Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Pack n Move - tips for a perfect move to another station


Large Cartons/trunks 
Medium Cartons (available easily at canteen stores) 
Small cartons 
Bubble wrap (Delhi is a good place to get it in bulk)
Corrugated rolls / Corrugated sheets
Brown paper sheets
Wax paper for new furniture/ unused sarees or bedsheets)
Packing tapes (duct)
Plastic twine
Knife , scissors 
Marker
Packing inventory form
Handle With Care, Glass & Arrow stickers
A dairy to make lists of things (very important)




Start packing several weeks before your move date - Do not do it in the last minute. 
Begin with things you use less frequently, such as books, knick knacks etc.
Clearly identify what things you want to pack or leave behind
Keep away all import documents, keys, jewellery.
Pack one room at a time, marking each box with a description of its contents and destination (i.e. kitchen, master bed).
Small & tiny goods take more time to pack than large ones.
Do not pack any perishables, fluids, chemicals, dangerous goods or explosive goods.
Do not pack fragile items with heavy items
Do not pack incompatible items (like books with glasses)
Do not make the carton boxes too heavy.
When assembling the cartons, Reinforce the bottom of all boxes with packing tape to prevent contents from falling out of the bottom. 
Put heavy items in small boxes and light items in large boxes. 
Keep heavy items at the bottom & light items on the top.
Fill each carton up to its capacity and make sure top and sides of boxes do not bulge or sag. Under-packed boxes may collapse and over-packed boxes may tear.
Use packing paper to fill empty space in cartons to prevent shifting and breakage. 
Do not to compromise with packing materials. They are far cheaper than broken or damaged belongings.
Use "FRAGILE" labels on boxes with breakable items. This will alert movers to handle with care. 
Do not use packing tape directly on furniture, electrical etc. Then are difficult to remove.




1) Books should be packed in small cartons.
2) Polythene should be used for lining in the carton.
3) The books should be kept flat.
4) Fill empty space in the carton with paper to prevent inside the carton.
5) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.

1) Clothes & Linen should be packed in large cartons.
2) Polythene should be used for lining in the carton.
3) Clothes/Linen should be folded and neatly placed inside the carton.
4) Place moth balls to keep contents free from insects (For long voyage or storage)
5) Perfume / Sandalwood sachets can be provided to keep your goods smelling fresh (For long voyage or storage).
6) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room 9 destination on the package for identifications.



1) Wrap all small crockery and other small articles with thick brown paper.
2) Use bubble wrap in case items is very delicate.
3) Use corrugated rolls is case item is large for additional protection.
4) Plates must be individually packed with brown paper and if plates are large or heavy, a set of 5 to 10 plates should be pack with corrugated rolls.
5) The packed items should then be placed in strong medium sized cartons.
6) The bottom & top of the cartons should be taped and properly padded with paper & corrugated rolls or sheets.
7) Plates and Long items like Stem glass / bottles should be kept vertically in the cartons to avoid breakage in transit.
8) Proper padding with paper should be given between the items and to prevent shaking of the items inside the carton.
9) Mark package with fragile/glass/handle with care stickers
10) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.
11) Crating is advisable.

1) Use original packing if available & refer owner's manual for instructions.
2) Disconnect cords.
3) If original packing not available first wrap with polythene to protect from dust/scratches.
4) Wrap with bubble wrap for cushioning
5) Wrap with corrugated rolls or sheets for added protection
6) Finally place the TV in a strong carton.
7) Don't forget to pack the remote & cables along with the TV.
8) Secure cartons with tape.
9) Secure with twine or straps for larger TV.
10) Mark package with glass/handle with care stickers
11) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.
12) Crating is strongly advised.

1) Use original packing if available & refer owner's manual for instructions
2) Make a drawing of the wiring & disconnect cords. Mark each wiring separately.
3) Remove all Cassettes / CD / VCD / DVD from the player.
4) If original packing is not available first wrap all components with polythene to protect from dust/scratches.
5) Wrap with bubble wrap for cushioning
6) Wrap with corrugated rolls or sheets for added protection
7) Finally place the components in strong cartons.
8) Don't forget to pack the remote & cables along with the music system.
9) Secure cartons with tape.
10) Secure with twine or straps for larger music systems.
11) Mark package with glass/handle with care stickers
12) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.
13) Crating is strongly advised.

1) Take a backup of the Hard-disk.
2) Use original packing if available.
3) Disconnect cords & mark each wiring separately (Make a drawing of the wiring if required).
4) If original packing not available first wrap all components with polythene to protect from dust/scratches.
5) Wrap with bubble wrap for cushioning
6) Wrap with corrugated rolls or sheets for added protection
7) Finally place the components in strong cartons.
8) Don't forget to pack the cables along with the computer.
9) Secure cartons with tape.
10) Secure with twine or straps if box are large.
11) Mark package with glass/handle with care stickers
12) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.
13) Crating is strongly advised.



1) Disconnect cords and drain out the water.
2) Clean the washing machine/ dryer completely.
3) Bolt the drums & provide padding to ensure that there is no movement of the drums while in transit. 
4) Tape down all other loose parts both on the inside and the outside like electrical cord 
5) Secure doors from opening during transit.
6) In top loading Washing Machine ensure padding is given between the tub or drum with corrugated rolls or cushions/towels to avoid shaking. 
7) Wrap with polythene to protect from dust/scratches
8) Wrap with 2 ply corrugated rolls or 3 ply corrugated sheets to provide padding
9) Secure with twine or straps for heavy washing machine
10) Mark package with fragile/glass/handle with care stickers (if required)
11) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.
12) Crating is strongly advised.

1) Empty contents and defrost the fridge at least 24 hours before packing.
2) Empty the drainage pan underneath and disconnect and drain out the automatic ice maker.
3) Clean the fridge completely including walls, drawers, shelves & freezer and ensure that the is no water or food particles left behind
4) Some refrigerators have "levelling rollers," which are wheels that raise and lower each corner of the refrigerator so it is even. Check your manual to see whether you should raise or lower them for the move.
5) Pack the shelves with corrugated rolls (especially if they are glass) and tape them together. 
6) Tape down all other loose parts both on the inside and the outside like electrical cord 
7) Secure drawers & doors from opening during transit.
8) For Refrigerators with lock/keys, lock the fridge and place the key in an envelope or plastic bag and tie it to the tie the handle of the door. 
9) Refrigerators should be moved empty. Do not fill it with clothes or linen.
10) Wrap with polythene to protect from dust/scratches
11) Wrap with 2 ply corrugated rolls or 3 ply corrugated sheets to provide padding 
12) Secure with twine or straps for heavy fridge
13) Mark package with fragile/glass/handle with care stickers (if required)
14) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.
15) Crating is strongly advised.
16) NOTE: FRIDGE SHOULD ALWAYS BE MOVED VERTICALLY WHEN LOADING/UNLOADING

1) Disconnect the cords (It is advisable that a professional electrician does this)
2) If air conditioner is in use, allow 24 hours before for coils can dry and cool off.
3) Remove and clean or replace the filter.
4) Disconnect cords / tape the cord to the side of the air conditioner (not the back, where the coils are).
5) Tape down all other loose parts both on the inside and the outside like electrical cord 
6) Wrap with polythene to protect from dust/scratches
7) Provide adequate padding for the Control panels & coils
8) Wrap with 2 ply corrugated rolls or 3 ply corrugated sheets to provide padding
9) Use strong corrugated boxes if available.
10) Secure with twine or straps for heavy air-conditioners
11) Mark package with fragile/glass/handle with care stickers (if required)
12) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.
13) Crating is strongly advised.

1) Dismantle furniture if possible & if easy.
2) Place bolt, nuts or screws in envelopes or plastic bags and tape to underside of furniture.
3) Fill empty spaces on sofa with light cushions / linen / soft toys
4) Place silica gel to absorb moisture (For long voyage or storage).
5) Place moth balls to keep items free from insects (For long voyage or storage)..
6) Wrap with Brown Paper or wax coated paper to protect polished surfaces
7) Wrap with polythene to protect from dust/scratches
8) Wrap with 2 ply corrugated rolls or 3 ply corrugated sheets to provide padding
9) Secure with twine or straps for heavy items
10) Mark package with fragile/glass/handle with care stickers (if required)
11) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.



1) Empty contents. 
2) Dismantle furniture if dismantling is possible and if easy. Pack dismantled components separately.
3) Place bolts, nuts, screws, lock, keys in envelopes or plastic bags and tape to underside of furniture.
4) Secure drawers from opening during transit.
5) If handles protrude and are delicate, handles should be removed and placed on the inside of the furniture.
6) Fill empty spaces on cupboard with very light cushions / linen /soft toys if required. Avoid if the furniture is heavy.
7) Place silica gel to absorb moisture (For long voyage or storage).
8) Place moth balls to keep items free from insects (For long voyage or storage).
9) Wrap with Brown Paper or wax coated paper to protect polished surfaces
10) Wrap with polythene to protect from dust/scratches
11) Wrap with 2 ply corrugated rolls or 3 ply corrugated sheets to provide padding
12) Secure with twine or straps for heavy items
13) Mark package with fragile/glass/handle with care stickers (if required)
12) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.

1) Wraps mirrors or glass with bubble wrap.
2) Wrap with corrugated rolls or corrugated sheets to provide padding
3) Secure with twine or straps for heavy items
4) Mark package with fragile/glass/handle with care stickers.
5) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.
6) Crating is strongly advised.
7) NOTE: MIRRORS & GLASS SHOULD ALWAYS BE HANDLED & MOVED VERTICALLY

1) Place a tissue paper or butter paper on the surface of the painting
2) If painting has glass, tape the surface of the glass using cellophane tape across corners & centres in an "X" & "+" mark. If the glass cracks in transit, this will hold the broken glass pieces together & prevents them from tearing the painting. 
3) Wrap with bubble wrap for cushioning
4) Wrap with 2 ply corrugated rolls or 3 ply corrugated sheets to provide padding
5) Use picture boxes if available.
6) Secure with twine or straps for paintings
7) Mark package with fragile/glass/handle with care stickers (if required)
8) Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.
9) Crating is strongly advised.



1) Suits & Dresses should be packed in either flat suit carton or Hanging Suit carton.
2) Flat Suit Carton
a. Polythene should be used for lining in the carton.
b. Suits/ Dresses should be folded and neatly placed inside the carton.
c. Place moth balls to keep contents free from insects (For long voyage or storage).
e. Perfume / Sandalwood sachets can be provided to keep your goods smelling fresh. (For long voyage or storage).
f. Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.
3) Hanging suit carton
a. Carton Should be assembled
b. Polythene should be used for lining in the carton.
c. Suits/ Dresses should be hung on hanging bar neatly using hangers.
d. Silica gel should be used to avoid moisture. (For long voyage or storage).
e. Place moth balls to keep contents free from insects (For long voyage or storage).
f. Perfume / Sandalwood sachets can be provided to keep your goods smelling fresh. (For long voyage or storage).
g. The hangers should be sealed on the hangers using packing tape to prevent them from falling off.
h. The suit carton should again be sealed properly & moved vertically to ensure that the suits do not fall of the hangers in side
i. Mark owner name, package number, contents, room & destination on the package for identifications.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

BOOK REVIEW- The Love Asana by Milan Vohra


Synopsis: Vivan Parasher has waited patiently for revenge. But when he getsit he feels the Dewan family still owe him more. Then the beautiful sister of his nemesis walks into his office, willing to do anything to save her brotherfrom Vivan's vengeance?


A notorious playboy, Vivan could certainlybenefit from a wife on his arm, and Pari is the perfect candidate. If he didn't have proof that she's as bad as the rest of her family Vivan might even feel atwinge of guilt at his shocking proposal!


But it's only when he slips his ring on Pari's finger that he realises the extent of his mistake.

My Take: 

What makes a boy meets girl kind of stories evergreen? Perhaps Mills and boons symbolizes the fact that love rules no matter what the circumstances. 

The Love Asana epitomizes the same feeling. A rich bachelor Vivan Parasher has been looking forward to take revenge from a man (Deepak) who has got his sister pregnant and abandoning her without knowing the fact. Ten years later Vivan finds himself taking over the company of Deepak, relishing the fact that he would be the one to destroy him. But then he meets Deepak's beautiful sister, Pari, a Yoga instructor who has a tainted past as well and Vivan knew that he would want to destroy Pari as well. The attraction is instant and his desire for her increases, well reciprocated by Pari. 
They get married on the terms that Vivan would save Deepak's company and thus follows a series of events that makes Vivan realize that Pari is not as he thought she was. 

What I liked more than the story was the language that Ms Vohra has used engaging the readers in the sensuality of the two main characters. Somehow reading M n B with indian characters was different too. There was the adrak wali chai that makes us connect with the heroine and the hero being nostalgic about puris that he had shared with his only sister. He is a strong emotional character that he utilizes to make big in his life.


A read for a long journey home or something that you can enjoy on those lonely nights...

The Love Asana makes an interesting read for all the romance fanatics...

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

An excerpt of Love Me In The End


PROLOGUE



“You did what!”
Lying on the bed Vidhya Melhera glared helplessly at her husband, Amitab, “Why!”
Shush”, Taking off his shirt and discarding it carelessly on a nearby chair, Amitab walked towards his wife of thirteen years, “You will wake up the whole house”.
“Amitab…if you don’t tell me right now what’s going on…I swear I will wake up the whole house”, her eyes narrowed dramatically, making her face look years younger.
She was beautiful, Amitab Melhera concluded as he pulled the sheets over the bed and slid in, “It was the best thing to do”.
“Best thing to do?” Rising, Vidhya threw her pillow at him, hitting him squarely on his chest, “If you think I’m going to feel happy about it then think twice Mr. Know-it-all”
“You should”, Amitab Melhera bantered back with an amused smile playing around his lips, “Ria is almost sixteen now…and I couldn’t think of a better person for her…”
“It’s the twenty first century Amitab! Girls don’t get married when they are sixteen!”
“Vidhya…”, Amitab threw the pillow back at her, deliberately hitting her on her breasts, that bounced back enticingly, “I’m not getting Ria married…just engaged”.
Glaring at his tactics, Vidhya fell back on the bed, staring glumly at the ceiling, “But why?”
“Today’s generation”, he replied shrugging helplessly, “I can’t trust them anymore”.
“Are you saying that you don’t trust my daughter?”
Shush!” he rested his head close to her and pulled a few strands of hair playfully, “Our daughter Vidhya. I know I’m not her father but I do love her more than a real father would. I have seen her grow…how can you forget that?”
Yes, how could she forget that? Vidhya felt a sharp twinge, hurting for him. She shouldn’t have told him that. Amitab might be years older than her but his mind and heart worked just like a child’s would. Even though it was second marriages from both their sides Vidhya knew that she has not loved anyone as she loved Amitab now.
“I’m sorry”, she whispered. To Vidhya he did not look more than thirty. But Amitab Melhera was fifty-two now. Apart from the slight greying at his temples Amitab could lure a girl of nineteen years right into his bed. Smiling at her silly musings and feeling possessive about her husband, she traced his lips slowly, “But Ria is so young…”
“I know. That’s why I want to protect her”, He said and she believed him, “Already I can see she is at that delicate stage where boys…”, he grimaced as he continued, “young boys are going to bait her and when the time comes I don’t want to stay at home worrying for her…”
“She might choose wisely”, Vidhya contradicted quietly.
“Oh…I don’t think I want to know what’s wise according to her”, he teased her, “And the person I have chosen for her is very good…he is already working in his father’s office and in a few more years he would be heading the New York office all by himself”.
“Don’t you believe in love marriages then? It happens you know…boy meets girl or vice versa and they do fall in love…like we did…take Tanvi and Pratinav”, Vidhya voiced slowly. Now both of them were married and happy.
Pratinav was Amitab’s son from his first wife. And Tanvi was her cousin. It was a love match right from the start.
And thinking back about Tanvi’s old life where she had been abused by a drunkard father; Vidhya couldn’t have felt happier for her.
“I don’t blame them”, Amitab said with a wry smile, “They are meant for each other but I don’t want to make any guy easy to rope Ria just because I believed in love marriage and if you haven’t forgotten this is America and I’m not poor”.
“Sometimes I wish I was back in India”, Vidhya sighed, “Everything would be simple then”.
“Everything is simple”, Amitab Melhera grinned, “And Arman is someone I trust blindly”.
“Ha!” Vidhya ran her fingers through his hair and pulled his mouth closer to hers, tantalizing him with each breath she took, “What if she hates you for this?”
Amitab Melhera swallowed hard as his gaze narrowed on her full plump lips, “I-I’ll think of something”.
“Like what?”
“Let’s just say…”, he murmured throatily as he slowly traced her malleable lips with the tip of his tongue, “I don’t plan to tell her until she finds out”.

Are things as simple as Amitab Melhera says it is? To know what happens further...buy LOVE ME IN THE END.

To buy LOVE ME IN THE END do log on to Flipkart : 
http://www.flipkart.com/love-me-end-sonia-kundra-book-8183520812?ref=b142e629-0b9f-42dd-a744-8c95fb3a7ed1