Packing Up Summer and Welcoming Fall
As I’m sure some of you have noticed the days have started to get shorter and the cool breeze of fall has begun to waft through the air. Today at 5:18 pm EDT the official first day of fall began. Gone are the days of lounging by the pool and sporting flip-flops, it’s time to pack up the summer gear and bring out the layers of fall.
To help you prepare we are going to share some tips on how to pack and store the shorts, t-shirts, and lines that encompass summer, so next year when you emerge from hibernation you are ready to soak up the sun.
To Store of Not to Store
The first step when getting ready to pack away summer clothes is to ask yourself “do I have the space to comfortably store these items without sacrificing personal space?” If you answered no, it would behoove you to rent storage space. FlatRate Moving & Storage offers various storage options, including climate controlled private spaces. Give us a call to find out more 1-800-486-3528.
Deciding on a Container
There are two important factors to consider when deciding on how to box your belongings: Are you storing them in a climate controlled facility or are they susceptible to the elements? If you are using a climate controlled facility gathering a few clean cardboard boxes will suffice, but if you are taking the risk of exposing your belongings to the elements then a sturdy plastic tub with a latching lid should provide the extra protection for your summer clothes.
Sorting Clothes
This is a great opportunity to give a something back to your community by sorting your summer clothes and deciding what to donate. I use the rule of thumb, did I wear it more than 3 times this summer? If not, it gets tossed in the donation pile.
Go through your sandals and flip-flops, bearing in mind that most inexpensive flip-flops are only good for one season. Save yourself the storage room and toss the worn flip-flops. You can easily pick up a new pair next year for usually less than $5. Once you have the keepers, clean them with a damp cloth to get the dirt and sand off and place them into a storage container.
Time to Pack
By now you have sorted though all you summer clothes and have a “keeper” pile. Now make a dark and lights pile and wash and thoroughly dry all your clothes. This will ensure your clothes are fresh, clean and ready to wear next year. Once the clothes have been washed and dried, sort them into tops and bottoms. Carefully fold the tops and bottoms and place them in the storage bins. Take some tissue paper (I use the tissue from gift boxes) and cover the top of the clothes. Place a dryer sheet on top of the tissue paper and either snap the lid shut or tape the box up.
Ask yourself some questions before deciding to store particular items or not.
1. Do I need the item? 2. Will I ever use this item again?
3. When did I use it last? 4. Has it got sentimental value?
5. If any of the items need repair will you really have them repaired?
6. Clothing items – if you have not use any item will you really ever wear it again?
Here are some tips that you may not have thought of before. This is a list that I’d like to keep adding to, so if you have a quick tip, comment me and I’ll add it to the list.
http://www.themovingplanner.com/moving-tips-packing-tips.html
3 WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
Consider giving your plants to friends or a charity if you are moving from one state to another. Some state laws prohibit the moving of house plants, and they do not travel well. Movers will not take responsibility for the shipment of plants.
Make transportation arrangements for your pets. Take your pets to your veterinarian to ensure proper up to date health certificates and rabies inoculations. Some states require these documents.
You will need to carry all valuable jewelry with you. If you have any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.
Return any borrowed items such as library books. Also collect all items that are being repaired stored or cleaned (clothing, furs, shoes etc.).
If you are moving to or from a building with an elevator, confirm that the elevator is available on the day and time of arrival at your destination.