A Duck Tape Move
The Duck Tape move! I must begin with a disclaimer. I have never worked for U-Haul, Bekins or North American Van Line. I do not own stock in Duck Tape (though I probably should have!) However, having moved more than 20 times in my life – and self packed most of them, I do have some helpful hints to make a move easier.
Hint #1
It always makes a new place feel like home if your most treasured things are there from the very start. So, pick a box for your treasures. Pack in any little things that are special to you. Might be pictures of your family, little treasures given by best friends, a favorite toy for the kids. Then close the box with plain packaging tape. Now get out the duck tape. I hope you have purchased several wonderful colors. This box gets a full decorating job. If you are in a hurry, perhaps just some different colored stripes. If you have children, you might let them cover it with all colors to their hearts content. Be sure every side, top and bottom are marked with colored tape.
When I have moved this box travels with me in the car. If movers are taking my things, this box gets stored in the bathroom at the old house along with my purse. A big sign goes on the door of the bathroom. DO NOT ENTER – you don’t want your purse to get packed!
When you get to the new place, it will be easy to identify this box and open it first. It helps a lot in staking your claim on the new residence.
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Hint #2
Use lots of paper if you are packing dishes and glassware. It is much cheaper than replacing broken items. If you have white dishes, forget using newspaper – the ink can come off on the dishes. I know. I did it. It took forever to wash the ink off!
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Hint #3
If you are self packing, be sure to go to the market or local wine store and ask for wine boxes. The inserts help keep your glasses separated. Most store break their boxes down so ask when the boxes would be available and arrange to be there so the manager does not have to break them down.
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Hint #4
Have lots of colors of Duck Tape on hand. If you can, assign every room a different color of tape. You don’t have to seal the boxes with the colored tape, but be sure the color shows on all sides, top and bottom.
When friends, family, or professional movers bring the boxes into your new place, you will know right where to have them take the boxes.
I have found it helpful to also color code the boxes that need to be opened first.
Don’t be afraid to have friends help you code the boxes if you are having movers pack you. It is a good idea to have extra eyes in the house anyway. Give the friend the color tape for that room and be sure they put a big piece of tape on all the sides of the box. If the movers say that they are tagging the boxes, just off a simple “Thanks, I am too.”
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Hint #5
Remember, wherever you move, every place has wonderful things for you to learn about. If you determine to make a move fun, it will be.
I have lived in I have lived in several states. I have moved into and out of apartments, houses, condos and an RV. Every move had new opportunities attached to it. There is something to love about every place you move.
Just be sure to have plenty of colored Dick Tape with you! Carry Duck Tape and a positive mindset and you will have a great move!
Melissa McCutcheon is a personal life coach and a licensed clinical counselor. She specializes in coaching people in life transitions to rediscover their passions and strengths to create new and joy filled lives. Helping people who are struggling with the emotional earthquakes of divorce find a new life of fulfillment and peace is a special joy to her. Read more of her articles, find contact information and subscribe to her free online newsletter visit http://www.makechangegreat.com
Tags: Duck Tape, great move, moving, packing, treasured things
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