Basic Moving Supplies You Need To Prepare
When listing down moving supplies, there are a few factors that should be considered. The contents of the box (i.e. fragile items), size of the box, the weight of the box, number of boxes, shipping method, environmental concerns such as weather/temperature/possibility of exposure to pests, date of dropoff, perishable items, and time available for moving.
When listing down moving supplies, there are a few factors that should be considered. The contents of the box (i.e. fragile items), size of the box, the weight of the box, number of boxes, shipping method, environmental concerns such as weather/temperature/possibility of exposure to pests, date of dropoff, perishable items, and time available for moving.
If you’re planning to move and you want to do it systematically, here are some basic packing items that will help you prepare.
1. Boxes
Photo by Michal Balog via Unsplash
The first step is to plan how many boxes you will need for your belongings. The number of boxes you need is directly proportional to the number of items in the house. You may want to start in one room at a time so you don’t invest in too many boxes or fall short. You should also keep in mind that small items such as shoes can be placed in a box along with other medium-sized objects to minimize the number of boxes needed. To streamline your moving process, it’s best to procure your moving supplies and boxes for each room.
Do not use used boxes unless you have to. Used boxes can get damp, making them less sturdy as compared to new boxes. This could lead to items getting damaged or broken in transit. If you must use used boxes, be sure to check for dampness and mold. To keep your boxes stackable, place supports inside them. These supports can be made from pieces of waste boxes to strengthen the base. You can always choose recycled boxes as well.
2. Duct Tape
You can never have sufficient duct tape. To ensure your belongings are secure once packed, allow a roll of tape for every three boxes. To protect your belongings from moisture and increase the sturdiness of the boxes, you could consider using cling film.
3. Locks
When it comes to valuables, it’s best not to place them in boxes but in trolley bags instead. These bags are sturdier than boxes and with the help of a lock, you can safeguard your valuables inside them. This way you won’t have to worry about keeping an eye on too many bags during the moving process.
4. Markers or Labels
This is probably one of the most crucial steps in ensuring your boxes are placed in the right room upon arrival. Using a marker or label, write what’s inside each box and which room it belongs to. This eliminates guesswork and speeds up your unpacking process.
5. Bubble Wrap
Photo by Billy Kornfeld
If you have fragile items that could break during transit, bubble wrap is one of the best ways to protect them. To save on buying pre-packaged sheets of bubble wrap, simply purchase mattress bags and cut them up yourself. You can also cushion items using pillows as these help brace the impact.
6. Packing Paper
It’s advisable to add a few crumpled sheets of paper to each box before packing your items. This prevents friction between the items and holds them in place.
7. Plastic Sheets
Plastic sheets can be used to cover boxes during transit, especially during monsoons. It can also be used to cover large items such as your couch, chairs, and dining table.
8. Tape Measure
Measuring space between furniture and walls before moving day helps determine how many boxes will be needed. The length of the box should be the same or slightly shorter than the distance between the wall and furniture so that it can fit through the space. Keep in mind that heavy objects such as books and figurines should be placed in boxes that are not too large in comparison to the size of the item to prevent damage.
9. Blankets/Thin Mattress Pads
Items like your television, computer screen, and refrigerator can be wrapped in blanket or mattress pads before being bubble-wrapped. This provides extra protection to your gadgets and keeps them safe during transit.
Conclusion
The above information should serve as a basic list of supplies needed to make moving day as comfortable as possible. You can also choose to consult with a moving and storage company and they can provide you with any additional materials that may be necessary for your move.