could be the one that is most centrally located on the main level.
• Mark each box.
• Keep all related boxes together. This will help with the unpacking process.

Additional Sources of Information on Moving:
American Moving & Storage Association
Moving.Com - a complete source for locating movers and calculating costs.
United States Postal Service Movers Guide - allows you to perform temporary or permanent change of addresses.
The Moving Coach - brought to you by RE/MAX International. This site has tips, a moving guide, and more.

Local Moving Companies:
JK Moving & Storage, Inc.
Vintage Moving & Storage Systems, Inc.
Starving Students
Von Paris Moving & Storing A United Van Lines Company
Meridian Moving & Storage
Manassas Transfer Inc.
Randall Moving & Storage

No endorsement or guarantee is made for any company listed. Listings are provided solely to assist clients in locating services.