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We think everyone can use a crash refresher course on moving tips when they're packing up their whole life for a new business or home. So if you are moving, consider that you are among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family to a new home or a new community, and you probably have fresh memories of some of the ups and downs or thrills or frustrations of moving.

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Drawing from lots of personal experience, the staff here at Legendary knows there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and more smoothly by making things easier.

We have compiled quite a few helpful tips that will help to get your life, and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move.

Print this list out by clicking here.

Now, before you get started packing even one box:

• Make a list and write everything down! It will save you time searching in boxes and you will thank yourself later. Create a simple record keeping system.

• Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Like a spiral-bound notebook. You'll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don't put the list down unless it's in a central location or place you'll call Loading Area. This is where you need to put all your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. As you describe the box contents, be specific -- "A-D files" is better than "files", and "everyday dishes" rather than "misc. kitchen". Make sure you have plenty of supplies
• You will need LOTS of boxes--probably more boxes than you think, and have enough boxes to make your life easier! (If you buy your boxes from a moving company or online, you can always return unused boxes for a refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers.)
• Have at least 10 boxes set aside to use for all those last minute items on moving day. Begin with a clean set of sheets for all the beds, snacks, personal toiletries and a change of clothing for everyone all in one bag or box. You may want to mark these "Day-1" boxes and place them on the truck last, or even in your own vehicle if you have room.
• Next the basics such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies.
• Strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely.
• Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good.
• You always need lots more supplies than you think you need to buy, so go ahead and get extra so the packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.
• Utilize wardrobe boxes. There is no easy way to move clothing on hanger except with these wonderful inventions. It's worth the effort, and they can be filled and moved with a dolly easily.
• Tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Call your mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes and large boxes they will be bringing. Then measure the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe boxes you'll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes.
• Don't make any of the boxes too heavy to lift, We have heard lots of nightmare stories about moving, so don't be one of those.
• Plan the wardrobe box use.
• Call ahead for delivery of your moving boxes, or make arrangements online for the delivery to begin weeks before the move. Most moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day.

• Get things organized as soon as you can. A few weeks or days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags, large plastic or cloth tote bags and the like with bulky closet items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans.
• Keep things together like kitchen with kitchen, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes. Try to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, and that special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. You may want to keep those larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in resealable bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. You could also put together a Special Parts Box open on the kitchen counter to fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. You can transport this with your day 1 needs items in the car. If it has to go with the movers, mark it well with a special designation of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day.
• Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it's summer, get your winter clothes packed. You can also box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down to the minimum cooking utensils and food supplies you need. Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them!) Use your guest bath towels and kitchen towels to wrap things in.
• Consolidate all your cleaning supplies. Cleaning your old place after moving out needs one box of the basics cleaning supplies and rags. Don't forget you can clean ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it.
• Use your luggage filled with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local moves you can easily find your navy suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas Box or color item might not be found for days.
• Safeguard valued items. Legendary recommends that you Keep those valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, jewelry and the like with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled "Misc. from kitchen pantry". Either way, don't forget to check your homeowner's insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.
• Keep all important documents with you.These papers might include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, new address and phone contacts and more. Keep them handy and with you.
• Use Bright colored personal boxes, maybe one for each person. Let each family member fill theirs with items they'll want 'right away' in the new home -- a set of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights, address book, pens and paper, keys, kleenix, and travel cosmetic case, and so on if you don't do it.
• Fill the bottom of the wardrobe boxes with some of the lighter shopping bags, then add your hanging clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won't move around and fall off of hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You'll have fewer boxes, and closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will definitely make it much easier to retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.
• Color coordinate all your items for an area in the new place. Purchase a moving kit with stickers and designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. At the new home or office, put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It's also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, ("Boxes here please") to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.

We understand that moving may not be the most fun you've ever had. Planning ahead, making lists, and having your "Day-1" needs boxed and clearly marked will go a long way toward making the process more bearable.

Please call during our normal business hours at 972-712-9188 to ask about our current move-in specials. Let us work with you to put together a terrific self-storage solution that fits your particular moving and storage needs. You can also reserve a storage unit online now and your request will confirmed shortly.