Moving tips

[poolman]

When I moved here 20 years ago, I had the basics....TV, recliner and a bed. Even after 4 garage sales and a ton of give aways, there are still a lot of items I'm not willing to part with.

Many of you have moved multiple times and may have ideas or tips on organizing or how to box things up and get ready. Many things I'll need right away but some things could be stored for years so I don't want it all mixed together and have to go through box after box. I'm trying to come up with some label system like 1) might need in a week 2) might need within a month 3) may never need but since I'm a pack rat I'll keep it forever

To open up the home a bit, I moved most of my antiques to my moms basement. Many of my big yard things like log splitters, tillers, mowers etc...
I've moved to a brothers house.

I've got to get started so as not to get caught off guard at the last minute.

Any and all advise is appreciated.

[amc123]

My dad arranged the boxes (all the same size) in rows/aisles in the garage so that the labels were visible. We all laughed at this but found that it was very easy to find everything when they moved. The labels said stuff like kitchen-dishes, dining room-china, kitcken-bakeware, miscellaneous essentials (batteries, lightbulbs, flashlights, extension cords) he was really specific with the labeling (without being too wordy) but it really paid off in the long run.

Good luck with your move. Did you sell the house?

[poolman]

I have not sold the house yet but I did not want to wait till the last minute to be ready to move.

May have a deal in the works with a neighbor to sell our properties together as land to one of several developers and make twice the $ that the home and property would bring.

[CheroCreek]

Ditto, AMC. I did something similar and it helped quite a bit.

I placed the items I had to have immediately at the back of the truck so they came off first. That way if I only got the truck partially unloaded before resting for the night I'd have what I needed.

[Booktender]

Round One:
Grab box
Go to one corner of the room. Put anything in the box that you will not need for at least six months in it.
Continue through the room in a counter-clockwise motion.
Shut box, tape, and mark thusly:

From <room name>
<brief list of contents>

Repeat this in each room. Some rooms can probably be in the same box.
Put this group of boxes where they'll be first in the moving truck and last out.

Round Two
Grab Box
Begin in the same spot and put things in the box that you won't need for at least 3 months
repeat above procedure

Round Three
When you're ready to move out, do the same as above. Don't waste time and energy sorting. If you see a box marked Kitchen Drawers - silverware and hotpads when you get to your new place you'll know it's whatever was in that silverware drawer, right?

Round three boxes should always be loaded so they are last in, first out.

MOST IMPORTANT MOVING TIP:
The first thing after you open the door to your new place is go to the bathroom with a roll of toilet paper. Go directly to the bathroom. Do not pause in this mission. Install toilet paper. Repeat with all other bathrooms in your new home. Then get on with the business of moving in.

Trust me, this is a vital tip.

[poolman]

I'll be glad when I do move. Seems that once I get the basement dry another leak pops up in the old copper plumbing. I was so proud of what a great job my freecycle dehumidifier was doing that I check it all the time and praise it for doing such a good job. My main copper line must have gotten jealous and is sending a fine stream of water on top of the dehumidifier. Nothing like playing plumber on a Sunday morning.

[CheroCreek]

What is causing the leak from the copper pipes, Pool? Does it look like you have a joint coming apart?

I've soldered quite a few copper lines in my time. As I recall, leaks like you describe are usually rare and are in the body of the pipe more than at the joints.

Good luck.

[2ndWind]

Seems that once I get the basement dry another leak pops up in the old copper plumbing.

I thought that copper pipes were the ones that lasted much longer (?) I have the old galvanized steel pipes, which get so plugged with rust that every plumber I've used says that eventually I'll need to repipe. It's my understanding that copper re-piping will cost over $6K. Yeeegods.

[poolman]

Steel does rust real bad! I love working with new copper plumbing. It is a breeze because it is clean and dry whereas old copper is corroded and wet and almost impossible to sweat a joint.

I think of my dad every time I get into one of these projects. He told me over 30 years ago that you never can fix one leak without jarring another fitting loose. How true... I soldered 5 perfect joints, turned the water on and the line to the washer is now leaking. Mami is patiently reading her book while waiting for the shower. :)

[poolman]

CC, the original leak was right at a fitting but was in the pipe. I should have gone with my first redneck idea of a piece of rubber and a hose clamp. 7 new fitting and 6 burns later we finally have water again and Mami is happy to finally get a shower. Sure glad I did not bid this job per hour.

[CheroCreek]

Glad to hear the water is running once more, Pool.

[ghead1]

I haven't moved for a long time, but a few tips I can give you...

Pack a seperate box or container with all your cleaning supplies (and a pkg of toilet paper! ditto Bookie) so that the first thing you can do is give your new place a good cleaning before moving in. Put that box in your moving truck last. Put down fresh shelf paper before you unload anything for the kitchen, and put a box of baking soda in your fridge and freezer while you unload the other stuff... even a clean fridge smells after being off and closed fro a few days.

Use your towels, dish towels, linens, throw pillows etc to pad the boxes that contain breakables.

In a box that is also well marked and near the first to be unloaded be sure to put your sheets, pillows etc for your first night!

All that stuff Bookie mentioned in her first round of packing? Send it off to a thrift store! If you haven't used it for a while, and think you can get by without it for months after moving... you don't need it anyway.

I dread the thought of ever moving again... I try not to keep "stuff", but if I ever have to box it up I'm going to find out just how much I have!

[single dad]

Moving tips?

Sure thing.

Carefully remove all items from the house, and place them in the backyard, arranged according to room of origin. Place the items in neat stacks, larger items on the bottom.

Decide what items you see you really need, I mean, really really really need, or have high intrinsic value or cash value [eBay is always a possibility]. Move these items back inside the house.

Step back. Observe the items remaining in the yard.

Go into the garage, find the gas can. If not full, fill it. Return to the yard. Pour the gasoline on the remaining objects, taking care not to spill any on yourself, your pets or kids.

Have everyone move to the front yard.

Light match. Place lit match on the pile nearest you...be quick about this...recommedned you light the pile on the windward side, not the leeward.

Move away quickly and get the garden hose, have someone stand near outside faucet.

Most of your moving has just been accomplished.

[CheroCreek]

Ah, the "Up In Smoke" technique of shifting one's belongings. :)

[poolman]

Now there's an idea! I've wondered if selling (as is) means I can take what I want and leave the rest. :)

[CheroCreek]

That you can, Pool, only bear in mind that what you leave may affect what you'll get for the property.

[Stariondad]

Ditto SingleDad but imo add pets and kids to the pile. <eg>

[CheroCreek]

Evil grin, indeed, Starion. I've seen how you handle your kids so, I know that you're making a big joke there.

[Phoebe]

I am going to piggy back Pool's thread.

Guess what? Our building permit has been approved now!! After fighting with zoning office since last fall (complicated issues, don't ask).. its time to get our spacious house. Right now, we are living in a shoebox. Hardly any room. I hate going home because nothing is in place, there is no space.

So Pool, I am happy that your packing and pretty soon I'll be packing. Bookie, I really like your suggestions. I am going to use that one. Right now, my husband and I agree its time to start purging and then packing up stuff we can't use/don't use for the new house. The only thing I am stuck on are toys for the lil guy. Definately some girl baby toys can be sold at rummage or tossed. What boy toys should we save for our kid??

I am very happy about the permit. There is going to be a lot of work in the next few months. I will be happy when I start painting.

[magic-cat]

I haven't been around for about a week now. Does this mean you got the job??? :)

[Booktender]

Caveat: No need to send Christmas decorations, tax info, etc. to the thrift store. ;-)

[Booktender]

Moving tips?

Sure thing.

Carefully remove all items from the house, and place them in the backyard, arranged according to room of origin. Place the items in neat stacks, larger items on the bottom.

Decide what items you see you really need, I mean, really really really need, or have high intrinsic value or cash value [eBay is always a possibility]. Move these items back inside the house.

Step back. Observe the items remaining in the yard.

Go into the garage, find the gas can. If not full, fill it. Return to the yard. Pour the gasoline on the remaining objects, taking care not to spill any on yourself, your pets or kids.

Have everyone move to the front yard.

Light match. Place lit match on the pile nearest you...be quick about this...recommedned you light the pile on the windward side, not the leeward.

Move away quickly and get the garden hose, have someone stand near outside faucet.

Most of your moving has just been accomplished.


Glad to have you return to us in a blaze of glory, SD