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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

While you probably will take special care when packing boxes with your computer, you may not think twice about packing other items that may end up destroyed or damaged as a result. The list of fragile items at home is large and it changes depending on the size of your home, your taste and the items you own, but here is a quick breakdown of items that need to be carefully packaged in high strength moving boxes to prevent damage:

• Anything with glass or mirrors in it
• Computers
• Pool tables
• China
• Electronic equipment, such as audio systems
• Microwave
• Pianos and other musical instruments, especially those with strings
• Collectibles
• flower pots
• Artwork
• Photographs and paperwork that can be damaged by humidity or direct contact with the sun
• CDs, DVDs and tapes, especially if they don’t have a case

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

The best way to pack your computer is to use the original box it came in. Unfortunately, few of us ever keep the box, so that may be basically impossible.

1. If you do know somebody who recently bought a computer, though, pick up the phone and ask if they still have the box (you can return it later if they need it).
2. As a second choice, try a find a cardboard moving box that is as close to the size of the computer as possible, so there’s little shifting during the move.
3. Before you even consider putting the machine inside, pad the box itself using lots of bubble wrap plastic on the bottom and the sides of the box. Then wrap the computer in a blanket and add bubble wrap around it, making sure you tape the plastic so it stays put.
4. Once the computer is in the box, fill any empty spaces around it with padding material, such as more bubble wrap or blankets or crumpled up packing paper or foam peanuts.
5. Clearly mark the box as Fragile with permanent markers.
6. Use separate moving boxes for computer accessories such as keyboard, wires, speakers and more.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

• Reuse everything you can. This goes for moving boxes you bought from a previous move to giving things a different use (blankets can be used to wrap delicate items, for example).
• Sometimes it does pay to spend more on moving supplies. For example, buying wardrobe moving boxes may prevent wrinkles or stains in clothes that would otherwise need to be dry-cleaned once you reach your new home.
• Start as early as possible. The more you wait, the more chances you’ll incur on extra charges, such as having to buy packing boxes at full retail price instead of taking advantage of online deals, having to pay more for last-minute moving or dishing too much for a hotel room on the way to your new home because all the cheap ones have been taken.
• Don’t move during the summer if you can avoid it. Moving companies raise their prices during this time because it’s the most popular season and demand is higher. If you can’t do anything about the timing, book well in advance so you can get the best price.
• Inquiry about any hidden costs well in advance. If there are taxes added, ask for an estimate. Find out what happens if you live in an isolate area, if you have stairs and if mileage is included. Negotiate for a full contract that shows the full price to be paid, rather than just the basics.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Your Body:

• Make sure all moving boxes weigh less than 50 pounds. If possible, try distributing the weight evenly so all sides are similar. Also, make sure the packing boxes are of a size you can handle. If the box is too big for your arms to reach its sides, you’ll be putting additional strain on your back and shoulder to handle the weight.
• Practice picking up the boxes by bending your knees and getting close to the floor.
• Get help if you can’t handle lifting the cardboard boxes yourself. If you have a previous injury or too much stuff to move, consider hiring a moving company that offers full service, so you don’t have to carry anything yourself.
• Get equipment that can make things easier, such as a trolley, dolly or straps.

Your Mind:

• Allow yourself breaks while packing. A 10-minute break for a cold glass of Coke or some fresh air out in the balcony will make a world of difference.
• Ask for help. Your friends and family members may not be able to help you pack the whole house, but even a couple of hours here and there can lower your load.
• Let go of unrealistic expectations. If you’re getting the kids involved, don’t expect perfectly organized packing. And yes, things do go wrong while moving. Take the best you can get and be ready to deal with the unexpected.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Yes Moving and packing boxes takes a lot of energy and time. The one thing everybody looks over is food. You are going to get hungry during your move at some point and you want something that tastes good and is not to messy to eat. The best moving and packing time food has to be pizza. Pizza is cheap, delivered to you quick, easy and fast to eat and usually always tastes yummy. Not to mention it has a good combination of both protein, carbohydrates and fats to keep you full of energy during your move.  Also the best part of ordering pizza during your move is that its a snap to clean up, just toss the empty box into the trash and your done.

Just remember, if you are moving you will probably not want to take food that needs refrigeration with you. So since you cant pack refrigerated food into moving boxes, simply eat it the last few days before your move or use it to make some sandwiches for the drive to your new location.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Find Moving Supplies and Services Online

The Internet has made moving a lot easier and less stressful than it used to be. It has also made it cheaper, as long as you take the time to research your options. The first step in the process should be searching for moving companies. Rather than calling local ones or looking through the yellow pages, use the Internet to compare different ones or to ask for quotes. Don’t limit yourself to your town only –Look for options in surrounding areas as well.

Next, investigate the school district. If you have several options for schools, going online will allow you to compare official grading for any particular one, plus allow you to look at their curriculum, see how they rate against others and whether or not they are having certain problems, such as violence or low standardized test results.

The same is true of your neighborhood in general. Long before you move, you can use the Internet to locate basic services you are going to need, such as the post office, your bank’s branch, take out restaurants and even parks with dog runs.

Finally, look for forums where locals interact. If you have a pressing question or want an insider’s view of the area, nothing beats first-hand information from somebody who has lived there a lot longer than you.

Don’t forget that you can also buy your moving boxes and packing supplies online!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Moving into a Dorm

Before you start decorating your dorm room, talk to your roommate. You will need to establish boundaries and understand what you can and cannot do. Once that’s clear, here are a few things you can do without spending much:

Hang a laundry line over your bed and use it to clip photos, drawings or magazine clippings. Not only will it double as a “flying picture frame” but it will also brighten the room without much of an expense. The plus? Once you’re tired of the pictures, you can simply replace them for new ones.

Buy a magnetic board (they’re available for under $10 at office supply stores) and use it as an impromptu datebook, picture frame or poetic inspiration (magnetic poetry is still around and can be not only fun but also educational!). If you can’t find a magnetic board, try a cork one, where you can attach things using simple metal tacks.

Use a string of mini-lights to create a softer atmosphere in the room. Hang them over the bedpost, around your desk or over the window, depending on what effect you’re going for. Stick to white lights to avoid a Christmasy feel.

Nothing says “college” like posters on the wall. Find out if your school has policies regarding posting things (should you use tape or tacks?) and then get to work decorating the stale walls.

Adopt a pet plant. If you’re never around, a cactus may be your best option: easy to take care and fun to look at.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Moving Supplies for any move are here at Direct Moving Boxes

ADVANCED CHARGES: These are additional charges invoiced by other than the movers. They could be paid to insurance companies, storage units or craftsmen, to help ensure the safe shipping and delivery of your items. When the moving company arranges for these services, they are billed as Advanced Charges and must be paid for at the time of shipping.

CARRIER: International moving companies are officially known as carriers.

DECLARED VALUE: The value you assign to the items for insurance purposes. Most companies have a limit to which some objects can be insured, but it’s still up to you to come up with a value that you consider fair.

FULL SERVICE MOVE: Moving service in which the company is in charge of the actual packing, moving and delivery of all the items. You don’t need to pay for packing boxes or do any of the work yourself when you hire this type of service.

HIGH VALUE ARTICLE: Any item that you want to value at more than $100. Depending on the company, you may need to prove the value/price of such item by showing paperwork or an official appraisal.

PEAK SEASON RATES: Moving is usually more expensive in summer, especially if you don’t book well in advance.

SHUTTLE SERVICE: If your home is situated on a street large vehicles cannot reach, the company may need to use an additional, smaller van to move items from your home to the larger van. In this case, you will be charged an additional fee known as shuttle service fee.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Sell everything you left out of your packing boxes to bring to your new home.

Leaving things behind when packing boxes? Rather than wasting them, plan a yard sale. You’ll earn some cash (which will come in handy during the move!) and do something good for the environment, as things will get a second life, rather than end up in the landfill.

To make the most of your yard sale, plan it in advance. Don’t wait until your last weekend or you will feel overwhelmed by the whole process. That will also give you enough time to advertise as well, both in the local papers and through fliers placed around the neighborhood.

Price things accordingly. Don’t expect to make to earn top dollar for anything sold at a garage sale. If you have things that are valuable, sell them somewhere else, either through eBay or on Craigslist.org, depending on their size. Keep in mind that the idea of a yard sale is to sell everything, even if it’s just for a fraction of its original cost.

Items grouped together sell better. Rather than pricing each cup at 20 cents, sell a set of four for a dollar. Chances are you’ll sell them quicker, even if the price is higher.

Once the sale is over, pack everything you didn’t sell and bring it over to the Salvation Army or the local thrift store as a donation.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites