San Mateo-Foster City Real Estate News

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! Now, for the next challenge: moving. I’ve talked about how to go through all of your “stuff” and pare things down and out here. Hold that Garage Sale for the final clearance, see here on tips for that. 

Next comes the move. Are you packing yourself or are the professionals doing it for you? If you’re doing it yourself, the following is a list of materials you’ll need. Moving companies and overnight mail businesses can furnish these, as well as specialized items including wardrobe boxes for clothing and heavy-duty boxes for china and other breakables. Liquor and computer stores also are good sources for sturdy boxes. Craigslist is a great resource for moving boxes, too.

• Boxes of all sizes
• Plastic bags
• Non-shredded newspapers
• Packing tape
• Markers
• Bubble wrap
• Tissues paper
• Industrial Shrink Wrap

• Cushion the bottom and sides of boxes first
• Packed items should not exceed 30 pounds
• When packing, go room by room – it will make unpacking easier
• Begin your packing as early in the moving process as you can – it will take longer than you think at a time when you’ll be busy with many other concerns
• Label all boxes by item and where in your new home they should be placed
• Pack heavy items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes
• Thoroughly wrap your breakables in newsprint paper, paper towels or clothing, placing them in dresser drawers, containers with lids, large cans, etc.
• Fill your refrigerator and washer and dryer with clothes, linens and other light objects
• Tape cords underneath all electrical appliances
• Don’t tape furniture, doors and drawers, as tape can cause damage; instead, use rope, elastic or long strips of fabric to secure furniture
• If you have children, let them feel they are a part of the process by helping them pack their toys

Finally, it's moving day…

Fill one box with moving-day essentials like paper plates, a coffee maker and coffee, hand tools and extension cords, a bucket, rags, soaps and paper towels. You may also want to set aside a few days' worth of clothing, food and other essentials you’ll need prior to arriving at your new home and prior to unpacking. Make sure there is a big, bright label telling the movers to Load Last and Unload First on it. Hopefully they will. Off will come all of your essentials for easy access. Next, follow my suggestions here on how to organize and you’re, hopefully, off to a good start. 

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