Got a better job and apprehensive about moving your stuff? While you may be worried if you are a first time mover, you will soon realize moving with all your furniture intact is not all that difficult after all. Just follow these quick tips to move comfortably. Even though I have restricted myself to packing the dining room only, the principles apply equally to other parts of your house as well.
Although packing the dining room may well be less complicated than its other counterparts like the kitchen or the bathroom, it has its own specialties that need looking into. The smaller parts like the crockery need different treatment from the larger items like the larger dining room chairs or the hutch. Yet large size alone does not mean they are any less precious, or need less care.
You may have spent years building up that exclusive crystal collection which is now vulnerable to the vagaries of moving. Even though the best packing is done in the original box, similar sized cardboard cartons can be used to pack even more than one set to save on space. What needs to be remembered here is that crockery pieces should not be able to scrape against each other. This is easily achieved by wrapping the pieces in paper, or separating them with small pieces of cardboard. Fill up the vacant spaces with paper shreds to stuff it tight.
Get proper insurance for your goods so that the risks of breakage are well covered. Nobody is perfect.
The larger items of furniture like the dining room tables can be packed by separating the legs from the top. It is a good idea to go for removable legs if you are in a transferable job, as it will make your work much easier.
Use the shelves in your hutch to pack cushions etc. Putting heavy stuff like crockery in it will make it extremely heavy and difficult to lift.
Here are some additional tips to ensure your fragile goods arrive safe and sound at your destination:
1. Use Bubble wrap for breakable items. The little air pockets are extremely effective.
2. For a cost-effective solution, use shredded paper to line the inside of boxes and to fill any gaps or holes.
3. Do not save on wrapping paper – use plenty to pack well.
4. While packing your furniture, use your old clothes and spare rugs to pack the tops and the legs to ensure scratch free transport. A couple of old mattresses tied onto the top of your dining room table acts as an excellent cushion.
5. Plates and platters should be packed vertically into boxes to avoid cracking and breaking.
6. Keep your stuff in layers. Keep larger items such as plates and platters on the bottom. Cushion each layer with lots of old newspapers, shredded paper or bubblewrap.
7. Place bowls, saucers and small serving plates on top of the bottom layer.
8. Pack glasses and cups repeating the same steps as above.
9. Labeling boxes as "FRAGILE - THIS SIDE UP" will make the handler be a little vigilant.
The legs of each dining chair should be packed separately. Bolt the doors and drawers of all the cabinets and hutches. For fragile items like glass door hutches, use the services provided by professional packers to shrink wrap them in polythene.
Go ahead and pack in peace. And don’t worry about the little extra work – you are going to a better job after all!
The author has just redone her home with furniture from wholesale Amish furniture dealers. These come at a lower price. There is a huge variety of Amish made furniture to choose from. Amish handcrafted furniture is known for its sturdiness.