top kids holiday toys
image
Jasmine
I have 4 neices/nephews from 3 to 10. Where's a good place to get ideas for gifts for Christmas? And is it better to buy online or fight the lines of Black Friday?
Answer
There are many lists put out by different toy stores, kids magazines,etc.
There is the Toys R Us Fabulous 15:
http://www.santaschristmascorner.com/toys-r-us-fabulous-15-toys-r-us-2012-holiday-hot-toy-list/
Also, K-Mart has it's own Fab 15 list:
http://www.santaschristmascorner.com/k-mart-top-15-christmas-toys-for-2012-part-1/
There are others, but I don't know the URLs off the top of my head.
As far as online vs black friday, I personally shop online. One, I don't like to get up early. Two, I don't like being trampled by people trying to get the 3 TVs for the special price. And Three, you will usually find bargains just as good or nearly as good online if you keep your eyes open.
I am moving in 9 days, I need to know some ideas for the most efficient way to pack up all of our stuff.?
hahaha
My family has a lot of stuff, it is me my husband and 2 kids.
Answer
Planning
How To Pack
Use the proper packing materials. It will pay off in the long run! Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts can all be purchased at local moving or shipping companies.
Wardrobe boxes and other specialty boxes can be found there too. Sturdy boxes can also be retrieved from wholesale companies, at no charge, after a shipment. Other great types of reasonably priced padding for your boxes include wadded-up newspaper, old pillows and blankets.
The following is a list of tools and materials to make your packing go more smoothly:
Razor knife and/or scissors
Note pad
Dark, water-resistant marker
Boxes of all sizes
Packing tape
Bubble wrap
Packing peanuts
Pack one room at a time, labeling each box appropriately (on top and side) with a description of its contents and which room the box belongs in. Also label boxes containing breakable or sentimental items with "Fragile." Keep a detailed list of what items are packed in each box to make unpacking easier.
Empty all drawers of breakable or spillable items. To safeguard against unnecessary damage, it's a good idea to put all furniture knobs, feet, screws, etc. in one container that you can keep with you so the parts won't get lost.
Do not pack flammable goods or heat-sensitive items like candles, records, audio and video tapes, computer disks, propane tanks, aerosol cans, oil-based paints, and certain cleaning fluids.
Wrap items individually and always place a layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the carton for cushioning. Fill empty spaces with additional crushed paper.
Make sure cartons are firmly packed, with heavier items on bottom and lighter ones on top.
Pack according to the season if you'll be putting some boxes in storage. Mark the boxes accordingly
Put heavy items in small boxes so that they're easier to carry.
Make sure the items you'll need first are loaded in last when packing the truck. You'll make access easier for the things you need (ie. kids toys, kitchen items, telephone and radio).
Use common sense when loading your truck by keeping in mind the size, sturdiness, and weight of your boxes.
Plan ahead for what you'll need the first day after your move. Packing a separate bag with your toiletries, a change of clothes, etc. will prevent unnecessary scrambling or a run to the local store.
Move on a weekday, if possible. Banks, utilities and government offices will be open if you need them.
Planning
Pack Like a Pro
Start packing the right way
How you pack your things can determine whether you ever see them in one piece again.
Before you decide to do your packing yourself, consider the responsibilities. Sure, it takes time and energy to get the job done right, but doing it yourself can be a real money-saver, even if you're paying a mover to load the truck. For example, if you've hired a professional mover, you can still opt to pack all or some of the goods yourself, thus trimming the price. To find out just how much you can trim, ask your moving coordinator when you get an on-site estimate.
Packing Guidelines for Your Professional Move
If you decide to do some of the packing yourself, you'll need to have everything properly packed and ready for loading when the van arrives. In other words, all packing must be completed the evening before move day. Only the things you'll need that last night, the next morning and immediately at your destination should be left for last-minute packing.
As for how you pack—that will be expected to meet specific standards. Moving company representatives will inspect your boxes and if they think items are improperly packed or cartons are susceptible to damage, they may refuse to load the items until they are repacked.
A word to the wise: Generally things from garages, attics and storage spaces, such as holiday decorations and sentimental items are the ones that need to be repacked. Look for cartons that are torn, ripped, soiled, will not close or cannot be sealed. Replace those with fresh boxes. Another repacking giveaway is if you can hear the contents rattle when you shake the box. In that case, add more insulation.
What Should You Pack?
Obviously, not everything will fit in boxes. As a general rule, furniture and major appliances will be wrapped and padded by your moving professional. Items requiring professional disassembly and/or crating (such as slate pool tables, chandeliers or large glass table tops) are best left to the professionals.
Box Basics
Use new, high-quality packing materials specifically designed for moving to better ensure your items will safely arrive. Professional moving cartons come in a variety of shapes and sizes that are specifically suited to fit a variety of household goods. Look into barrels, for example, as they are great ways of loading a lot of odd-shaped items into one large container.
Other Supplies
Bundles of packing paper (clean, unprinted newsprint)
Bubble wrap, tissue paper or paper towels for delicate items
Rolls of PVC tape (don't use masking tape or cellophane tape)
Tape dispenser
Broad-tipped markers for labeling
Scissors or sharp knife for cutting cartons
Notebook and pen or pencil for listing contents of cartons as they are packed
Labels or stickers for identifying boxes
Wrapping How Tos
Before packing cartons, you'll need to wrap most items to protect them from scratching and breakage. There are a variety of materials available, including bubble pack, foam peanuts and tissue. However, most professionals use bundles of clean, unprinted newsprint (available at your moving supply store).
Start by placing a small stack of paper on a flat, uncluttered table or countertop. Round glasses and jars can be rolled up in two or three sheets of paper; always begin from a corner of the sheet and fold the sides in as you roll. Large or odd-shaped items require a similar technique. Place them in the center of the sheet and bring the corners together. (It may be necessary to flip the item over and wrap it again from the other side.) If in doubt, use more paper! When the corners come together, secure them with tape.
Before packing each carton, line the bottom with a few inches of wadded paper for padding. Then place large, heavy items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on the top. Plates, books and things of a similar shape, should be loaded vertically to utilize their own maximum structural strength. Don't overload cartons; keep them to a manageable weight. Fill in any voids and top off loaded cartons with wadded paper. Then tape cartons securely to avoid shifting while en route.
Labeling Hints
Imagine packing away a truckload of boxes and then having them delivered to your new home. How can you tell what box goes where? Because you've labeled them. Follow these tips to thwart confusion.
Use a broad, felt-tipped marker.
Clearly mark your name, the room it should go to and contents on each box.
Indicate "FRAGILE" on delicates; "THIS END UP" where appropriate.
If available, include your bill of lading (or invoice) number on every box.
Tips From the Pros
Most movers suggest you start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until the last minute things you'll need until moving day. Here are some more helpful hints.
Empty drawers of breakables, spillables, non-transportable items and anything that would puncture or damage other items.
Pack similar items together. For example, don't pack a delicate china figurine in the same carton with cast-iron frying pans.
Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic bags and taped or tied securely to the article to which they belong.
Wind electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle.
Wrap items individually in clean paper; use tissue paper, paper towels or even facial tissue for fine china, crystal and delicate items.
Colored wrapping paper draws attention to very small things that might otherwise get lost in a carton.
Use a double layer of newsprint for a good outer wrapping.
Use newspapers for cushioning only. The ink can rub off and embed itself onto fine china.
Place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom of cartons for cushioning.
Build up the layers, with the heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next and lightest on top.
As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly with crushed paper and add more crushed paper to make a level base for the next layer, or use sheets of cardboard cut from cartons as dividers.
Cushion well with crushed paper; towels and lightweight blankets may also be used for padding and cushioning. The more fragile the item, the more cushioning needed. Be sure no sharp points, edges or rims are left uncovered.
Pack small, fragile, individually wrapped items separately or a few together in small boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper. Place small boxes in a single large box, filling in spaces with crushed paper.
Limit carton weight to about 50 pounds. Avoid overloading cartons but strive for a firm pack that will prevent items from shifting; the cover should close easily without force, but should not bend inward.
Seal cartons tightly with tape except for those containing items that must be left open for the van operator's inspection.
As you finish with each carton, list the contents on the side of the carton (for easy viewing while stacked) and in a special notebook. You might want to number and/or code the cartons as well.
Indicate your name and the room to which each carton should be delivered at destination. Tape a sign on the door of each room at destination corresponding to the carton labels so movers can get the cartons into the proper rooms quickly.
Put a special mark (the number 1, or the letter A) on cartons you want to unpack first at destination.
The following items are examples of items that the moving companies, by federal law or internal policy, cannot transport.
Hazardous Materials
Items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive:
Aerosols
Ammonia
Ammunition
Car batteries
Charcoal
Charcoal lighter fluid
Chemistry sets
Cleaning solvents
Fertilizer
Fireworks
Gasoline
Kerosene
Lamp oil Liquid bleach
Loaded guns
Matches
Motor oil
Paint thinner
Nail polish remover
Paints
Pesticides
Poisons
Pool chemicals
Propane tanks
Sterno
Weed killer
Perishables
Food, plants or living things that may die or spoil in transit:
Frozen foods
Plants
Produce Refrigerated foods
Open or half used foods
Not recommended
Items of personal importance or sentimental value:
Stamp or coin collections
Deeds or wills
Moving documents
Family photographs Furs
Securities
Cash
Valuable jewelry
Here's a list of the items you'll be using on moving day—at your old place and your new place. Reserve a carton for these last-minute items, plus other things you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new home.
Toiletries (soap, shampoo, razors, etc.)
First-aid kit
Aspirin or pain reliever
Medications and eyeglasses
Box cutter or knife
Tape and dispenser
Work gloves
Scissors
Extension cords, batteries
Basic cleaning supplies and paper towels
Coffee maker or instant coffee/tea
Powdered milk/creamer and sugar
Snacks
Disposable plates, cups and eating utensils
Pet supplies
Plastic trash bags
Light bulbs
Flashlight
Bedding and linens
Alarm clock
Local phone book
Screwdriver and hammer
Map of the new area
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
