Continuing on with the Summer Moving Series, we now turn our focus to
acquiring packing materials. This is important because, well, you can’t
pack the boxes if you don’t have any boxes right? Although this step
can easily be overlooked, having an adequate supply of packaging when
you begin packing will help ensure a smooth move.
What You Need
Boxes – Probably the most obvious moving need, you can buy boxes online or from any local packing supplier, but you can also find them for free if you are willing to put in a little effort. Good places to find boxes include donation drop-offs and retailers. Just ask if they have any extra and they will be happy to let you load up. Be sure to get various sizes to accommodate different items.
Padding– You will be packing breakable items and it is important that they are adequately protected during the move. Dishes, glasses, pictures and electronics are just a few of the things you will want to cushion in a box, and for many others it’s better to be safe than sorry. Bubble wrap is a good option that can be found at any packing supplier, but packing paper and newspaper are suitable substitutes as well. Whichever you choose to use, get more than you think you will need. It goes fast and it’s much better to over-wrap a flat-screen TV than risk damage. Styrofoam peanuts can also be used to fill empty spaces in boxes and prevent items from shifting during the move.
Tape – Packing tape should be used to seal your boxes. Unlike other kinds of tape, it is specially designed to keep boxes sealed tightly and reinforced to keep your valuables safe. Pick up several rolls, as well as a dispenser so that more than one person can seal boxes simultaneously without constantly having to go back and forth.
Markers – A few large, permanent, black markers will make labeling your boxes easy. Label makers can be used too, but the process is slower than writing by hand and there is always the chance that the labels could fall off or be removed. Labeling boxes will enable whoever is moving them to immediately know which room in which they belong.
Friends? – There’s nothing that says friendship like calling in a favor. Moving companies are always a great option to help pack, but if you don’t have the budget for professional assistance friends are a good option. If they are hesitant, throw a cookout and bribe them over with food.
Additional Considerations
Your belongings will be only as safe as the boxes they are housed in. Bubble wrap won’t help very much if the boxes end up falling apart, so take your time when assembling them and be sure to securely tape the bottom of each. If you do enlist the help of friends, make sure that they take as much care with your items as you do. Gathering all of these materials prior to packing day will prevent impromptu trips to the store and keep everyone focused the task at hand.
