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Dear Moss Building & Design,
I’m about to start a remodel in my home. What are some ways I could prepare my home and belongings?
Dear Dulles Mom,
It’s no secret that remodels can generate dust. Before a major remodel takes place in your house, you may want to pack up your belongings and put them somewhere they’ll be safe and clean.
These eight tips about how to pack your home can help ensure your belongings will be in good condition when the remodel is over:
Take Time to Downsize
Think of packing for a home remodel as an opportunity to downsize and eliminate clutter in your home. Start packing months in advance to give yourself time to downsize. Get rid of those things that you haven’t used in a long time or that won’t match the decor when the remodel is complete. The less stuff you have, the easier and cheaper it will be to store.
If Needed, Choose a Storage Facility Wisely
The storage facility you choose will have a big impact on the condition of your personal things when the home remodel is over. Not all storage facilities are created equal. Look for a business with a good reputation and solid policies in place to ensure your personal belongings will be protected. Stick with a climate-controlled facility. Climate control reduces humidity, which is good for belongings, like wooden furniture.
Be Generous with Bubble Wrap
Wrap all fragile items in bubble wrap, including dishes, vases, and lamps. For slightly less fragile items, save money on packing products and use sheets, blankets, or pillows.
Know What Not to Pack
Not everything can be stored properly and safely — like perishable food, toxic chemicals, and most liquids. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, be sure to use up as much of your food inventory as possible before the remodel.
You should also set aside items you may need to use regularly — like certain cooking utensils — to help save on storage space and keep your daily operations running smoothly. According to Amy Slenker-Smith, owner of Simply Enough, “I encourage clients to think through how they will live and function during the remodel. For kitchens, set up a temporary kitchen with only the essentials, away from the drywall dust. If it’s a bathroom or master bedroom remodel, declutter your clothes and toiletries to reduce storage needs.”
Disassemble Furniture Whenever Possible
Take apart furniture before placing it into storage. Disassembling furniture makes it easier to move and easier to store. Place all screws and nuts into a bag, then label it, and tape or attach the bag to the piece of furniture.
Not sure you’ll remember how to reassemble? Take a video of yourself as you take the piece apart. Use this video as a tutorial when it’s time to put things back together.
Label Things Properly
Label all boxes clearly with their contents. If the box contains something fragile, write FRAGILE on the outside. Label boxes on all sides and top so you can tell what you’re looking at no matter which side is visible.
If you’re packing up more than one room worth of stuff, assign colored stickers to each room, then place the colored stickers on the boxes. This prevents you from having to write the names of the rooms where the boxes go over and over again.
Make an Inventory
Make an inventory of the most important items you packed, so you’ll know what’s been placed into storage and what is still at the house. This will prevent you from losing items and save time when you need to find one specific item.
Store Valuables in a Safe
Store valuables in a safe in your home or a safe at your bank. If storing at home, buy a portable safe that is fireproof and lockable, then keep the key on your key chain. Keeping items locked up prevents confusion and gives you peace of mind.
Read more about how to prepare for a remodel on our blog.
Moss Building & Design is a great partner for you in designing your new kitchen, basement, bathroom, or addition. Contact Moss at (703) 961-7707 or by email.
Moss Building & Design is the top home remodeling company in Northern Virginia that has established a reputation for excellence in remodeling additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements and providing home services for homeowners. With a strong focus on community, Moss Building and Design encourages a hands-on approach to home improvement with an emphasis on education. Their ‘Girls Night Out’ HandyMOM101 events offer DIY workshops covering projects like tiling, power drills, caulking, and patching drywall.
Connect with them by visiting them online, or get social with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Moss Building & Design can also be reached at (703) 961-7707.
