How many people do you know actually consider moving fun? Not many, I’d bet. And children in particular have a tendency to give up quickly. After all, it’s boring, boxes can be heavy, and they’d rather be playing with their friends. But you can make moving more pleasurable. Here are some ways to involve the children and make moving fun for the entire family.
How to Save on Moving Expenses
Let’s face it. Moving can be expensive. Whether you are moving across town or across country, you could spend thousands of dollars on moving your family and personal items. But you don’t have to.
Courtesy of your favorite Minneapolis residential movers – here are a few tips designed to help you save on the cost of moving:
- Get rid of the unnecessary stuff – Why move all that stuff you no longer use or need? Ditch it first. There are a number of ways to do this. You can hold a yard sale prior to moving. You could give it away to a charity. Or you might use it as collateral to trade for other items you do need (or will need in your new home). Another alternative is, if you can’t sell it or give it away, just toss it.
- Use free moving supplies – Professional moving companies will sell you boxes, tape, and other moving supplies, but you don’t have to buy them. You can get free boxes for your move at retail stores that throw out boxes after unloading the merchandise for their stores.
- Pack your own items – Having the movers pack your boxes can be an added expensive. You can save money by doing it yourself.
- Plan your move for off-season – If you move during peak season, you’ll probably pay higher prices. Instead, plan your move for when others aren’t—such as during the week.
- Ask your employer to help you move – If you company is moving you due to a promotion or interoffice transfer, ask them to pick up the tab for your moving expenses. If you are in the military, the government will pay for your move through its DITY program. Having your employer pay for your move – or at least a part of it – will save you a bundle in moving expenses.
You’ll also want to get more than one estimate. Compare the moving companies in Minneapolis before choosing one. They all have their unique ways of pricing their services, so pick the moving company that is best for you. If you do some due diligence and plan your move ahead of time, you’ll be able to spot opportunities for where you can save on the costs. Always ask your sales representative for ideas, as they are a great resource.
Guide to Packing Your Dining Room
In most homes, the dining room is one of the most important rooms of the house. It often includes expensive china and crystal. In some cases, the breakables may be important antiques or family heirlooms. These are fragile pieces that are highly valued, and not just financially. The value could be sentimental, but it is rarely trivial.
How to Pack Glass and China
- Chinaware, glass, and crystal stemware are often some of the most valued items in a home, but especially in a dining room.
- Place layers of newspaper on the bottom and top of the box
- Wrap all glass and china individually in paper
- Wrap the outside of your glasses and tuck the edges of the paper over the lips into the cups
- Cushion all glassware and china by placing paper or bubble wrap between the individual pieces in the box
- Double up on the paper for highly valued pieces
- Label boxes with the contents and the words “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP” in bold colorful letters
Packing Tips for Flat Glassware
Flatware is easier to pack than stemware, but it’s still important to protect it from breakage.
- Place layers of newspaper on the bottom and top of the box
- Wrap each piece in paper individually
- Bundle your flatware in sets of three by wrapping the bundle in another layer of paper
- Place each bundle on edge and in rows within the box
- Lay a double layer of newspaper across the top of the bundles in the box
- Label the box with contents and write “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP” in bold letters
Tips for Packing Silver and Other Delicates
The biggest issue for silver is tarnishing. To prevent this from happening, try
- Wrapping it in newspaper or plastic
- Wrap hollow ware like cups and bowls individually
- Place loose flatware in a box or wrap it in a bundle
- To prevent shifting in chests, wrap pieces of silver individually and place back inside the chest then fill the chest with paper
- Mirrors, plaques, pictures, and curios should be wrapped individually in tissue with an outer layer of newsprint
Do not wrap lamp shades in newspaper. The print will seep into the shade and discolor it. Use tissue paper instead. You can nest smaller lamp shades inside larger ones. Keep lamp shades separate from other items and pack them in their own boxes clearly labeled.
If you have large items made of glass, such as dining tables or table leaves, china cabinets, etc., consult with your moving company on such items.
