8 Essential Supplies for Your Next Move

It takes a lot of moving supply material for a successful move. If you’re moving soon, it’s important to start collecting the materials needed to make your relocation happen. Below are eight essential supplies that most people need when they decide to make a residential move.

1. Boxes of Various Sizes

You’ll need large, medium, and small boxes of good quality. 

If you hire a moving company, they can help you determine how many and what size boxes you need. Additionally, you can buy the boxes from them. Although it might seem pricey, moving companies also provide specialty boxes designed for things like dishes and glassware. These will help prevent damage to your belongings during the move.

2. Padding for Fragile Items

Fragile items need to be specially wrapped, or they can break during your move. Having a variety of padding materials can help ensure that you’ll have the correct type of material when you need it. Some examples of padding:

  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing peanuts
  • Packing paper

You can use materials you have at home like towels or newspaper, but remember that towels can get flattened and may not be as soft as you need, while newspaper can get ink on anything it’s wrapped around.

3. Scissors

You’ll need several pairs of scissors for cutting packing tape and opening boxes when it’s time to unpack. Buy several pairs of scissors to keep around the house in different locations while packing. This way, you won’t have to share scissors with someone else from your household.

4. Packing Tape

Packing tape goes fast when you’re taping up boxes. Buy packing tape in cases of half a dozen or a dozen just to ensure you have the necessary packing tape when the time comes. You’ll also need at least one packing tape dispenser or more if multiple people are helping with the packing.

5. Permanent Markers

Permanent markers are essential for labeling boxes. Thick markers are better for making big, bold marks you can easily see on a box.

6. Box Cutter

You’ll want a few box cutters to open your boxes after you’ve reached your destination. Look for box cutters with safety features like a retractable blade to prevent accidents.

7. Tool Kit

You may need to disassemble furniture before the moving truck gets loaded up. For this, you’ll need a basic tool kit set. You can buy a pre-made kit or assemble your own. It’s essential to keep your tools in one space to stay visible, so be sure to use a kit in a container.

8. Stretch Wrap

You can use large rolls of stretch wrap to wrap up your furniture and protect it from damage. Stretch wrap can be challenging to find, but your moving company or home improvement store may sell it.

Find the Right Movers

The best moves involve reputable moving companies. Hire the right movers for the job to make your move a success. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discuss your upcoming relocation.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving

People stressed out about moving often make mistakes that cost them money and cause frustration. Preparation is essential for any significant undertaking in life. And being aware of the things not to do when moving is among the best places to start.

Here are some of the most common mistakes that movers see people make when they move. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a smooth residential move.

1. Failing to Declutter

Decluttering your belongings before your move is critical. Since moving companies base their cost on the amount of stuff you have, decluttering will save you money. Decluttering also has psychological advantages. It allows you to organize quickly and start fresh in your new home, lowering stress.

Decluttering also increases productivity and concentration and lowers blood pressure. It reduces allergies and improves sleep.

Start by creating three piles in each room: one to throw away or recycle, one to give away, and the other to keep. Throw out items you haven’t used in two years or no longer fit. Also, weigh the pros and cons (including cost) of moving items vs. replacing them with new ones.

2. Starting Too Late

Begin planning as soon as you know you’ll move. Interview and book your movers early to get the day you want—ideally, book movers 12 weeks in advance during peak season and eight weeks during non-peak times.

Avoid procrastinating about packing. Packing usually requires several weeks. Having to pack quickly dramatically increases your stress level and the possibility that you’ll fail to pack correctly. If you have to move in a hurry or have a lot of stuff, consider having the mover pack for you.

3. Having Too Few Supplies

You almost always need more boxes than you think. Start saving delivery boxes as soon as you know you’ll move. Ask your mover about obtaining used boxes. While you can always buy extra boxes if you need them, you’ll save money by gathering as many as you can ahead of time.

4. Forgetting to Forward Mail or Connect Utilities

Every moving checklist should include the task of forwarding your mail. You can forward your mail by going in person to the post office or using an online form.

Some people also forget to have utilities connected at their new home or to have them disconnected at the old home. Failing to connect to utilities beforehand may mean spending your first nights in a cold, dark house. Failing to disconnect utilities at your old home means you’ll pay more than you need to.

5. Failing to Measure Furniture

As soon as you have secured your new home, measure each room. Use a pencil and drafting paper or an app to draw a floor plan to scale, including doors and windows. Then, measure your furniture. The last thing you want is to pay to move a big piece of furniture that won’t fit in your new home.

6. Not Making Arrangements for Pets

Pets can quickly become anxious or injured with strangers in the home or heavy furniture being moved in and out. Crate them or leave them with friends or neighbors during the move. Also, pet-proof your new home, removing safety hazards and securing fenced areas. Stick to your feeding and walking routines as closely as possible.

7. Doing Everything Yourself

Moves are complicated and stressful. DIY is tempting; however, DIY moves often result in significant damage to furniture or injuries. Also, the more you try to do yourself, the more stressful the move will be. 

Contact us to find out how we can make your move mistake-free.

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