DIY Network

Moving Day Moving Day From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-109

Time to clear the cupboards and pack the boxes. Anyone who has ever moved knows that if you're not organized, you may never see some of your possessions again. Today we're looking at tips for a hassle-free move and recipes for wiping away grit and grime. And we'll discuss points on what to look for when searching for your new castle.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Packing

Here are a few time-tested packing tips to make your move a little less frantic.

• Pack one room at a time.

• Supplies: Organize supplies in advance (figure A). Have available as needed any and all of the following: plenty of boxes in a variety of sizes on hand, along with reinforced packing tape, markers, packing paper, color-coordinated stickers, bubble wrap, plastic baggies for small items, string, scissors, color-coded stickers and furniture padding.

• Glass: Compartmentalized liquor boxes work beautifully for packing glass and bottles. Roll glasses in paper and slip into the compartments of the box. Label boxes as fragile.

• Dishes: Use dish packing boxes, available from moving companies. Place paper plates between dishes to act as a cushion (figure B). Wrap the dish stacks in paper. Never stack dishes flat; stand the stacks in the box on the plate edges, which is the strongest part of the plate. Label boxes fragile.

• Pots and pans: Nest the pans between layers of paper towels, paper plates or napkins to keep them from being scratched. Large plastic storage containers make excellent sturdy moving containers for pots and pans.

• Silverware: Wrap the complete set of silverware, still in the tray, in paper, then place in a large plastic bag to keep the contents contained.

• Electronics: Repack in original boxes if at all possible.

• Cookbooks: Place in smaller, sturdier boxes to ensure the boxes don't become too heavy (figure C). Reinforce the boxes with tape. Pack books on their sides; never flat or on their spines.

  Rules for Packing

  • When fully packed, boxes should not weigh over 40 or 50 pounds.

  • Wrap and pack extensions cords with the item, if needed.

  • Pack early. Begin packing weeks before you move. This will make the process less stressful.

  • Number the boxes and keep a detailed list of box contents.

  • Donate anything you aren't using anymore.

    Tip: Use color-coded dots to indicate where boxes should be placed in the new home. Choose a different-color dot to represent each room.
    

    ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
    	Moving Day
    	Moving Awkwardly Shaped Items
    	Cleaning the New House
    	Increasing the Market Value of Your Home