Now that you have used up a gigantic mound of boxes and tape, your garage looks like a warehouse, and you're eating off of with forks you took from the fast food joint, the uncomplicated part is over. Now that you're in the home stretch, a day or two before moving day, it's time to work on the last few items.
You'll most likely need to have a ladder for the next to-do items, along with the tools outlined in our last post. If you have had big window treatments you will likely need some wood filler, too. If you're moving yourself, you will need moving blankets, baggies or small containers, and plastic wrap on a large spool for furniture, mirrors, art and lighting.
Roll with the Punches and Plan Ahead
Packing for a move takes a lot of time and dedication, and you should plan for that if you are going to do it yourself. A large dry-erase calendar can help you stay on point, and you can edit it as changes occur. There are three stages of a move--purging, packing, and the move itself--and keeping on top of steps 1 and 2 will make step 3 a lot less nerve-reacking.
One of the biggest blunders you can make as a pack-it-yourselfer is putting too much in boxes. Books are the worst culprit; they're usually not large but they weigh a lot. Four or five hardbacks is enough 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 area with the books themselves.
The Day Prior to the Big Move in Austin
Considering the big day is tomorrow, it is time to get going on the pantry and the fridge. Unless you’re moving right around the corner, it’s advisable to take all the unwrapped non-perishables to a food pantry, and toss the rest. For a short trip, you can put 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 usually want the art and mirrors wrapped 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 van. You can secure lighting with a seatbelt if you're moving yourself.
If you put any of your furniture together, now's when you need to take it apart. Most furniture can be deconstructed with 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 affix it to the inside of a bed rail or a drawer so you can put it all back together again without having to pay a visit to the local hardware store. It's a good idea to take photos of the hardware just in case something gets lost--and it will.
Pack 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 shrink wrap. The wrap won't mar finishes and keeps drawers in place when chests are moving around.
Moving Day in Austin
If you've spent the final night in your home, you were smart enough to sleep on mattresses on the floor, because your beds are in pieces. You have also packed a small suitcase with necessities for the day since all your clothes packed. Toss your linens and towels in a large box or bag, and off you go. Movers schedule their days in blocks, so a bigger move could take multiple days. They will likely be at your house first thing and ready to get started—the clock starts when they get there, not after you've had your coffee. It's 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 home—particularly when you can find the coffee pot.
