Packing to move can be
drudge work, but it’s an even worse task if your labor results in broken
glassware, tangled jewelry, busted gadgets, and lost electrical cords. Leaving
your home for a new one is stressful enough without these added woes.
To the rescue, here
are some brilliant hacks that’ll get your stuff loaded up with nary a crack—and almost no
sweat—from experts who live and breathe packing.
Plates
Don’t just grab your
dinnerware from the shelf and stack it in a box—it’s more apt to break. As
counter intuitive as it sounds, it’s better to pack them sideways instead. Just
make sure the box is small enough so that the plates fit with only a bit
of wiggle room on each side where you can insert bubble wrap or other
cushioning.
Glasses and cups
Put your tube socks to good use: Insert your stemware into them
(one per sock, of course) to prevent cracks. Turn
the handles of coffee mugs and pitchers inward in boxes to save space. You can
also pick up wine or beer boxes with the cardboard separators to pack
glasses and other fragile items—liquor stores give these away for free.
Necklaces and bracelets
Don’t let all of those pretty chains get tangled in knots!
To prevent bracelets and necklaces from ending up in this sad state, grab
a few empty toilet paper rolls or drinking straws. Thread each chain
through the roll or straw, and then fasten the clasp. Lay them gently in a
box and cover with a layer of clothing to keep them in place.
Earrings
These tiny objects need their own packing
compartment—and your old egg cartons are just the solution. Pop
a few pairs into each nesting cup and then top with a few cotton balls.
Close the carton and seal it with a bit of packing or masking tape. You
could also poke your earrings through a paper towel tube, secure them with
backs and then wrap the whole roll with plastic wrap or a soft T-shirt.
Clothing
Moving a dresser is easier without the drawers in it, but if
you’re hoisting it full of clothes, take some heavy-duty plastic and wrap it
around the entire piece so the drawers don’t slide out.
Linens
Soft items like towels, sheets, and dishcloths can do
double duty when you pack them. Roll up wooden and plastic utensils and other
kitchen items in dish towels, or use cloth napkins and T-shirts to wrap or
separate fragile items. Pack pillows at the top of boxes to add extra cushion
and wrap artwork in blankets.
Electronics
Much like jewelry, cords might get balled up and separated from
their devices, so make a special effort to keep these organized.
Repurpose those plastic tabs that come with loaves of bread
to secure cords. Be sure to label them so you don’t lose track of which cord
goes to which piece of equipment. You can also take a photo of your
electronics before unplugging them so that you remember which cords fit
into which sockets.
Your daily necessities
It seems so obvious—until you’re standing, exhausted, amid
towers of boxes wishing you had your toothbrush and slippers. Pack
this special box and fill it with the essentials you need on the first day
and night in your new house, including toilet paper, pajamas, a spare
set of clothes—and a bottle of Champagne!
For more packing tips, visit www.realtor.com
Lexington MA Real Estate Agent
Search For Lexington Area Homes For Sale
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Search For Lexington Area Homes For Sale
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