Tips To Make Your Move Easier
Moving can be a stressful time, however, there are several things that you can do to make your move a smooth one. If you know that you’re moving ahead of time, it’s a good idea to start packing as early as possible. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and, unless you have to be out in a hurry, it’s better to take your time and remember every little detail now than to find yourself with the moving blues later. A Little Goes A Long Way If at all possible, pace yourself when packing. It’s better to pack a little at a time and make sure that nothing is forgotten than to hurry and try to get everything done within a day or two. It’s easy to forget to have your address changed, turn off your phone, internet, water and/or cable service, so take the time to make sure every little detail is ironed out now so that you can enjoy your new home later. Have A Moving Sale Get rid of everything that you don’t need by having a moving sale. If you haven’t used it within a year, sell it. Otherwise, you will just end up with the same clutter in your new house as you’ve had in the one you’re leaving behind. Plus, the more you sell, the less you will have to pack and move. Not to mention, moving is expensive and there’s nothing wrong with earning a few extra bucks whenever possible. Create A Packing List It will help you to remember things much easier by writing them down on paper as they come to mind. A packing list can act as a shopping list, which will remind you of the things that you need to remember. Pack Lightly Moving day is hard enough, so don’t make it any worse by loading down your arms with too much weight. If you pack lightly, it may cost you a little more footwork, but your body will thank you at the end of the day. Pack Smart Because of their design, boxes are easier to carry and provide an effective way to keep everything stored safely in its place. Rather than just piling everything into the car or U-Haul and hoping for the best, take the time to pack everything carefully (especially breakables) inside of a box. What will not fit, such as furniture and other household essentials, should be tied down and placed in a moving truck. Furniture pads are also a good idea to prevent damage during the move. Make sure you label each box with the contents of each box along with the room it will go in at the new home. This will make unpacking more efficient and save you loads of time.
Safety Tips for your home.
Never leave standing liquids unattended. Stay within arm’s reach while your child is bathing or is near any container of water. If the phone rings, let it ring; stay with your child. Prevent tap water scalds by adjusting the temperature on your hot water heater to 120° F. Keep medicines and hazardous household chemicals locked up and out of sight. Use child-resistant packaging for medicines and hazardous household chemicals, and call 1-800-222-1222 if a poisoning occurs. Cut the loops on window-blind cords and call 1-800-506-4636 for a free repair kit. Make sure your hairdryer has a large rectangular plug. The immersion protection device prevents electrocution if the hairdryer is dropped in water. Change the battery in your smoke alarm when you change your clock’s setting in October or November. Have a professional check your furnace for carbon monoxide leaks and your chimney for blockages; put a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area. Prevent electrocutions by installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in your household outlets. Installing Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) can prevent electrical fires. AFCIs can sense electrical arc and trip the circuit. Babies on adult beds risk suffocation from hidden hazards such as entrapment between the bed and wall; entrapment involving the bed frame, headboard, and footboard; or soft bedding such as pillows or thick quilts and comforters.
SEVEN SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR NEW HOME
When you first move into your new home it is a good idea to take care of a few small things that can make a big difference when it counts. Change the locks on all your exterior doors. Unless your house is brand new you never know how many strangers may have a key to your front door. Replace the batteries in all the smoke detectors in the house. Record the date in your calendar so you will remember to do the same thing next year! Unless your heating/air units are new, have the vents and filters cleaned or replaced. Create a fire-hazard plan with your family and conduct a practice drill with the children. Replace or clean the exhaust hood filter above the range. Check all your electric outlets for loose-fitting plugs, as these can pose a fire hazard. These outlets are inexpensive and fairly easy to replace. Have the fireplace chimney cleaned. While you are at it go ahead and install a rain cap and a screen to keep the birds out of your chimney.