Packing Hints

This article is part of a series bought to you by ALLSTORAGE SELF STORAGE. For drive-up easy storage at 1/4 city prices; in Warwick contact Harcourts Real Estate Phone 07 4661 3999; Stanthorpe contact Cec Mann & Co. 07 4681 4444; Glen Innes contact Robyn Willis Real Estate. (02_ 67321855. Or visit www.allstorage.com.au. We pride ourselves on providing quality, value-for-money storage.

Hints for Packing up your House
If you read our previous articles on Finding a Rental Property and Moving Planner (see www.allstorage.com.au), you should now be thinking about packing up to move to Warwick/Stanthorpe area in time for the winter and the enormously popular Brass Monkey Season. Winters in this part of the world are about dining out in front of a log fire at one of the superb local restaurants like Anna’s or Cooks, Gluttons and Gourmets in Stanthorpe for real Italian style. Friday night buffets at Anna’s are superb and just as good as you’ll get in the Hunter Valley and what’s better than a local wine and a relaxing lunch as a nice reward after the hard slog of packing up and moving house.
On the economic front, my contacts in the Department of State Development say Warwick is continuing on a strong path with solid growth, but mainly in small business and service sector employment. In Stanthorpe, the same trend has occurred and Stage 2 of the Industrial Estate has sold out. Housing demand is still high with a shortage of housing stock in both towns, while a vacant block in Warwick typically now starts around $80,000.
Step 1 - Get Things in Order
While deciding to move can be exciting, packing is something we all dread. Using this guide will help ensure your things get to your new address in one piece, and you're able to find everything when the time comes to unpack and get settled.
The more pre-planning you do, the easier your move will be; So

1. Create an inventory of what you will be moving to your new address
2. Take photos of, or videotape unique and valuable belongings
3. Make a note of the serial numbers on your electronic equipment.
4. Take out insurance.
Before you can start packing, buy some proper removal boxes from Rose City Removals (46615888) and supplement these with ones from the supermarket. You’ll need a few Wardrobe Boxes with Hanger Bars, Packing Tape, Bubble Wrap, Wrapping Paper, Newspaper, Tissue Paper, Ziplock Bags and Texta Markers.
Notes for Wrapping
Newspaper will leave ink smudges on your bits and pieces, so use bubble wrap, wrapping paper, or tissue paper to wrap all your breakables. Newspaper and towels, old linen, and blankets to wrap and cushion fragile items. Ziplock bags are good for small odds and ends that usually clutter your drawers.



Get Packing
The best advice we can give is to begin packing well ahead of the move, you use good, strong boxes, and always fully secure the bottoms. Concentrate on one room at a time, and clearly label every box by item and room. Designate an area close to your front door to place all your filled boxes before the move.
Start by packing the items you don't need for your daily living routine. Pack all your one of a kind items (including wills, share certificates, jewellery, photographs, and home videos) separately so that they can be carried with you on moving day. Or put these in storage. Pack your breakables loosely with plenty of wrapping. Make sure the boxes are clearly labelled FRAGILE, and stack them towards the top of your piles. Pack your non-breakables tightly in smaller boxes. Try to keep them to a weight you feel comfortable carrying. Pack your books flat and alternate the bindings so they stack evenly. If you can, pack small appliances and electronic equipment in the boxes they came in, and tape them securely. Make sure you have enough wardrobe boxes, as it'll save you ironing later.
Bulky Things
When you take your bed apart, bind the frames together with tape or rope. Fill your drawers with clothes or wrapped items. Cover the entire drawers with old linen or a blanket. Don't tape the drawers shut - you may damage the finish. Cover your tables with old linen or a blanket. If you can, remove the legs. Wrap the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and tie them to a leg. For whitegoods, appliances, and other electronic equipment, check your owner's manual for any special instructions for moving. Fill your washing machines with stuffed toys, towels, old linen, and blankets to keep the tub from moving around during the move. Secure all drawers, ice containers, and other loose parts in your refrigerator. Pad any exposed coils to protect them during the move.
Tricky Things
Loosen the handlebars on your bikes and turn them sideways. Cover the chains and pedals to keep oil and grease off other items. Wrap your small mirrors and pack them in boxes. Cover your wall mirrors, large paintings and other artwork with cardboard. If they'll fit, slide them into wardrobe boxes. If your outdoor furniture is too heavy or bulky to move intact, disassemble what you can and place the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag to be taped to one part. Roll up your carpets and rugs and secure with rope or tape.
Make sure all sharp edges on your tools or attachments are wrapped to prevent injury. Pack your power tools with plenty of cushioning, and tape or tie your tool chests securely. Carefully dispose of the petrol and oil from your lawnmower and other machinery, as well as any flammable or poisonous household products. Do not pack oil rags: dispose of them to avoid spontaneous combustion.
Good luck! We hope you make a successful move to our region and look forward to meeting your storage needs.☺