Packing

Since I am moving to North Carolina this summer, we are packing a lot.  From my experience, I want to give you helpful tips on packing.  Whether your packing for a vacation or a move, here are some tips.

1. To keep or to not keep?

If you are trying to decide whether to keep something or to not, try to imagine yourself using it.  If you were wondering if you should keep a board game, think about if its too young for your family, too young for you, or too hard to play.  That should help you decide whether to keep it or to get rid of it.  If we had moved 2 years ago, packing would have been a lot different.  I shared a room with my sister, and since we are two years apart whatever was to young for me, might have been perfect for her.  We would have had a hard time deciding what to keep or to not keep!

2.  Categorize

No body wants a jumble of boxes.  Especially if you need something in a box but can’t find it.  You should have one box for each room.  Start with one room.  Get the box, and write the main idea of what is in it, an example would be toys.  Then write detailed lists of what each item is, such as Simon, Barbie Dolls, etc.  I’ve always loved making lists, because I feel like when I check something off I am completing an accomplishment in my life.  Whether its as simple as packing a barbie doll or as hard as putting together a bed, it’s still something I’ve completed.

3.  Putting the Items in the box

Stack the items in nice, neat rows.  If you have a big box, use each corner for a different type of item.  An example would be to have one section of barbies, one of dolls, one of doll clothing, and one of accessories.  Remember, if you have fragile items wrap them in blankets, bubble wrap, wrapping paper, or boxes.  You don’t want to arrive with anything broken, especially keepsakes.  You can organize them too, blue wrapping paper for glass, red for collectibles, and green for homemade items.  I’ve always been really organized, and I just can’t stand messy things.  It can be hard, with messy sisters, but at least my mom and dad are very neat.  My grandpa is very organized, and my dad says he gets it from him.  Way to go Poppop!

4.  Packing clothes

When packing clothes, there are two ways to pack.  The first way is to pack by type.  One box of shirts, one of pants, one of dresses, etc.  The other way is to pack by color.  Sort each outfit by color in the box.  This will make it easier to find what you need.  A cool idea is to get one of those boxes with the bars on the top, because they are like portable closets.  You can hang up your nice clothes on the top, and put your not as nice clothes on the bottom.

5.  Actually Packing

Okay, who looks forward to getting out of bed and packing boxes?  I do.  Each item I pack is one step closer to reaching my goal, moving.  Packing organized will make your life easier later on, and if you take the time to do things right you will be benefited later on.  It is hard for a 10 year old to move.  This has been my home town for all my life, my first word to my first step happened in this house.  All of my memories happened in this place.  I’m lucky I don’t have many friends, because it would be very hard to say goodbye.  My happiest times, and my saddest times were all a part of this home.  I’m excited though, it’s a new adventure in a new place.  And I know this adventure has just begun.