Whatever created the need for moving & packing supplies, whether some life changing event or a major decision to improve your life, stress is a given factor. Even when we are uprooted by choice, the packing process can be overwhelming, and daunting. A few steps to simplify the process beforehand can ease the stress and save time, energy and costs.

A basic place to start is to recognize the situation which created the need to pack. Are you moving, remodeling? Do you need to make room for a new baby or an elderly parent? Are you downsizing or upsizing, reclaiming your garage, or just reclaiming your home? Once you’ve named your objective, you’ll be able to plan a time line and prioritize your needs for the transition.

First, identify those items which will not make the changeover. Many of us hang on to things we won’t use again. These can be given away to other family members, sold, donated, or recycled in some way. Remember that the best form of recycling is through donations where by someone, somewhere, can use your former treasures, especially since just a short time before they were happily in your possession.

Once you’re ready to pack, it is important to recognize how long your possessions will be in transit, in storage, or just put away in boxes. You need to sort for what you’ll need during the transition. Even if the process is short term, there will be the unpacking process, which is much easier if you’re organized beforehand.

The key is to mark your boxes with three color codes. The items you can do without for awhile can be packed, marked with a Black X on the box. These boxes are those that will be unpacked last, and usually are packed first. The next level, the Blue X boxes, will be those that you’ll need to set up for living, upon arrival. They include your kitchen supplies, entertainment, and bathroom supplies. Finally, there will be those few crucial boxes, the Red X boxes that you’ve identified as holding an assortment of your essentials. Understandably, these items are usually packed last. The essentials are those things necessary to prepare a basic meal, your bedding, and the toiletries needed to get up and face the day. These will be in the Red X boxes. They’ll allow you to prepare a meal, rest, and use the bathroom, just the basics, things you must have right away on arrival.

Unpacking is the same, only reverse. After you’ve unpacked the personal Red X box essentials, the Blue X boxes will be the next group to unpack; they will fill in some of life’s categories like clothing, full kitchen supplies, linens, full bathroom supplies, T.V.’s, CD’s, DVD’s, stereos, etc.

Finally you unpack the Black X boxes. Those are the boxes which will be unpacked last and are usually packed first. These Black X boxes are the candles on the cake items, seasonal decorations, books, artwork, decorative items, duplicate dinnerware, fine china, crystal, collectibles, table linens, photo albums, hobby materials, seasonal or extra clothing, etc.

Remember that as you pack, it is best to number your boxes, and list the contents of each box in a separate notebook. It is easier to keep track of numbered boxes, plus you do not need to advertise the contents of each box. If you are going to store some of your boxes, it is easier to fetch boxes by number than to read the contents listed on the side of each box.

Using this format, the packing process is easy to tackle and in some ways can be fun. I remember a piece of advice I received many years ago. Take a project and punch it with Swiss cheese holes. Once that is done, the project is not so overwhelming and can be completed on time.

The same Black, Blue, Red strategy can be used in planning your storage space. Black boxes in the back of your storage space, Blue in the middle, and Red in front.

At Bellam Self Storage & Boxes, we are here to help both the inexperienced and the professional, in making this process easier. With our large assortment & supply of moving & packing materials, at the most reasonable prices in Marin, and our expert tips to ease the way, Bellam can make your move or reorganization smoother and less stressful.

We also offer free delivery within Marin County, with a minimum order requirement; call for details. Quantity discounts are available. In keeping with our green policies, our boxes and many of our packing products are made of recycled materials. Our bulk purchasing power allows us to offer exceptional pricing. We have all your needs; come by, or call; we are here to answer any questions. For a full review of our product line, check our website. Our extensive assortment can be ordered on line. We also have additional packing tips, on line, as well as our green story.

Bellam Self Storage & Boxes thanks our storage tenants, our customers, our staff, and friends in supporting our Green Business strategy. In April 2008 we had our 2nd anniversary of Going Green and Solar, a very happy feeling.

Bellam Self Storage & Boxes
24 Bellam Boulevard · San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: 415-454-1983 · FAX: 415-454-3469
store@bellamstorage.com
© Bellam Self Storage, 11/2008