Need a Mover?
Just fill out a short form.
Get free quotes from certified moving companies.
You are just a click away from saving up to 70% on your move!
Get Your FreeQuotes
Preparing to move can be a huge job, no matter how much or how little you have to move with you. However, if you have the right materials to pack and move, it can take a job that is overwhelming and make it a bit less stressful. Most of us don’t have time to find the perfect packing equipment for every item, but there are some supplies that will make things easier on you.
Everyone knowns that you need boxes to pack your things in, but do you know which ones to acquire? Large moving boxes can be great for large items, but you will also need small and medium boxes for heavier and bulkier items. One helpful tip is to check with a local liquor store. They often have empty boxes with dividers inside, which is great for packing all your own glassware. In addition, be sure not to under or overpack as it makes the moving process a bit harder.
You will need tape to keep all of your boxes sealed, but you may want to have a few types around for different things. Shipping tape is optimal for sealing boxes, while masking tape can work well for labelling boxes. If you have some heavy boxes, duct tape might be a good option. You may also want painter’s tape for projects in your new home. Get a couple of rolls of each kind of tape you’ll be using, along with some scissors and box cutters for the unpacking.
Having some high-quality markers for labelling your boxes is really important. You can use colored markers to code each box to a certain room if you want to make the unpacking process a bit easier. The movers simply move all moving boxes with one color into a specific room. This also lets you know everything is placed where it should end up, making it easier to unbox later on.
You will probably need material to keep fragile items safe while moving. You can buy bubble wrap or packing paper at many stores, but you can also use old newspapers or even clothing, sheets, and blankets if you want. It’s really up to you how comfortable you feel with the various options.
These are the most important things that nearly every person needs to move. However, there are many other things you might want to consider, depending on your family needs.
This is only a sample of items that can make the moving process much easier on you. If you are hiring a company to move your items, you may need very few of the checklist items as the company will supply things like dollies, gloves, and back braces. However, it is a good idea to see what comes with your move and what will require an extra charge. It’s often cheaper to acquire things on your own if that’s possible in your situation.
Even if you feel you won’t need many materials to move, it’s best to get them as quickly in the process as you can. Scrambling around later is going to be stressful and make the whole move harder than it needs to be.