Packing up your entire life, driving to your new home, and unloading everything is no easy feat. But having the right supplies can make a world of difference. The right supplies ensure that your items are protected, mitigating the risk that you’ll damage your items or injure yourself.
To help streamline the process, this guide to moving supplies provides a comprehensive list of the essentials. Whether you're handling the move yourself or hiring professionals, having the right materials such as moving straps, moving blankets, and a moving dolly can significantly reduce stress and damage to your belongings.
Boxing Up Your Belongings:
- Boxes: The foundation of any move. Moving boxes come in various sizes, so stock up on a good mix. Smaller boxes are ideal for heavy items like books, while larger boxes are great for lighter items like linens.
- Packing Tape: Choose a strong packing tape that won't split under pressure. Consider getting a dispenser for one-handed ease.
- Packing Paper: Packing paper is your multi-purpose hero. Use it to wrap fragile items, fill empty spaces in boxes for stability, and even line drawers and shelves to prevent shifting during transport.
- Bubble Wrap: For extra protection on delicate items like dishes, electronics, and artwork, bubble wrap is your friend.
- Permanent Markers: Label everything. Clearly mark each box with the contents and the room it belongs to at your new place. This will save you a mountain of unpacking headaches.
Protecting Your Possessions:
- Moving Blankets: Invest in a set of moving blankets. These thick, padded wonders protect furniture from bumps and scratches during transport.
- Mattress covers: Moving blankets work well for furniture. But for your mattress, get dedicated mattress covers. They protect against dust, dirt, and moisture during the move better than traditional moving blankets.
- Moving straps or plastic wrap: Moving straps keep furniture pieces secure on the moving truck and prevent drawers and cabinet doors from swinging open. You can also use plastic wrap to keep drawers secure or keep cushions in place on your couch.
Essential Tools and Miscellaneous Supplies:
- Toolkit: A basic toolkit with screwdrivers, a hammer, and wrenches comes in handy for disassembling furniture before loading and reassembling it at your new home.
- Scissors and Utility Knife: These cutting tools are essential for opening boxes, trimming packing materials, and tackling unexpected situations.
- Moving Dolly: A moving dolly will be your best friend, especially if you're tackling a DIY move. It takes the strain off your back when moving heavy boxes and furniture.
- Trash Bags: Moving inevitably generates trash. Pack a good supply of trash bags to keep your moving space organized and dispose of packing materials easily.
- Labels: Don't underestimate the power of labels. Label boxes, furniture pieces, and even appliances to make the unpacking process a breeze. Color-coding your labels by room can take organization to the next level.
- Basic Cleaning Supplies: Cleaning supplies are a must-have. Pack some cleaning basics like paper towels, multi-purpose cleaner, and dish cloths for quick clean-ups.
- Chargers: Moving can be chaotic. Ensure all your essential electronics are charged and that you have all the necessary chargers readily available.
- Snacks and Drinks: Moving is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep yourself and your helpers fueled with easy-to-grab snacks and drinks.
Bonus Tips for the Eco-Conscious Mover
Looking for a more sustainable approach? Here are some swaps you can make:
- Reusable boxes: Instead of buying new boxes, ask friends, family, or local businesses for gently used cardboard boxes.
- Reusable packing Materials: Consider using reusable packing materials like cloth blankets and towels instead of disposable packing paper or bubble wrap.
- Recycle Your Materials: Moving can generate a lot of waste, especially with packing materials. Check out our guide to recycling responsibly after your move.
Leave the Moving Supplies to the Experts
Moving can be overwhelming, with countless details to manage. One less thing to stress is gathering all the necessary supplies. At Bailey's Moving and Storage, we understand the importance of proper packing materials to protect your belongings.
Don't let the hassle of finding and purchasing moving supplies add to your moving day stress—let us handle it for you. We come to every move prepared with the moving straps and moving dolly so you can better focus on the excitement of your journey. Call us today to learn more about our comprehensive moving services or get started with a custom quote online. We're here to make your move as smooth as possible.
Looking for more helpful moving tips? This essential moving checklist is a great place to get started.