Last week, I spoke with a customer of mine who was trying to talk herself into having a garage sales before her upcoming summer move. I advised her that this is the best way to solve clutter problems and bring in some extra cash before moving. I gave her a few tips, such as advertising in the newpapers, calling friends and putting yard signs up around her neighborhood. We discussed how to dispaly certain items, such as hanging all the clothes up on a line, so people could sort through the clothes in a organized fashion! Well wouldn’t you know, after speaking to my customer today, she told me that my tips helped her have a organized, profitable garage sales, and to top it off, she said she received many compliments on such a well organized sale! Now she has decluttered her home, and earned some extra cash for her upcoming move.

Click on the link at right to get some of Eliza’s tips for successful garage sales. Planning and Holding a Successful Garage Sale

Boxes…Paper….Tape…More Boxes….Tape…Paper….and again More Boxes!!!

As funny as it sounds, it’s true, when you are getting ready to move your life will become filled with boxes, paper and tape. When packing your own items, the materials that you would normally take for granted might suddenly seem hard to find. But they don’t have to be – if you know what you need and where to find them. Your Barrett Moving and Storage office is the best place to start. All the proper materials are avalible for a minimal fee.

You can always find your own boxes as well. You can try places like grocery stores, liquor stores, friends and family. The boxes have to be whole and complete. We cannot move boxes that do not have a top, or have an open space in the top. They do not stack well. We also deter customers from packing in TV boxes as well as shoe boxes.

Paper is easier to come by than boxes. We recommend the use of white packing paper or news print. Other useful filler/wrapping items are tissue paper, gift wrap, towels, small blankets and other linens. Be careful not to put news print or gift wrap on any items that might absorb the ink.

Boxes should be taped as if you were sending the item through the mail. 3×3 we call it. Three pieces on the bottom and three on the top, one vertical and two horizontal. Do not use masking tape, it does not stick to the boxes well, and there is no need for duct tape. Just plain old box tape. It can be purchased at any Barrett office, hardware store, home improvement centers and even the grocery store.

Pace the packing, don’t try to do it all in one day, or you will burn yourself out. You never realize how much stuff you have until you have to find a box for it all to go in. Complete a few boxes at a time. Then do something else, and go back to it. We don’t want to pick up a box and be able to hear what is inside, unless there is a bell the size of Rhode island in the box!!! Try to make it fun, have a packing party! Pizza, Soda, and Boxes, make a great combination!! If questions do arise about packing, be sure to call your move coordinator for direction on the how to’s. Smile and Happy Packing!!

Moving is never easy. It’s a stressful time, plain and simple! If you choose to do some or all of your own packing, it’s important to know some “do-it-yourself” tips, to help the ease the process. First, know that if you are doing your own packing, you need to allow yourself plenty of time. It always takes longer than you think it will – especially as you try to sort through what needs to go, what you’re giving away, and what might be disposed of.

Some quick tips:
Prepare a convenient place to do your packing, and keep all your materials in one location. A large table is a good place to do all your packing – it allows you to lay out your materials, and makes wrapping small items and breakables easier.

Remember that some items aren’t safe for transport – such as flammables, aerosols, ammunition, and gasoline. You can log onto www.unitedvanlines.com for a more complete list.

Try to keep the carton weight at 50 pounds or under. It makes handling easier.

Use sturdy cartons that close well.

Pack similiar items together. When you get to your desination and start to unpack, this will make for a much better unpack process.

If you are packing china or glassware, a good tip is to use larger pieces, platters as the lowest layer. Smaller plates and saucers are good for a second layer.

Plain white packing paper is best – the ink in newsprint tends can rub off.

If you have questions about what or how to pack, give us a call or send us an email at Barrett. We’re happy to help you.