Gathering packing supplies is one of the most critical organizational tasks before your residential move. This way, as the big day arrives, you won’t be scurrying around trying to gather everything to put into the moving truck.
You can steadily pack by gathering your supplies in the weeks before your move. This will make your packing more efficient and ensure you stow everything securely with less chance of breakage or creating a chaotic mess at the other end of your move.
Using the right moving supplies will help keep your move organized and less stressful. The following is a general list of what you will need.
Moving Boxes
Various moving boxes are a good idea to ensure you can easily organize, secure, and fit your belongings. The following types help with an easier move:
- Obtain small, medium, and large boxes
- Get a few specialty boxes
- Dishes and glassware boxes with dividers
- Lamp boxes
If you want to keep costs down and reduce the number of items you’ll be moving, plan to pack belongings in suitcases, duffle bags, backpacks, hampers, and laundry baskets, to name a few.
Packing Tape and Dispensers
After you pack your boxes, you’ll want to secure them tightly with durable, quality packing tape. Don’t rely on masking or other lightweight tapes because they can pop open during transport. A refillable tape dispenser makes the job easier and reduces costs.
Cushioning Materials
In many of your boxes, you’ll want to layer and cushion. This way, the items you place inside won’t bump and break. Depending on the items you protect, you’ll probably want to use various cushioning materials.
- Packing paper
- Newspaper (be cautious and don’t wrap paintings or other delicate items that might absorb ink)
- Bubble wrap
- Foam wrap sheets
- Peanuts
Other items you can use include towels, linens, and even clothing, such as sweatshirts, if you want to go a little greener with your move or scale back on moving costs.
Labeling Materials
Labeling is an essential part of the process. After all, you don’t want to have to guess what’s inside each box when you arrive at your new home. Depending on the level of organization you want to achieve, you can label your boxes in a few different ways.
- Use dark, waterproof markers
- Buy color-coded moving stickers (e.g., each room is assigned a specific color)
- Invest in packing tape pre-labeled “fragile” to use for breakables
Whatever method you choose, be sure you understand it and communicate it to your movers. Also, for fragile items, clearly label them for your movers or anyone else handling them.
Miscellaneous Packing Materials
Other packing materials you might want to acquire before you begin loading boxes include:
- Scissors
- Box cutter
- Plastic stretch wrap
- Tool kit
- Moving blanket (for oversized items to avoid scratches)
- Furniture sliders
Also, grab some sandwich or quart-sized baggies. These are great for holding small items, such as jewelry, nuts and bolts, furniture screws, small toys, or other items you want grouped together.
Ready to Schedule Your Move?
Booking early is the best way to save the date you want, along with the best prices. If you have a moving date and are ready to get planning, contact us today for a free quote.