Packing 101... a GIVEAWAY too!

I know what you are thinking, packing, really, its not rocket science! And you would

be right, its not but I'm a super crazy, organizing, make an outline, for a big event kind of gal!

I was showing my mom, sister and telling my massage therapist, about my packing an all

three said you should blog about it! Now, they all could have wanted me to blog about it to show everyone my craziness or what if, maybe one tip helped someone else then it would be worth it! Right!

Then I thought I'll host a nice giveaway because if I could learn one thing

that might save me a bit more time then that would be even better! 

Lets get started!! 

Yep... it sold, so now its packing time!!

We close the end of the month and move into our new home just a couple of days before we close on this house. Because I'm so high strung and LOVE to organize I decided to sit down

 and start a list of how long I thought each room would take to pack, then

counted the days until the move and came up with a packing schedule. 

I know, its crazy but this is how I have to work and also it makes sense to me, 

this way I'm not packing all day and night for 4 days straight until I move.

 I can enjoy the process, well, as much as you can enjoy packing! 

This is my schedule, leaving certain rooms that are large and have more items 

in them for more days. Week 1, went great, I stayed on schedule and was able to

work my "real" job a bit and enjoy life too. I would suggest this method to

anyone that has to juggle several things at once, it will make your life easier. I promise.  

Before I started packing last week I got one of my old crates and 

made a supply box so that all my things are together in one place and I can just

pick up that box be on my way to the next room. 

What's in my old wooded crate, you ask?

Well, a super duty tape gun, I have several because of my business, when in the business of shipping they are a must but you can get cheaper tape guns at office supply stores.

 I have Zip Lock bags, for the little things that need to be packed but have several pieces to them, example: throw the cords to electronics into the bags then tape the bag to the the machine it belongs too, now nothing is lost during the move. I also collect all the nails for picture frames hung on the wall too so they are all together in one spot. You won't believe how much you'll use these little bags, more than you think! 

A tape measure, I pre-measure larger pieces of furniture then with masking take write the measurements of that piece and tape it on the furniture. This is so when you are moving it in and the movers or you don't think it will fit well you have the measurements written down on the furniture so now you just have to measure where in the new place it might go. It will just save a little extra time on moving day. 

Next, I have small post-its and pens for notes you need to leave or a reminder to get something at the store later that day, so you don't forget scribble it down and then you can keep packing too. It will be amazing what your mind comes up with and remembers and forgets all at one time during packing. 

Masking and duct tape are for labeling things, scissors (a must have too) and the good ole' Sharpie! A must have is a good black Sharpie!! 

A trash bag, for all the crap you find that needs to be thrown away and newspaper too for packing breakables. 

Lastly a barstool, you heard me right, a barstool. This is so you don't injury your back or like me, who has a really bad back already, I don't further damage it. I put the box I'm packing on the barstool or a regular table chair, that way I'm not bending over at the waist killing my back. My barstool and chair are a necessity!  

My next tip: label your boxes with the room in your new home it will belong too. On moving day label each room in the new house; so that each box will go to the correct room, then save an area in your home or garage that the "IDK" (I don't know) boxes will go.

I did this my last move and even the movers told me that they wish everyone did this as its so nice to have labels on the box to match the room it goes too. I have labels for master bedroom, bedroom #1 and bedroom #2, also if a room is painted, say its a pink room in the new house, then label it pink bedroom instead of #1 or #2, this makes it even easier for the guys that are moving you.  Also, and this takes a bit more time but if you've scheduled yourself enough time this shouldn't be an issue, under the label of the room the box will go too, put a general description of what is in that box. That way on moving day you can find your toothbrush, heating pad and PJs then fall into bed! No really this is a great tip I got from a friend that was moving and its true, you will need that one thing, once you’ve moved in, and have no clue where is it so instead of ripping open every box you have that's packed you can simple read the contents and move on to the next, plus it should be in the correct room so that makes it even easier! 

More on labels: I also put the room, that box belongs in, on all four side of the box. This way if a box doesn't get in the correct room (and several will) and you are searching for it, you see it… “hall bathroom box” in the middle of all the boxes that are stacked up to the ceiling in your living room, you don't have to pull out to see if its the "missing" box because it is labeled on all four sides! You will pat yourself on the back for this simple tip once your are in the new house, exhausted and can't find that damn muscle cream for all those sore places from the move!!  

I would, and do have, several plastic tubs labeled:

-clothes donations 

and another one labeled

-garage sale

These go from room to room with me too. This makes the move 

easier, that way you are clearing out the old and don't have to do this at the

new place, it will be done and you'll be happy you did it before the move.

That's all the tips I have! 

What tip(s) do you have for me?

Would you like to win a pack of scrapbook paper? 

If so leave me a comment or packing tip about moving and I'll draw a random winner Saturday the 17th, you'll need to check back to see if your the winner then email me your shipping address and I'll send you a box of scrapbook paper and goodies!!  

I can't have a blog post without a couple of dog pictures...

Bella asleep on my my heating pad, she loves that heating pad! 

My big boy, Nico, waiting for me to come to bed! 

Have a great day!