Preparing for a move and overwhelmed with all the packing you must do? Packing can be quite a task. Do you have a lot of outdoor belongings? So do lots of other people in Utah where indoor/outdoor living is popular.
Packing the kitchen, living room, bedrooms and basement may seem straightforward, but perhaps all that outdoor stuff has you scratching your head as you plan your packing. What about packing the plants on the balcony, the patio furniture, yard tools, and porch decorations? And, oh gosh, what about all the stuff in the shed? Here are some tips on how to pack all your outdoor belongings.
1. Clean it All
Make cleaning all the outdoor belongings your first step. If it’s been sitting outside, it most likely has been collecting dirt and other debris. Clean it all, so the dirt and dust don’t dirty your inside belongings. Start by wiping down your outside furniture, then hose down all the items that won’t rust. Dry anything that may be damp from rain or snow. If the garbage cans are coming with you, wash them thoroughly inside and out before putting them in the truck with any other belongings. You will not regret taking the time to clean your garbage cans.
2. Check for Critters
You do not want to bring any crawly critters to your new home. Check all the nooks, crannies, and hidden areas for animals. Get rid of all bugs, wasp nests, and any other creature that may be camping out in your outdoor furniture. Depending on the area in which you live, you may have snakes, skunks, and raccoons making themselves at home in your outdoor belongings. Be careful when looking for creatures. If you find a dangerous one, call animal control. Creepy crawlers and other creatures are not ideal moving pals.
3. Take Time to Pack It Right
Be strategic and organized with your packing. When packing your patio furniture:
- Remove cushions
- Remove pad shard edges and any hard parts
- Take off and wrap fragile parts
Make sure to place loose parts, tools, and accessories in labeled containers or bags so you know exactly what piece of furniture they go to. Then, safely dispose of hazardous materials, including pesticides, oil, paint tins, propane, etc. Don’t forget to drain the gas from your lawn mower, leaf blower, chainsaw, and hedge trimmer. Leaving them filled can result in smelly and dangerous leaks in transit. Likewise, disconnect the propane from your gas grill.
4. Don’t Forget to Plan for Your Plants
Sometimes our plants are an afterthought, but not on purpose. We are so focused on all the other things we have to pack that we forget our precious plants. For this reason, plan ahead of time for packing your plants.
Keep in mind that moving might take a toll on your plants. Think about any extreme temperatures they may be in and the amount of water they’ll be getting. Some things are out of your control, but there are ways to prepare your plants for the move ahead.
- Cover any branches with paper or plastic sleeves with slits in them. This will help protect your plants from breakage or foliage loss.
- Pack them in lined boxes with holes for ventilation
- For tied-up branches, secure them delicately in the direction the plant is growing.
- When you get to your new destination, uncover the plants as soon as possible.
- Cover your flower/plant pots in plastic so water and soil don’t seep.
- Transfer plants in plastic pots
- Wrap and pack ceramic items separately.
5. Recruit Your Family
When it’s time to pack, it’s all hands on deck. Assign a task to your kids and let them be involved in taking apart and packing their favorite outdoor toys, such as swing sets or playhouses. That way, they aren’t devastated when their favorite outdoor activities suddenly disappear. Dismantle bulky toys and pack the little parts in tightly sealed and labeled containers or bags. Then, secure the smaller containers and bags to the larger parts they go with. Empty all sand, water, dirt, or messy materials from play furniture before the move.
Moving can be quite a task, but above all, it’s exciting. With preparation and a trusted Utah moving company, it can be a seamless and enjoyable experience. Make sure to clean, organize and keep those creepy crawlers and crazy critters away!
Infographic
Do you have many outdoor things? Then, you are probably wondering how to deal with them when moving. There’s the patio furniture, porch decorations, and yard tools too! While contacting an experienced moving company, knowing how to pack them all is important as well. To help you have a smooth and enjoyable moving day, refer to the tips we have in this infographic. Read on.
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