Posts Tagged packing supplies

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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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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