Summary: Our list mentions the supplies you need to ensure your move is manageable and the ways to best use them. We will also discuss the ways to reduce money spent on your moving supplies.
One of the toughest aspects of a move is whether or not your valuable belongings will make it to your destination in one piece. That is where moving supplies are so important. With the ideal packing material and proper methods, even your highly delicate belongings will make it through the moving process. For instance, plastic wrap for a move can protect items from shifting around or scratches.
When you have the right packing and moving supplies available, you can give testimonies of your sweet moving experience. That is why we’ve gathered a list of important moving equipment that you can always check as you get ready to move. Read on to discover!
Packing Supplies
1. Boxes:
These are highly essential when you are packing for a move. We recommend that you get different box sizes and types to simplify packing. At least, get large boxes for light, large goods such as blankets or pillows and small boxes for heavy goods like books. Fragile goods like dishes are best packed in medium boxes with box dividers.
Read Where Can I Get Boxes For Moving?
2. Packing tape:
While your cost-saving side might want to go for the cheapest packing tape available, we recommend you invest in a more quality tape. Cheap tape is usually too slim to use, and its sticking power is often weak. Go for brands you are used to. Quickly dispense tape using a tape gun, and get bulk rolls of packing tape to save more cost. You might think you need only few tapes, but you will surely use beyond your expectation.
3. Packing paper:
You will want lots of packing paper to wrap delicate and/or sharp belongings in, including the provision of additional cushioning and stability inside moving boxes. Buy only ink-free packing paper, since you don’t want the ink to stain your items.
4. Plastic wrap:
You don’t necessarily have to buy a specific plastic wrap, but make sure you have at least a single roll of strong plastic wrap that you can use to wrap some belongings. It is much helpful to keeping similar belongings together (such as your stack of plates to prevent shifting around) and for preventing leaks from bottles (remove the caps of bottles that contain liquids, place a layer of plastic wrap, and return the cap on).
5. Bubble cushioning:
Wrap up super delicate belongings such as items made of glass, porcelain, and ceramic in bubble wrap. You also can use it to add more padding to belongings immediately they are placed inside moving boxes.
6. Plastic baggies:
You can store small items that might easily get lost inside small plastic sandwich bags. Keep screws that you remove from your disassembled furniture, including all other tiny items around your home that can easily get misplaced inside them. Also, label each bag that contains parts so you know what pieces they belong to.
7. Toolset:
Concerning furniture disassembling, you will want to get the basic tools needed to handle that (if you don’t have one already). A wrench and screwdriver with varieties of heads should be enough. Keep your tools with you as they might be needed on your moving day.
8. Labels and/or markers:
When you are getting labeling supplies, you can just label directly on the boxes using a permanent marker or make use of labels and a marker (for plastic bins). You can also go for color-based stickers instead as it provides you quick idea of what room a box should be delivered into.
Moving Day Supplies
1. Rental truck:
If you are performing a DIY move, you likely will need a truck rental. Ensure you get the right size truck and obtain quotes from various rental providers so that you can be certain you get the best price available.
2. Dollies:
Many types of dollies can significantly simplify your move: furniture dollies, utility dollies (also known as hand trucks), and appliance dollies. They are perfect for moving heavy boxes and large furniture from your home to the moving truck and back again.
3. Furniture pads and/or moving blankets:
This will help cushion your belongings as they are being transported to your new address. Consider the items that would need this additional padding before you rent or purchase them so that you go for a sufficient quantity.
4. Lifting straps:
DIY movers will want to go for some sets of lifting straps, which share weight more evenly to enable you to lift unruly belongings like big furniture items and large appliances.
5. Cargo straps:
These are also referred to as safety straps and they help secure belongings inside the moving truck to prevent shifting in transit.
6. Trailers:
If a moving truck is not enough, go for a trailer so that you can easily and safely tow goods behind your car.
7. Ramp:
The majority of rental trucks feature ramps, but if you are renting a friend’s truck or even using your own, you may have to go and get one. You can easily push a heavy item up and down then try to then it, so you need to get a ramp.
How to select the Ideal Packing Supplies
Step 1: Create an inventory of the goods you will be moving: This will give you a full insight into the entire packing supplies you need. Note all the fragile and valuable goods that will need extra packing materials.
Step 2: Make a list of supplies: Knowing all the things you have to relocate to your new home will enable you to plan for the quantity of moving supplies you will need for delicate goods.
Step 3: purchase quality boxes: There are different moving boxes so find out to be sure that all the boxes you buy come with a box maker’s certificate (BMC) that confirms that the box has been tested to accommodate a certain weight. Else, there is no telling that the box won’t break during your move. In addition, ensure you consider the entire different types of moving boxes you already have, such as plastic bins, cardboard boxes, wardrobe boxes, and so on.
Step 4: shop smart: When you are shopping for other supplies on your list, make sure you read the reviews and buy only from reliable and reputable suppliers. Carefully read product information by checking the weight rating for all hand trucks or dollies you decide to buy to ensure they can take your heavy items.
FAQ about Moving Supplies
You know the things to add to your shopping list, but what about the best ways to get all the things you need? Below are some of the popular questions we often see about getting moving supplies.
Can my moving company supply me with packing supplies?
You might decide to acquire all your moving supplies from a moving company since they offer boxes, tape, and all other supplies to move you – but you can always save money by buying moving supplies in bulk elsewhere. With that, you can save costs by renting some of the supplies from a mover rather than purchasing them yourself.
Can I get moving supplies rental?
Yes. Big moving supplies like moving blankets, hand trucks, trailers, and so on are available for rent at different locations, such as home improvement stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, storage companies, truck rental providers, as well as moving companies. We discuss where and how to rent supplies for your move here.
How do I save money on moving supplies?
Together with saving money by renting instead of buying particular items, you can also save costs by choosing strategically when discussing packing equipment. Click here to read how to save on packing essentials so that you don’t spend beyond necessary.
What moving supplies are not necessary?
If you choose professional movers to handle your moving, then you won’t have to worry about all these moving day supplies mentioned above. Moving companies will have all the supplies with them to ensure your belongings remain protected, and they will have everything needed to lift and carry your belongings. Concerning packing supplies, you can be creative enough to skip some of the items – such as using bedding, towels, and other clothing as cushioning supplies in boxes instead of additional packing paper.
What of unpacking supplies?
You won’t need many items for unpacking at your destination than a box cutter or scissors for removing the packing tape. Make sure you have a roll of garbage bags with you as well for housing those packing supplies as you begin to open and check your boxes.
Conclusion
For a great moving experience, get ready for your move by getting the right supplies. Use our list to determine the things you have and the ones you need. Make sure you gather all your moving supplies in advance so you can have a safe, properly organized move.
For a smooth moving experience, check our top 10 long-distance moving companies.
