Archive for category Packing Tips

Packing Supplies for ANY Move

Packing Supplies

If you’ve watched any of your neighbors move in recent years, you’ve probably seen a whole spectrum of packing supplies be used.  There’s the family that goes way over the top with half a dozen dollies, a giant moving truck, and enough bubble wrap and packing paper for 15 moves.  Then there’s the other family who grabs used grocery store boxes, throws their stuff in, and hopes for the best.  Fortunately for you, there are a few standard packing supplies that fit any move, regardless of your specific needs…

1. Bubble wrap

This is a must for anyone moving items that can be broken by anything harder than a light bump.  You would probably be amazed at how easy it is for your favorite bowl or vase to end up in pieces from even a relatively gentle van ride.  A layer of bubble wrap is just what those breakables need to survive their journey.  And don’t be reluctant to add an extra layer for any especially prized items.

2. Moving blankets

Consider these a type of bubble wrap for your larger items.  Wooden furniture is in special need of protection during your move, as items that jostle or bump against it can cause scratches or gouges.  Moving blankets help soften the blow of any unexpected shifting in the back of your moving truck.  Like many other packing supplies, moving blankets are also versatile.  Before covering your furniture, try using your moving blankets as “moving rugs” underneath some heavier (well-balanced) items, allowing you to safely drag them along.

3. Packing tape

You also might be surprised how many people never bother to tape their moving boxes before loading them up.  Your moving boxes simply are not fully protective with an tapeless top.  Items inside are much more likely to shift without tape, not to mention the mess you’ll find if any of your untaped boxes tips over.  Give your items that last loving touch with some high quality packing tape right across the top of those moving boxes.  And, when in doubt, double-tape the bottom of especially heavy boxes.  Your toes will appreciate it.

Your move will likely require some other specialty packing supplies not on this list, but these three cornerstones of moving should get you started on the right track.

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Moving Equipment, Supplies, Etc.

Moving Equipment Supplies

Moving day coming up?  Feeling overwhelmed yet?  If it’s any consolation, you are not alone.  Far from it.  With all the planning and organization that goes into a moving day, it can feel like a whole other full-time job.  You’ve got moving boxes to find, moving supplies to buy, you have to figure out if you need a mover or just a big group of helpful friends.  Before you get lost in the details, take a moment to read a few of our helpful moving day tips…

1. A little pre-planning…

…goes a long way.  Hopefully this tip isn’t reaching you too late.  It’s never too early to begin planning your move.  You can pack away some seasonal clothes you know you won’t need again before your move, for example.  Or maybe you want to line up a babysitter to watch the kids on moving day.  You will also want to get a jump on determining your specific needs for moving supplies.  Nothing can ruin a moving day quicker than running out of an essential like bubble wrap or packaging tape.

2. Pack light

Like most of us, you may have the mentality of “quick and painless” for your move.  You just want to have as few boxes as possible and get them moved as quickly as possible.  Taking this approach to an extreme can leave you with regrets, especially if you open up your boxes and find damaged or broken valuables inside.  Take the time to pack your items right and just remember that it’s ok to leave your boxes a little lighter.  It’ll make it easier on you and your stuff come moving day, that’s for sure.

3. Buy strong

When it comes to purchasing moving equipment, supplies, and any other items you may need for the big day, don’t cut corners.  If you think you need bubble wrap for especially fragile items, then get the bubble wrap.  The last thing you want is to have your first day in your new house or apartment be spoiled by a broken mess in your moving boxes.  Your items deserve to be protected during your move with first-rate moving supplies.

Overall, just keep your wits about you and moving day does not have to be overly stressful…especially if you’re ready for it.

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5 Moving Tips For A Hassle Free Move

moving tipsMoving is far from an enjoyable task; although the thought of moving to your dream house is exciting, the actual process of moving can be very stressful and can ruin your excitement altogether. In order to save you from the hassles of moving, here are some tips that came from experienced movers. Thankfully, a lot of people have gone through the process of moving and we can all learn from their experiences.

Get rid of things you don’t need

Before thinking of packing, look around your house and decide which things you want to keep and which items can be disposed of. Generally, houses are full of clutter and unused items that will only make your move even more stressful. Having a garage sale usually takes care of this problem; which is good because you get to earn extra during the process. You can also donate the items if you’re feeling charitable.

Empty your pantry

Pack as little food as possible. What you want to do is lessen your grocery shopping at least a month before your scheduled move so you have time to consume canned goods and other packed food that you may have.

Create a checklist

One of the reasons why moves turn into a disaster is lack of order. The process is difficult enough so you’d want to be as organized as possible. Create a “To-Do” list and schedule ahead to avoid stress.

Start packing weeks before your move

Don’t wait until the last minute before you pack. An average room takes about 5 hours to pack so just think of the time needed if you are packing a 5 bedroom house. Add to that the time needed to pack your kitchen, living room, etc…

Properly label your boxes

Knowing which goes where is important and will make unpacking easier. Clearly label the boxes and put notes on it so you’ll know what’s in them in just one look. You can also create priority by labeling those that need to be unpacked first in red.

Moving is a mind game and the better you plan it the easier it will be for you. Your goal is to make the move as organized as possible so it takes less time and effort.

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Packing Supplies – What Packing Supplies Do I Need?

packing suppliesDetermining the things you’ll need when preparing for a move can be difficult, sometimes we think that we have everything we need when in fact we don’t. This is where the hassle and stress starts, you’ll find yourself walking to and fro and searching frantically for things because the movers will be arriving soon. Being unprepared especially when packing is a nightmare and things can only get worse. To help you out, I listed packing supplies that you’ll need.

Moving boxes

Extra Large (23×23x16) – These super large boxes are perfect for packing comforters, pillows, blankets, clothes, and other light yet bulky items.

Large (20×20x15) – Perfect for packing items like lamps, stereos, computers, and other large items.

Medium (18×14x12) – These are easy to carry boxes and perfect for packing books, collectibles, kitchen wares, memorabilias, and other items. You can even store clothes in them.

Wardrobe boxes (24×24x40) – I actually call them a moving closet since you can hang dresses in them. Perfect for storing dresses and seasonal clothes. This also prevents dreaded wrinkles since you don’t have to fold your clothes during the move.

Kitchen moving boxes (18×18x22) – Delicate kitchen items need extra care when moving so make sure to use kitchen moving boxes as they are reinforced and heavy-duty.

Tape and Dispenser

Securely taping your boxes is important. I suggest taping the bottom of the box before packing to reinforce it. Also, make sure that you are using a moving tape as they are more flexible and durable than ordinary household tapes.

Bubble Wrap and Stretch Wrap

Wrap fragile items such as vases, china’s, glass wares, etc… with bubble wrap and protect tables, sofas, and dressers with a stretch wrap.

Packing paper

Used to fill empty spaces and provide extra cushion. Crumple the paper and insert it into any extra space in your moving box. This is to prevent the items from bumping off each other during the move. Some people use old newspapers as packing papers but the ink tends to rub off and into some of the items.

Mattress covers

Prevents your mattress from getting all grimy and dusty during the move. Mattress covers are available in twin, queen, and kings sizes.

Moving blankets and pads

These are designed to protect large items that won’t fit in a box.

Markers

Used to label moving boxes.

Those are the essentials when moving or when preparing to move.

Tip: Make sure that all your boxes are ready and properly labeled before the moving guys arrive, you do pay them by the hour and having them wait outside is a waste of money.


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Moving Supplies You Shouldn’t Be Without

moving suppliesMoving can be a hassle if you do not have the right moving supplies available for use, imagine having to run to and from a store every time you realize that you are missing something important. In order to avoid this, you have to prepare essential moving supplies before hand. Do not assume that you have everything you need until you have checked that everything is indeed in place. Here are some important things that you need when moving.

Moving boxes – These are probably the most important moving supplies that you’ll need. These are specialized boxes that are used specifically for moving, they come in various sizes and are readily available at your local moving supply store. Don’t make the mistake of using old boxes at your house just to save a few dollars, used boxes are not sturdy and will not provide the much needed support, especially when you start stacking boxes on top of them.

Bubble wrap – Breakable items such as porcelain vases, glass jars, mirrors, and other electronic items like laptops should be wrapped in a bubble wrap before being placed in a box. This is to make sure that they don’t break during the move.

Packaging tape – Make sure to seal your moving boxes with a packaging tape to prevent items from falling off during the move. Your things could scatter inside the moving van and that’s something that you don’t want to happen.

Marker – Labeling your moving boxes is very important. There’s nothing more stressful than having 10 or 20 anonymous boxes right in front of you. Label the boxes after you fill them up and it’s also wise to pack related items together.

Edge protectors – These are used to protect edges, as the name suggests, and are used with tables and other furniture. Bumps and grinds when moving are unavoidable so better be prepared.

Moving supplies play a big role in making your move efficient and hassle free so preparing them beforehand is important. What I always do is I list down everything that I need before going to a moving supply store, this saves me from a trip backs due to forgotten items. I suggest you do the same or just purchase moving kits as they generally have everything you need.

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Moving Boxes – Tips for a Smooth Move

moving boxes

Many people think that an efficient moving company is all it takes to make a move quick and smooth. In a way that is correct but there are a lot of things that you can do to make things easier for you and the moving company. You do pay them by the hour so the faster the move is the less money you’ll pay.

One of the areas where you have most control of is how you make use of your moving boxes, it may not have crossed your mind but moving boxes do play a big role in making a move smooth and efficient. Here are a few tried and tested moving tips that I know you’ll love.

  • Make sure to use moving boxes correctly – Just because a moving box is large, it doesn’t mean that you have to put large and heavy items in it. How will you be able to lift it? In general, heavy items should be placed in small boxes, usually by themselves as this makes it easier for the movers to lift it. While light items like pillows can be placed in large boxes.
  • Label the moving boxes – You wouldn’t want to make a mess at your new home because you couldn’t find things that you need. The key to a smooth transition is order, so knowing which ones go to the kitchen, to the dining room, and to the other parts of the house is essential.
  • Fill empty spaces with crumpled newspapers – You’d want to completely fill up your moving boxes to avoid things from moving and getting destroyed while in transit. Plus, boxes are stronger when completely filled.
  • Seal off your moving boxes before the movers arrive – This is to make sure that everything is set and ready to go, remember, you pay by the hour so time spent taping off your boxes while the movers wait is a waste of money. And your items could fly off the boxes and get damaged if ever the boxes are moved while still open.

Moving is fun and exciting but it could also be frustrating if planning and preparation is done poorly. Your goal is to make the move efficient and orderly so following the tips above is a must.

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Moving Boxes and Supplies – What Do I Really Need?

Moving Boxes and Supplies

With the ever-expanding selection of moving boxes and supplies available these days, it can be hard to figure out what you really need to complete your next big move.  Do you buy a minimum of extra large moving boxes, hoping to move your things in as few boxes as possible?  Do you load up on bubble wrap and packing paper so you can individually wrap each fragile item?  These and countless other questions are common to any move.  Thankfully, there are several moving tips available to help you figure things out for your upcoming moving day.

Be protective…

First and foremost, always keep in mind that moving boxes and supplies are about more than just transporting your items from one home to another.  They also must keep your valuables safe and undamaged during transport.  With this in mind, you will want to consider adding some moving supplies to protect your items after you have packed them away.  Items such as bubble wrap, tissue paper, and moving blankets can go a long way in preventing damage from a bumpy road, shifting boxes, etc.  Even the lightest taps of glass-on-glass can easily shatter kitchenware or a treasured heirloom.

Downsize…

During your move, you will not only want to protect your items, but also yourself and your movers.  One of the main mistakes made during a move is to load up very large and cumbersome moving boxes with heavy items.  This can result in awkward and uncomfortable lifting, often leading to an injury on your moving day.  Very large moving boxes are great for lighter items like pillows or blankets, while heavier items should be packed into smaller boxes that will be easier to lift.  This approach can also be safer for your items, as you will be able to easily fill voids with packing material.

Don’t cut corners…

You have put some much time and energy into your move; resist the temptation to cut corners when you are finishing up each box.  Take the time to get moving supplies to help you seal and label each moving box.  Heavy duty packaging tape and large permanent markers allow you to securely close and clearly label each and every moving box.  These moving supplies help protect your items by keeping your moving boxes sealed and indicating any fragile contents within.  They may also save you time during unpacking, as each moving box can be placed in the room it is needed.

Personalize…

Every move is different, and everyone’s specific need for moving boxes and supplies is different.  Just keep the above tips in mind during your next move and you will be off to a good start.  Take the time to look through the moving boxes and moving supplies available and determine if you truly have a need for each item.

Once you know what you need, you can get your move started Today!

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Wardrobe Moving Boxes to Complete Your Move

Wardrobe Moving Boxes

Out of sight, out of mind…

One of the main overlooked category of items during a move is clothing.  We often think first of larger items like furniture or appliances.  More conspicuous stacks of books or kitchenware often gain priority in our thoughts and planning.  Even when well planned for, clothing items can be bulky and difficult to pack away.

Clothing explosion…

When it comes to moving, it may seem that your clothing has multiplied inside your closet.  Nearly everyone underestimates the time and space required to pack up the clothes hanging in their closets.  You may find yourself quickly filling up the moving boxes you thought would easily cover your whole house.  Even the boxes you do fill are likely inadequate storage for your clothing.  Upon unpacking, you are likely to discover your clothing in a wrinkled, disheveled mess.  Attempting to transport your clothes outside of your moving boxes is likely to result in similar results as they slide around your vehicle during moving.

Everything in its place…

Before you use up all your moving boxes on clothing or resort to simply stacking your clothes in your moving van or the back of your car, take a look at convenient and durable wardrobe moving boxes.  Wardrobe moving boxes are large enough to handle a good portion of your hanging clothes and come with a heavy duty metal hanging bar.  This allows you to conveniently and confidently transfer your closet contents into one of these durable specialty moving boxes.  The durability of wardrobe moving boxes offers the added bonus of long-term storage once you arrive at your new home and decide the box containing your leisure suits and bell bottoms doesn’t need to be unpacked right away.

Get control over your closet contents and complete your move with wardrobe moving boxes Today!

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What to Know Before Hiring Movers

You’ve heard it before, right? ” 9/10 psychologists agree…”Moving” is one of the most stressful of all life events”. We cannot find any reliable source that disagrees with this statement.

If you are a seasoned mover or moving for the first time; around the corner, or around the world, you will be able to use the information and services posted here to Reduce the Stress of Your Move and, hopefully, the costs as well.

Our Vision is to become your Official Moving Research Headquaters.

Although it will take some time to for us to develop fully, over the next several months, we will be adding more and more content, services and tools for you to leverage during your moving process.

Our goal is for this blog to become an interactive experience and a community where quality service providers and consumers can connect and use for their respective purposes. We are going to work with service providers to provide our readers promotions and incentives to make this the Official Online Moving and Relocation Headquarters.

We are working with one of the leading sources for quality discount moving supplies, MovingDayBoxes.Com to launch their “Select-a-Quote” Moving Services Quotation Marketplace. If you are looking for the best quality moving supplies at the best possible price, they’re our provider of choice for moving supplies.

The First Question we will Tackle:

How do I Find and Select QUALITY Moving Service Providers?

The answer to this question is Caveat Emptor (”Buyer Beware”); before you can select the moving services that have the right balance between competitive price and quality…you need to know how these services are currently regulated.

Who is regulated and who is not?

What happens if I do not have a written quote?

What is the difference in my rights on a local move vs. Interstate?

Who provides the insurance I need?

How much insurance do I need?

How do I prove that an item has been damaged?

How do I know what I will be paid if I submit a claim?

What are my options when choosing insurance?

What about insurance sold through the moving service provider?

What am I covered for if I do not add additional insurance?

How do I protect very expensive items, such as Pianos, Art, Collectibles?

Am I protected under my insurance policy if I pack my own boxes?

Are there certain types of boxes I need to use for insurance purposes?

What is the difference between “standard” “stock” boxes vs. non-stock sized boxes?

What happens when I purchase a box that does not meet industry rating standards?

What does smaller size for “ease of use” of the consumer?

Are these suppliers selling boxes that conform to industry rating standards?

How many online stores do this?

What about boxes bought from the large discount Chain Stores?

Is it worth paying a little more to purchase industry standard moving supplies?

What is the claim process?

Who do a file a claim with?

What happens if the Moving Company wants me to pay more when they unload?

What do I do if they say they will not unload the truck unless I pay them the extra amount in cash?

What happens if only part of my items are delivered?

What happens if the moving company does not deliver when they said they would?

What happens if the moving company refuses to release my items from storage?

How long does the moving company and/or insurance carrier have to pay me for damages?

Do they have the right to discount the value of my property based upon age?

Can Insurance refuse to pay me if I do not have a signed inventory upon loading and unloading?

What happens if I do not have time stamped pictures of my property before the move?

What happens if I do not have time stamped pictures of damaged property at time of delivery?

What happens if the moving company claims that the property was damaged when they picked it up?

YES, there is a lot of information we need to know to protect ourselves during the moving process.

All of these questions, and more, are answered within the free download guides we are posting here.

Here’s to a Less Stressful and less Costly move!