After hours of stressful packing, moving and shipping, there are few things worse than discovering your collection of wine was destroyed en route. For one thing, there will be nothing to celebrate with that first night over pizza while sitting on boxes. And broken wine bottles can be a mess.

Moving boxes and packing supplies for wine take a little extra consideration, but with a few extras there is no reason you cannot enjoy that Oregon pinot noir without any drama.

• For wine bottles, packing boxes are best chosen in the case size. A case of wine contains twelve bottles at 750 milliliters. Any wine store receives their wine in cases. However, most of these boxes are of the thin variety and are not made for lengthy transport.
• Bottles are separated from each other in these boxes with interlinking cardboard in the shape of a grid. This type of box will generally be fine.
• Other considerations include not stowing wine in the back of a vehicle where they are most likely to get bounced around. Also, wine is effected by temperature. 55 degrees is the ideal for transport.
• To further protect a case, layer the bottom of the box with one layer of bubble wrap and then a towel on top of that. This will give some extra protection from a rough ride.

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Silver can be packed into moving boxes and is easy enough to do. There is one thing that should be considered with silver and that is that it tarnishes when exposed to air or moisture. Though this is no more than an annoyance and can easily be remedied by polishing, it can be avoided simply by first wrapping individual pieces of silver in packing paper. Stretch wrap can also be used as an alternative. Additionally, Hollowware (an item that is plated more thickly in silver layers) should be packaged as a fragile item.

Another thing to think about is that there is some chance that silver items can be scratched during the move. A way to lessen this possibility is by purchasing smaller packing boxes so there is less chance that the weight of the items will cause damage. When packing silver, place items inside moving boxes so they fit quite snug to make certain there are no dings or dents.

Finally, keep in mind that silver is valuable. Make certain you have your items insured. The policy should cover loss or theft during transport. If the items make up the family silver, consider taking the box with you personally as you travel.

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Kitchen cabinets are what most people think of when they imagine what the typical kitchen is outfitted with. In fact, finding a kitchen with anything but cabinets is not so easy. If the goal is to create more space in the kitchen area, however, then a great way to go would be to place those cabinets in boxes and instead install open shelving. French kitchens are often designed in this manner and have some benefits. The first is that everything in the kitchen is readily accessible. The second is that as there are less dark spaces and this means there will be fewer bugs using the area as their new home. Third by exposing the walls behind the cabinets the room becomes that much more larger and inviting to be in.

Another great idea is to design something in a country vein by using stained and distressed lumber to give the space an older feel. Using cuts of lumber that are atypical will also add some flavor. Instead of using one inch pieces for shelving try five quarter which will lend a more plentiful feel. If there is to be much weight on the shelves choose a wood that is of sufficient hardness like red oak, maple, mahogany, ash or even southern yellow pine.

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Moving is dirty work. Packing everything you own, going through old items that you may not have touched in a long time, kneeling down on the floor half the day while unpacking moving boxes all leads to one thing: a strong urge to take a nice, long, warm shower.

Packing a bathroom box can help release those sore muscles tormented from lifting boxes of books all day. In addition to this, a bathroom box can be stocked with other amenities that will be useful in certain situations. For example, toilet paper doesn’t take much thought, but making sure to put a toothbrush and toothpaste in the box can be a refreshing was to gain a bit of energy before jumping back into unpacking.

A bottle of shampoo and conditioner, your favorite body scrub, a soft wash cloth, and some scented bath oil will work well in relaxing tired movers. If there is a tub, pack a candle or two and a book of matches and unwind in style. Basic first aid should also be apart of these moving boxes. Things to think about include Band-Aids of varying sizes, a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, tweezers, gauze, cotton balls, eye wash, pain relievers and first aid tape.

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Whether winter or summer or any time in between, sealing doors and windows with self-stick foam is a simple and fast way to not only ward off the chill during the winter time, but also to save money on electric bills.

Unsealed doors and windows during the winter can mean bitter drafts, while during the summer precious air conditioning can be foiled by unsealed areas. To counter this, your best option it to head to the hardware store and purchase a roll of self-stick foam insulation.

Self-stick insulation consists of one side that is obviously foam while the other has adhesive that can be exposed by removing a paper backing. First, if sealing a door (for example) measure one side of the doorjamb. Specifically, measure the area where the inner part of the door touches the frame. Measure twice so you don’t have to later run out to buy more foam. This is where you will apply the foam.

Next, measure the same length of foam and cut it with scissors. Finally, apply the foam, adhesive side touching the door frame. When applying the foam, don’t remove all the paper backing at once -If the adhesive touches anything else it will adhere to it immediately and you will loss that piece when you have to tear the piece off. Instead, put just the top piece in place and remove the paper as you go.

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Computers represent a sizable investment and even modestly-sized laptops can cost a bundle. Add to that the cost of accessories and the price will rise, which is why moving your computer should be done carefully and only after detailed planning.

The first consideration will always be to use its original box. This will include form fitting styrofoam to minimize the chance of damaging the equipment. But if you’re like most people, that original box is long gone. If this is the case, first find the right moving supplies. This means cardboard boxes that are sturdy, thick and sealed properly so the computer does not fall out the bottom when lifted.

The computer should be able to fit in the box with a three inches of space on all sides, including the top and bottom. A combination of foam and bubble wrap will work well. An important part to remember is that whatever is used, make certain when finished packing that the computer is fit firmly in place. If not, this is where the computer is most likely to get damaged.

Towels rolled up and then wrapped in bubble wrap can be wedged into the corners of the packing boxes to set the computer in place. Disks should be removed and it would be a good idea to copy all files as well.

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A relatively inexpensive home improvement that can add both value and relief at the same time is a wet bar. The official definition of wet bar is a bar with running water. Wet bars are placed all over the home. Often, bars are found in a basement entertainment room, near the kitchen, in the family room or sometimes even in the bedroom. But there are no rules, and dimensions can be as large or small as you like.

One choice is to just build an area where drinks can be mixed. For larger designs, a separate counter where drinks are served to guests sitting on barstools might work best. Requirements are a counter space, sink and place to stow liquor, mixers, mixing glasses, wine openers and whatever else suits you.

A popular idea when designing a wet bar is to build it with a theme in mind. A 50’s retro theme, for example, utilizing old school mixing glasses with pictures of that ‘49 Ford you love so much hanging up behind. Then decide how you would live to display your liquor. Some opt for a cabinet below the sink where it is out of sight while others prefer it to be just like their favorite pub and display bottles and stemware on open shelves or wood boxes.

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Packing a favorite painting or other piece of even somewhat valuable art requires careful planning if the items are to arrived unscathed.

For simple, framed work, place similar sized objects into a packing box separating each with a piece of cardboard that entirely protects the glass of the frame. Packing smaller frames together increases the chances of glass being broken.

For a single picture, with an expensive frame, for example, place the picture in the middle frame boxes and set it in place on the bottom and sides somehow. Cutting two, one-inch wide pieces of cardboard (that are as long as the interior of the box) and then stapling them to the bottom of the box a little more than the width of the frame will do nicely. The frame can then be pinched between the two strips, holding it in place. The same can be done on the sides.

A line of foam or bubble wrap should be placed between picture frames and moving boxes so nothing is damaged. After this, fill the packing boxes with both rolled up packing paper and bubble wrap. If you are using newspaper then place it furthest away from the picture, as the ink could possibly rub off on the art, and the softer bubble wrap against the frame.

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Every homeowner, upon moving into a new home, should change the locks. Though not an issue for new homes, those buying a home that has been lived in before would be wise to take heed this seemingly obvious, but important piece of advice. Though ninety-nine percent of the time this will never be an issue, there is no use risking a stranger waltzing into your living room at 3:00am.

If you decide to change the locks yourself, here are a few tips to help you:

First, remove the screws holding the doorknob plate in position. These will be found on the inside of the door, usually on a plate assembly mounted underneath the knob. Sometimes this is not the case and a pin will need to be depressed in the shaft of the knob.

Once this is done simply pull the knob apart while holding both sides.

Next, remove the striker. The striker is the small plate that the lock bolt or dead bolt passes through to lock into the door frame. This is also simply unscrewed.

Once this is done and all parts are removed, install the new lock and knobs in the same way they were removed. Be sure the striker is facing the right way or the door will not close properly or will get stuck. Most locks will be the same but always bring the old one, if possible, to the hardware store to make sure the new one will fit.

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A home office is efficient way to take care of business at home. Though most people shudder at the thought of bringing their work home with them, having a home office can be both beneficial and another angle for design in the house. Whether actually working from home or just using the space for keeping tax records and bills in the same place, a home office can make life a bit easier.

The first question that might come to mind is where to put the office, especially when every room is already occupied. In this case, pick a section of a particular room. A corner of the family room perhaps.

Then decide how you would like to outfit the area. The desk can be anything from a simple table to an antique roll top desk.

Another consideration is a quality light source. This can mean overhead lighting or some type of lamp, whatever seems more comfortable. Make sure you choose a source that will light the area well so when pouring over important bills everything can be seen clearly.

Other considerations include file cabinet, printer/scanner/fax machine, a lockable, fire-proof box for extremely important documents, and any other office supplies that might be needed.

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