Anyone who has ever done their own packing in preparation for a move can tell you what a daunting task it can be. You can start off with the most perfectly laid out plans, lists, intentions of labeling each and every box meticulously, only to quickly find yourself surrounded by utter chaos. It makes one wonder how anyone could possibly do this for a living.

Fortunately, however, there are people who do just that, and do it well. They know all the tricks to packing for even the biggest move in a quick and orderly fashion. Here are some of their best tips for making your packing and moving experience simple and stress-free:

1. SORT AND SAY “SO LONG!”
The first cardinal rule of packing for a move is to toss out anything you no longer use, want, or need. It may be a good idea to enlist a friend to help with this process if you find that you simply cannot be diplomatic in choosing to part with some items. The bottom line is, the more clutter you get rid of the less work packing, moving, and unpacking will be.

2. SKIP THE LIST-MAKING
Save yourself some valuable time by using your cell phone to take a photo of the contents of each box as you get it packed. Mark each box with a number and save the photo to your phone under that corresponding number. When it’s time to unpack, simply pull up the photo to know what each box contains and which room it goes in. You’ll save a lot of time by not having to write out itemized lists.

3. PACK HEAVIER ITEMS SEPARATELY
Never overpack a single box in the name of saving space. This will only make handling the overweight box more risky as it creates the potential for damage to the items inside and/or injury to the person moving the box. A good rule of thumb is to never pack a single box in excess of 25 pounds. Items such as small to medium-sized appliances, stereo or video equipment, etc, should be packed separately from other items and labeled as ‘heavy.

4. DON’T SKIMP ON MOVING BOXES
While moving can be a costly process, the one place you do not want to try to cut costs is on moving boxes. Rather than using flimsy cardboard boxes from your local grocery store’s back room, buy sturdy cardboard boxes specifically designed for packing for a move. Ultimately your belongings will be well protected from mishaps that can occur when using unstable boxes created for lighter jobs.

5. PROTECT FURNITURE WITH PLASTIC BAGS
Upholstered furniture items such as sofas, chairs, mattresses, etc, can be covered with special heavy-duty plastic bags designed specifically to protect these types of items and keep them clean during a move. Slip them over your furniture, secure with packing tape, and then place cushions, pillows, etc, also wrapped in plastic, right on top for added room and organization.

6. MAKE USE OF ALL BOX SPACE
The obvious reason for this is of course to utilize all possible space for packing. However, packing things snugly into a moving box also prevents items from being jostled around during the move. Even if it’s just enough room for a rolled-up T-shirt or a pair of socks, make use of that space and protect your belongings.

7. PACK USING THE ITEMS YOU’RE PACKING
Save space and protect your more fragile items by wrapping them in your clean clothing as you pack them. Wrap glass items in clean T-shirts, larger or more delicate pieces in sheets or blankets. You’ll save packing space and know that your belongings are well-protected.

8. SMART PACK CLOTHING ON HANGERS
Rather than creating more work for yourself later on by grouping clothing items together while they are on the hangers, then slipping drawstring-tie trash bags around them starting at the bottom, pulling up, and securing at the top of the hangers, leaving the hooks exposed. Use a marker to write on each bag who the clothing belongs to. This way you can simply re-hang the clothes in your new closets, remove the bags, and you are all organized!

9. MAKE SEPARATE STORAGE CONTAINERS FOR THE FIRST WEEK’S ESSENTIALS
Pack a plastic tote with enough essentials (clothing, towels, hygiene items, etc) to get you through the first 3 to 5 days in your new home while you are getting unpacked and settled in. Pack a separate tote for each family member plus one for basic household needs (cleaning supplies, laundry needs, toilet paper, etc).

10. CHOOSE A GOOD QUALITY PACKING TAPE
This is another area in which you don’t want to cut corners to save a few dollars. Make sure the packing tape you choose is one that is recommended for the job, and use enough to make certain your packages are secure and safe from mishaps.

11. HAVE EVERYTHING READY TO GO WHEN THE MOVERS ARRIVE
Allow yourself plenty of time to have your packing done by the time the movers arrive. If you have additional items or items that will require special handling, make sure to stay and inform the movers in person or via pre-arranged text messaging regarding any special instructions or needs.

12. ORGANIZE BOXES ACCORDING TO WEIGHT
You will be doing your movers – and ultimately yourselves – a huge favor by having your boxes arranged by weight when they arrive to load everything up. Separate boxes into Heavy, Medium, and Light categories as well as having any fragile items clearly marked and set to the side for easy identification. This will assure an expedient and safe loading and unloading experience, and will be much appreciated by your moving team.

Moving doesn’t have to be the stuff nightmares are made of. Put these tips into action and your moving experience will be smooth sailing for everyone involved, making it possible for you to begin enjoying your new home right away!

DIY candy boxes ideas are perfect for gifting candy, small delicacies, cakes or bonbons. Most people are now leaning towards them because they are inexpensive and you are able to customize the candy box. You perhaps already have the things needed to make the boxes in your home. The DIY bonbon boxes can be made from thin cards or paper and you can easily find templates online that are printable. Here are some guidelines you can use to make a DIY candy box:

1. Using a food box

Using a food box is ideal because the box is already robust enough to protect your treats so that you only have to mainly focus on your decorations. If you are looking to make a candy box, then using a rice box may work best, while cereal boxes may work best for cakes and cookies.

What you need

• A food box
• Colored paper or scrapbook
• A pair of scissors
• Glue
• Decorations (Optional)

Instructions

• Start by carefully cutting along three edges of the box to create an opening. As stated before, leftover food boxes are already strong and this ensures that your focus is directed to other details such as decorating your sweetie boxes.

• Once you have created an opening, trim your colored paper or scrapbook. To make crisp, clean and straight folds, bend your paper or scrapbook around the ends of a knife. The trimmed paper or scrapbook will cover the sides of your candy box.

• Fit the paper around the box and use gum to fix it around your box. You can cover as much of the box as you want. The good thing about DIY boxes is that they give you complete control when it comes to customization.

• After the paper is fixed to cover your box in line with your preferences, you may choose to further decorate it or not. If you choose to further decorate your box, then you are free to be as creative as possible. You can use magazine or newspaper cutouts and tailor it to fit the recipient of your gift.

2. Origami DIY Candy box

Creating origami DIY candy boxes may involve a bit more technicality than the previous procedure, but it is a fun activity that you can enjoy with your kids.
What you need

• Colored paper
• Decorations

When making a colored paper box, you will need to make a container and a lid to cover the container of your DIY candy box.

Procedure to make the lid:

• Take a square gaging of 20cm on each side

• Fold it lengthwise into four sections of equal measure

• Then fold it breadthwise to get four more sections

• To get flaps in the center, fold the paper from both sides

• Fold the paper again to get two more pleats on the flap

• Flip your paper to get two opening flaps on the other side of your paper

• To make a cross patterned crease on both edges, fold the paper from both corners and reopen those folds.

• To create a twisted wrapper at the ends of your box, fold the corner margins up and outline them
• To make the lid of your candy box, straighten the paper and open it from the outside

• To give your candy box a refined look, shape the ends

Procedure to make the inner part of your candy box:

• To achieve a cross wrinkle across your colored paper, fold your colored it twice at right angles

• Crease the triangles at the edges in and fold all the edges again

• Fold the square again this time matching the lengths and widths

• Open the opposite folds and refold the opposite sides

• Insert the flaps inside the other folds and outline the edges to give them a sharp look

• Cover with the top that you previously made and decorate according to your preferences

Today’s world moves at a fast pace and everyone is on the go seeking a more convenient way to live. There’s throw away wrappers, throw away cups and much more. However, a throwaway society produces a lot of waste and the problem of throw away cardboard boxes is a shame because these paper based gems can be used to create amazing things from a child’s craft projects, works of art to even furniture. Seeing the magic in a simple cardboard box doesn’t require much, but an actively engaged and creative mind. So, in the spirit of creativity here’s a rundown of several creative uses for cardboard boxes that you can begin today.

Children’s story theater
What you’ll need:

Small cardboard box
Glitter
Tissue paper
Crafting paint
Cardboard paper
Scissors
Story boxes help young children expand their imagination by allowing them to create a 3d story from a favorite children’s book or their own imagination. You’ll need to cut the box using quality scissors and then watch your child’s imagination take flight as they create a 3d story from their mind.

Homemade Treasure box
What you’ll need:

Small cardboard box
Tissue paper or crafting paper
Scissors
Cardboard cereal box
Crafting paint
Plastic jewels
The imagination is the limit when you create a treasure box with your child. Cut the box into the shape that you need and then paint plus decorate it. Once it’s completed you’ll have created a memory that will last for years to come.

A cardboard box isn’t just for children’s projects, adults can get in on the fun while doing their part to recycle when they create their own cardboard projects. Because 90% percent of deliveries to Western addresses are done with cardboard, you’re sure to have cardboard on hand to create a great cardboard recycle project.

Recycled plant box
What you’ll need:

2 Medium sized cardboard box
Plastic liner
Hole puncher
Favorite plant seeds
Green thumbs are sure to love creating DIY planters that can easily be kept nearby on a window sill or balcony to create a balcony garden.

Storage Totes
What you’ll need:

Medium to Large sized cardboard box
Gold screw bolts
Spray adhesive
Different durable colored fabrics
Stiff belts
Cardboard storage toes are a simple cost effective way to provide extra storage space for magazines, books, and even clothes and they are amazingly simple to make.

Wall art canvases
What you’ll need:

Small to medium shoe box tops
Primer
White paint
Acrylic paints
Paint brushes
A plain cardboard box can be turned into a work of art by using a primer and white paint to create blank canvases that can be used to create your own works of art. So, get started today and you might become tomorrow’s next rising artist.

The uses for cardboard whether in its box form, a shoe box top or a large board are endless. Creating great crafting projects using this versatile material can be an exercise in imagination and fun. Because they aren’t simply discarded after use, you’ll also be doing your part to plant the planet. So start today to see cardboard in a different way and you could help create a brighter tomorrow.

Making candy and other holiday treats is a great way to show the ones you love you care. You make some homemade chocolate and then you put in a box and send it off. sounds simple enough. Did you know that you can get more creative with this idea? There are many ways you can turn some plain old candy boxes into something more whimsical and holiday-oriented.

1) Did you make some peppermint bark for your family” Take some cellophane and wrap it around the outside. You will show off the natural side of the bark made of almond and white, bittersweet chocolate. Tie with a nice little ribbon. The color is up to you, though red is a preferable choice. Use a nice tag on the end of it. This gives the illusion of being in a candy box when it is not.

2) Take some homemade brittle and use a cellophane bag once again. Package it up nice and neat. Use a label fold-over for the front of the packaging.

3) Take some candy that you have made. Put it in a wooden box. It does not have to be extra big. It just has to be enough to hold all the candy you have made. Line the inside with some pink and/or red foil. Put a lid on it and attach the label.

4) Want to make some nice stocking stuffers for the holidays? All you do is go online and find a template for the “ribbon holly candy boxes”. Print it out and make it your own creation. Tuck some candy inside and wrap it shut with the ribbon. It is simple and easy to do. The link for the template is here.

5) There is something called “Flavor Stamps”. All you do is take a “button closure envelope” and attach some Stamps to it. You can choose between chocolate and hazelnut. It works great if you have some chocolate and hazelnut toffee inside. Most other candies will do.

6) Have you ever seen those “candy shop gifts” when you pass through a store during the holidays? Now you can make your own. All you need is some left over spaghetti jars. Make sure you clean them out thoroughly first. Put in some peppermint bark. You can use some Twizzlers or jawbreakers. You can use candy canes. The skies the limit with this one. Just place them in the jars and seal. You can give them out to friends and family over the holidays. You do not have to waste your money by these in the store now because you can make your own.

7) Do you have any egg-shaped boxes lying around the house? All you need is some paint and glitter. You can turn them into little Santas. Put some candy inside and hand them out. It is a cute and inexpensive way to attend to someone’s sweet tooth over the holidays.

Conclusion

There are lots of ways to present your holiday candy in boxes without it being an actual candy box. All it takes is some creativeness and some imagination from your side and your holiday treats will look great. You can click herefor more information and ideas.