Packing supplies checklist
One crucial stage of every move is packing. The importance of this stage stems from the fact that depending on how well you pack, your items will be more or less protected. That, on the other hand, will depend on picking out the right green packing supplies. Packing your things in weak packing supplies will result in them getting damaged while going all out on costly packing supplies will be a strain on your budget. To help you find a balanced approach, we have compiled an article dealing with the very topic of packing supplies. Read on to find out which ones will be the right for your move.
There is no relocation without packing, and no packing without packing supplies. It is simple and basic math. If professional movers in Rockwall TX are helping you with this chore, you will probably not have to worry about a single thing regarding it. However, if you are venturing into the process of packing on your own, you will need some guidance. In this text, you will find all that you need to know regarding packing supplies. Namely, you will learn what you need to acquire to have the ultimate packing experience.
The most important packing supplies
Whichever way you turn it, you cannot have proper packing without boxes. That makes them top priority on our list. When moving, you want to get them in various sizes. You will use the large and extra-large ones for the biggest items you have, but not the heaviest. It is essential to make that distinction since packing heavy items in larger boxes can lead to a lot of unwanted damage. Big and heavy boxes are especially challenging to handle and super easy to drop.
So, remember to place your heavy belongings in as small boxes as possible. Following the same philosophy, lightweight things can and should go in larger boxes. They will still be easy to move. You can fill them with towels, linens, pillows, blankets, and such.
Acquiring good moving boxes
When setting out to find moving boxes, go to your local grocery and liquor store, as well as clothing warehouses. Liquor stores are particularly neat, as their boxes usually have dividers inside, making them the perfect containers for your glassware. Keep in mind, though, that you only want to take boxes that are odor- and stainless. Anything else can have adverse effects on your possessions. Of course, damaged and crushed boxes are out of the question as well.
When packing your boxes, make sure to fill them, and not a thing more. Overfilling them will result in uneven surfaces, further making the boxes hard to stack. Underfilling, on the other hand, makes them vulnerable to collapse under the weight.
Right after boxes
Ensuring that those quality boxes do not open during transport is relatively easy when you have packing tape. So, you should make sure to stock up on it. In ideal cases, you would get four types of tape:
- shipping tape for sealing boxes
- masking tape for labeling boxes
- duck tape or strapping tape for reinforcing and closing those more massive boxes
- painter’s tape for any immediate painting and frame hanging projects you might have in your home
At least two rolls of each would do great, as this stocking up will ensure you do not run out or lose a roll in this whole hectic period.
Also, you should not forget the scissors and box cutters. Try to have a few pairs of these, especially if you have helpers for the unpacking process.
Packing supplies that enhance the safety of your belongings
Most household relocations require some protective packing materials. Still, you do not have to spend a lot of money to keep your fragile items in their pristine condition. Yes, you can go for some bubble and packing paper when it comes to your most precious items. However, for all the rest, do not restrain from using recycled newsprint, or even your clothing, towels, sheets, and blankets. This kind of approach will save you a significant amount of money.
Besides, you will be killing two birds with one stone: not only will these soft and pliable items you have to keep those fragile trinkets safe, but you will also save on packing space. Neat!
Staying organized
Marking your boxes after you have taped them shut is one of the biggest favors you can do for future you. Not only will you make the whole unpacking process unbelievably easier and faster, but you will also be quick to find anything you might need before the time for complete unpacking arrives.
So, labeling boxes is super important, and not a bit complicated when you have permanent markers and stickers on hand. You can get them in various colors, as some experienced movers, like movers Euless TX do, and establish a color code system, assigning a color to all boxes from one particular room of the house. It is also important to note how this method is also useful when it comes to protecting your valuables. Taping, let’s say, a red sticker on the side of the box will let you know that there are valuables inside, while potential thieves will have no idea what to look for.
Protection gear
Lastly, when it comes to packing supplies, it is essential to keep you safe as well. For this reason, if you are handling the whole moving process on your own, try to get your hands on a hand truck or a dolly. These will be most handy when it comes to those super heavy and bulky items. You will also need a pair of working gloves to protect your hands from any cuts. Rope, twine, tie-downs and bungee cords will do great to keep boxes and furniture in place during transportation.
Moving blankets are also a thing to have, as they will protect furniture, mirrors, and your TV from harm. As for your floors, find felt pads to keep them safe while moving large pieces of furniture. Do not forget to have some necessary cleaning supplies handy, such as a broom, dustpan, sponges, multi-purpose and glass cleaners and paper towels. You will need to clean both your old and new places, and that can be hard without these items.
Planning your packing supplies checklist
One thing that is common for every move is the importance of planning. A well-planned move will help you reduce a lot of that moving stress that is so common in relocations. As we have mentioned, planning out what moving supplies you will need will help you decide what the right kind and amount of packing supplies are for you. Just like with other items in a move, forming a checklist here would be beneficial. It will allow you to check at a glance what supplies you need and what you already obtained.
Another thing you might want to add to your packing supplies checklist is a budget. Deciding on how much you are willing to spend on packing supplies will impact your timetable as well. Some supplies you may have in your home, while others you might need to get. The decision then boils down to if you’re willing to pay for these, or are you going to go hunting for them for free. For example, moving boxes. You might get these from your moving company, or you might go out and find some for free. Even if you know that some of your friends have leftover moving boxes that you can take, getting these will take up some of your time.
The necessary packing supplies
Talking about planning and what to look out for will not help you form a checklist of packing supplies. Instead, we have decided to go through some of the most packing supplies and how they are used. The idea here was to give you an overview and let you form your list, depending on what supplies you need.
Boxes
One of the most common packing supplies that are used in almost every move is boxes. Boxes come in handy in a variety of scenarios, from packing your kitchen to packing your office for relocation. Not only that, they are versatile, coming in all shapes and sizes, but moving boxes are also readily available. If you don’t want to spend time looking for them, you will surely be able to get them from your moving company. On the other hand, if you’re looking to save a buck, many places offer free moving boxes for you to pick up.
Tape
Next up on the list of packing supplies is a tape. You can use this to tape up boxes, but also seal moving bags and other items. For example, you can tape up your shampoo or other bottles to prevent spillage. Just remember that for a move, you will need a more heavy-duty tape. Regular tape that you might use to wrap gifts just won’t cut it. That’s why it’s smart to put packing tape on your list of packing supplies. Not only is this heavy-duty tape more durable, it is more comprehensive than regular tape, meaning you will spend less time taping things up with it. It is also stronger than regular tape, so you will be able to rest easy knowing that the firm grip of packing tape is keeping your items tightly packed.
Scissors and box-cutters
Another thing that you will be used in combination with tape are scissors and/or box cutters. These are essential when packing. They will help you cut the packing tape and to customize the size of other packing supplies. On the other hand, they will also play a significant role in unpacking after the move. Therefore it’s no wonder that no packing supplies checklist is complete without these. Be careful, though, as these are the most dangerous of all the items on this list. Be mindful not to get injured when using these. Also, pay special attention to where you leave them if you have small children. If you’re moving with children, keep them out of reach to avoid your child getting themselves hurt.
Bubble wrap and packing peanuts
Another very common item in almost every relocation is bubble wrap and packing peanuts. These play a protective role in providing cushioning during the move for your more fragile items. These two work best as a combination. For example, packing your kitchen will involve packing certain breakables like glassware and some kitchen appliances. All of these would benefit from being wrapped in bubble-wrap and then being placed in a box filled with packing peanuts. If you’re looking to save a buck on your move, you can use blankets, towels, and crumpled up paper instead of these. While not as effective as bubble wrap and packing peanuts, these still might be sufficient protection for your items during the move.
Gloves
Another item that should be included in every packing supplies checklist is gloves. Not only will they protect your hands from all the dust and dirt, but quality gloves will also prevent you from getting cuts and splinters. With a process as messy as relocation can get, having proper hand protection is very important.
Trash bags
You would be surprised how much trash can come up when packing for a move. Especially if you decide to de-clutter your home before the move. Even if you will not be doing some major de-cluttering, having high volume and durability bags would be a smart idea during a relocation. Better than regular bags, for holding stuff like your clothes or linen during a relocation, trash bags quickly make our checklist of packing supplies.
Rope or tie-down straps
When it comes to relocation, keeping everything secure in place in the moving truck plays a significant role in avoiding damage. That is especially true when it comes to moving heavy or bulky objects like couches and TVs.That is why most moving companies use tie-down straps to make everything secure in their truck. After all, a sofa on the loose, can cause serious damage inside a moving truck. If you will be conducting the move yourself and don’t want to spend on a professional item like tie-down straps, you can use a strong rope instead. Either way, something that can fix the heavy items in place should be on every packing supplies checklist
How to form a packing supplies checklist for your move
As you have seen above, packing supplies are many. Even though we went through the most common ones, there are still some that are specific to certain items. For example, if you will be moving artwork, it would be smart to use glassine paper. Therefore it is tough to form a definitive packing supplies checklist. Instead, you should take a look at all the items you want to pack. Then, decide what packing supplies would fit your needs the best. As long as you keep a clear head here and do your research, you will be fine!