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Moving on a Dime
Save Money, Save Time, Save Your Sanity
By Jill Cooper and Tawra Kellam
Have you ever been so stressed out moving that you wondered if the easiest way to pack was to get a gallon of gasoline and a box of matches? Moving can be a stressful time for everyone involved, but don't make it more stressful than it needs to be. Getting started is the hardest part. Here are a few tips to point you in the right direction:
Packing Order
Start with things you don't use every day, such as: - Memories like Grandma's dishes, quilts, old books, Bibles, childhood toys and photos.
- Garage items, including holiday decorations, camping equipment and things in storage.
- Things stored in closets that aren't used often and out-of-season clothes.
- Knick-knacks, pictures, mirrors and wall hangings.
- Seasonal dishes, canning equipment, roasting pans, good china, good silverware and large serving platters.
- Unnecessary CDs, DVDs and videotapes.
- Sewing room and craft items.
- Home office – Pack as much as possible except bills that need to be paid. Leave office boxes open and tape them closed at the last minute before moving just in case you need something out of them.
- Children's toys and games – Pack most of the toys they don't play with regularly.
- One week before moving, pack all unnecessary kitchen items, clothes and linens (except what you need for one week).
Tips for Pain-free Packing
Don't leave empty spaces. Here are some examples of how you might use all available space: - I fill my china cabinet with lightweight soft things like stuffed animals, balls of yarn, quilts, artificial flowers and greenery.
