Packing up your residence ... Be a pack leader ...

These puppies look for direction from their Pack Leader! They anticipate the big move but want their food as soon as they enter their new digs. Be prepared for moving your pack into a new home and it all begins with packing up your current residence ...

Needed Supplies :

• Sturdy boxes - and, lots of them. Wardrobe boxes and other specialty boxes can be purchased at local moving or shipping companies. Quality boxes can also be retrieved from wholesale companies or grocery stores, at no charge, after a shipment.
• Packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts. Other kinds of packing for your boxes can include wadded-up newspaper, old pillows and blankets.
• A pair of scissors, a note pad (for an inventory list or reminders) and a dark, water-resistant marker (for labeling) are indispensable during a move.

Boxing Know How :

• Each box should weigh no more than 50 pounds. Stereo equipment and electronics should be placed in their original packaging, if possible.
• Similar items stay together. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be put in an envelope and attached/taped to the item with which they belong. Keep larger items (such as a cable television cord) in clear bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item.
• Write it down. Labeling each carton will save you from unnecessarily moving boxes over and over in your new home. Assign a number to every room of your new home and label boxes with the number of the room in which they belong. Tape a number to the door of each room in your new home, so, when unloading, you can deposit boxes in the correct location.

Helpful Hints:

• Start by packing items you don't use each day, such as holiday decorations, books and fine china. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap (not in newsprint, as it may rub off on item) and clearly write FRAGILE and TOP LOAD on these boxed items. Let children decorate their own boxes, so they can easily identify belongings when the truck is unloaded.
• Consolidate cleaning supplies. Put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies that will stay with you. Clean as you pack items up in your existing home (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows) and vacuum each room as it is emptied.
• Use your luggage. Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and toiletries. You'll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your bed sheets, whereas "Box #166" might remain elusive for days.
• Safeguard valuable items. It's a good idea to keep valued possessions, such as jewelry, collections, or small antiques, with you. Check your homeowner's insurance policy to verify what is covered during a move for items that are too large to be taken with you.
• Keep important papers with you. Anticipate what information you’ll need at your fingertips in your new home and plan accordingly. A list of these important papers include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, recent bank records, current bills, important phone numbers and closing papers.
• Consider having easy access to  toiletries, linens, garbage bags, light bulbs, pet food, medicines and simple tools for reassembling beds.