Moving Tips Archive

Moving Tips Archive

-February 2009-

“What to do about moving my food items?”

Moving is a great reason to sort through your groceries.  If your move is to a smaller kitchen or senior living facility, where some of your meals will be included, now is the time to reduce your pantry.  If this task seems too overwhelming, our Senior Move Specialists will be happy to help you plan out the space in your new home, prior to your move.

Sorting-

Toss out any old containers. 

This includes spices, which lose flavor and will make your recipes taste bad.  Check labels for expiration dates. If you find the numbers are written in “code”- that is called the Julian Date.  You can decipher these dates by googling “Julian Date” on the internet. 

Open Packages and Liquids. 

Containers that have been open for some time or are almost empty should be tossed. Current open food items should be taped closed or sealed in plastic bags.  All liquids must be placed in plastic containers to protect them from leaking over your cartons. 

Separate Multiples for Food Shelf. 

For those current items that you have multiples of, the local food shelf would be pleased to make use of your extra food.  Many supermarkets and churches have bins for those extras.  Restrictions on these donations include: no glass, expired products, or home canned items. 

Use up what you have. 

Now is not the time to make big trips to the market.  Try to make use of the products you currently have and plan to purchase bulk items after your move, when you have a better idea of space.

Perishable Items

Refrigerators and Freezers are the last items to be packed and the first to be unpacked.   Plastic bins or coolers are a great way to move these items.  Our Senior Move Specialists will pack and transport these perishable items in the pack van, to be sure that they are kept from spoiling.

Following these tips as you prepare for your move, will put you well on your way to “A Smooth Move”.  If you would like more help in preparing for your move, one of our Senior Move Specialist would be happy to assist you.

-January 2009-

 Organizing your Closets

So often our closets become a catch-all space.  This month, set a goal to tackle those closets.  Take an inventory of each piece of clothing, belt, and tie.  Ask these questions:

    Do I like how I look in it?

    Is it comfortable?

    Is it in style?

    Is it free of stains or other obvious wear?

    Have I worn it in the past 12 months? 

If you can truthfully answer “Yes” to all five questions, keep it.  Otherwise, consider donating or throwing the “No’s” away. 

Business garments

   As our lives change, some clothing is no longer necessary.  After retirement, a closet full of business garments is not a good use of space.

Shoes

   Keep those shoes that are in good condition, comfortable, and safe to walk in. 

Boxes

   Often, precious space is wasted because of saved empty shoe boxes, bags, and extra bedding that was kept after the new set was purchased.  Now is the time to make a clean break and recycle those space grabbers.

A good rule of thumb is “if you buy something new, then you must give up another item to make space for the new treasure”.  This applies to all areas of your home. 

The second opinion of a friend can be helpful during this inventory.  Or give A Smooth Move a call, and one of our ladies will be happy to come along side you to offer support and helpful advice.

-December 2008-

A successful move takes good planning.  

This involves obtaining a layout of the new home and measuring furniture pieces to be sure of what will fit.  Kimberly has an eye for beautiful layout ideas.  Using the layout that we provide, we will work with clients to decide which of their cherished belongings will fit in their new home, and where they will be placed.