www.qns.com RIDGEWOOD TIMES OCTOBER 11, 2018 17
13 moving hacks that could save time, money and sustainability
Changing households can be a
time for new beginnings, fresh
perspectives and boundless
opportunities.
But those good things tend to come
after the moving process itself, which
can take a lot of planning, organizing
and old-fashioned elbow grease.
And many people start the process
unprepared.
Fortunately, the experts at Penske
Truck Rental have some great advice
for orchestrating a move that won't
waste your time or money. Consider
the following suggestions.
1. When possible, create a timeline
for your move weeks or months ahead,
detailing the resources, time and labor
you'll need. Establishing a written plan
will save you from hurry and indecision
and help ensure you've thought
through every stage.
2. Reserve your rental truck at least
two weeks ahead, choosing the size that
corresponds to the number of rooms in
your home. For the greenest choice, pick
an environmentally conscious company
like Penske that ensures up-to-date
emission-control technologies, optimal
tire inflation, recycled packing materials
and fuel-efficient diesel engines.
3. Think about renting or borrowing
helpful moving equipment such as dollies
or furniture sliders. Such tools can
reduce your risk of injury as you load
and unload your bulkiest belongings.
4. Recycle (and save on transport
costs) by minimizing your unwanted
belongings through garage sales,
online sales, donations or giveaways
to friends. These days, many services
come directly to your house to whisk
away your unwanted items. Find approved
electronics recycling centers
through the EPA.
5. Start packing as soon as you can,
beginning with infrequently used
items - perhaps those stored in your
garage, basement or attic. Spending an
hour or two a day can make the overall
job seem less grueling.
6. Prepare for the eventual unpacking
process by pre-labeling boxes by
their contents and intended room.
You'll thank yourself later.
7. In addition to using cardboard
boxes, utilize packing space inside
your own dressers, chests, baskets,
wastebaskets, suitcases, duffel bags
and other household containers.
8. To cushion breakable belongings,
optimize your own blankets, pillows,
linens, clothing and tarps in addition
to bubble wrap and packing blankets.
9. Non-breakable items such as
clothing can be packed in large garbage
bags that can fill odd spaces in your
moving vehicle then be repurposed
after your move.
10. Map out a strategy for packing
and loading your large and/or unwieldy
possessions to optimize space.
For example, your heaviest items
should go in the back of your truck,
and you might wish to strap in vertical
"walls" of boxes and upend your couches
vertically. Remember to load your
most frequently needed items last and
keep crucial items such as financial
documents in your front seat.
11. To safely and efficiently move appliances,
carefully read your owners
manuals and do prep work (such as defrosting
refrigerators or disconnecting
gas for stoves) well ahead of time.
12. Pack food for your journey to
your new home to avoid unnecessary
breaks in unfamiliar areas.
13. After unpacking at your new
home, recycle, sell or repurpose
any packing materials you'll no longer
need.
As long as you plan ahead, your moving
process need not be a huge waste of
time, money and resources. For more
tips on conducting an efficient and
cost-effective transition to your new
home, contact Penske Truck Rental.
Courtesy BPT
AT HOME
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