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	Packing Tips
	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

• label each box with the room it belongs to and its contents
• use strong, clean containers and twine or packing tape
• try not to exceed 50 pounds in each packed container
• place heavier items on bottom and lighter items on top
• have a master inventory list of all boxes and contents, by room

• small box (1.5 cu. ft.) for heavy, small, and fragile items
• medium box (3.1 cu. ft.) for kitchen appliances, toys, and clothes
• large box (4.5 cu. ft.) for large light items (pillows, towels, etc.)

• use clean paper, bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts for padding
• use plenty of padding to cushion contents (recycle after move)
• fragile items should be packed with extra care
• store fragile items in their own compartmentalized boxes
• pack containers tightly to avoid shifting

• pack a safe or fireproof box with important records
• include birth and marriage certificates
• include medical, school, and pet records
• include passports
• include credit card and banking records and tax returns

• protect finished surfaces with paper to avoid mars and scratches
• don't overload chests and dressers with clothing and linen items
• overloading could cause furniture joints to separate and collapse
• do not wrap lamp shades in newspaper (the ink can stain them)
• wrap lamp shades in sheets or towels
• let movers pack mirrors, furniture and pictures to prevent breakage

• drain all fluids from power and yard tools so they won't leak
• dispose of volatile chemicals (oil, antifreeze, gasoline, etc.)
• make certain all liquids and foodstuffs are in sealed containers
• leave the refrigerator door open to decrease humidity
• a piece of coal or layer of baking soda prevents mildew and must
• wrap electric items individually before packing and cushion well
• make an extra "final check" sweep
• any items left behind become the property of the new owner

• 15 small boxes
• 15 medium boxes
• 3 large boxes
• 2 dish packs
• 1 bundle of newsprint
• 1-2 rolls of packing tape

• 20 small boxes
• 20 medium boxes
• 5 large boxes
• 2 mirror cartons
• 4 dish packs
• 1 bundle of newsprint
• 1 package of paper pads
• 3-4 rolls of packing tape

• 25 small boxes
• 25 medium boxes
• 7 large boxes
• 4 mirror cartons
• 6 dish packs
• 2 bundle of newsprint
• 2 package of paper pads
• 4-6 rolls of packing tape

 

Copyright Ramona Creel, all rights reserved-- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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