For the most part, moving homes can be quite a fun and exciting process because there is that initial excitement to start a new journey.
But if you have moved homes before, you would be aware that this time can be a bit stressful as well. To cope with this stress, the best way to approach moving homes is by being as planned and prepared as possible.
This way, you not only reduce the confusion during the move, but you can also stay calm and collected during the process and also during the days approaching it.
One of the best ways to combat the stress induced by the approaching moving day is to keep a stock of all the required materials one might need while moving way before in advance.
This way, you will not have to make some last-minute trips to the store, which is not only a time-consuming process, but it can throw you off your gameplan.
To help you save your time and energy, we have compiled a list of packing supplies that you must have in your home, way before the day of packing and moving.
This list has been compiled many trial and errors, and we have decided that no packing and moving experience is complete without these 7 packing supplies –
1. Moving Boxes
While you might be tempted to go for the cheapest quality of moving boxes, this is often not the best move because less price does not always mean the best quality.
Actually, it seldom means good quality. If you want to make sure that your things stay safe and secure during the transit period, then investing a bit extra dollars on the moving boxes is aa very wise decision.
To get good moving boxes, you must visit a hardware store nearest to you and ask them for the boxes. Depending on the brand and the quality of the box, you must be prepared to pay anything from $0.75 to $1.50 per box.
You can also buy a few extra just in case all your stuff does not fit in one go. These boxes can also be used, later on, so don’t worry too much about them going to waste.
These boxes are way more sturdy than the other flimsy cardboard boxes that you may find lying around in your neighbourhood, but they definitely don’t have the structural integrity that these boxes from hardware stores offer.
Also, buy boxes of different sizes, so that you can carry them easily. Smaller boxes work best for heavier objects. And bigger boxes are ideal for lighter objects.
2. Labels
Being organized is the best and most effective way to pack and unpack. While you may find it easier to just dump all your belongings in a box and call it a day, it really does pay off to take a gentler and calmer approach.
Make sure that you stock up on ample labels that will allow you to name each box. You can specify which room the items belong to so that the process of unpacking also becomes simpler.
You can use these labels to mark different types of items stored in each box. This way, once you have moved to your new home, you will know exactly which box you will need to open when you are looking for something in particular.
Maintaining a list with all the labels as heading and all the items in the box written under these headings will also let you be on top of your game.
3. High-Grade Box Tape
Contrary to what you may believe, there are many different types of tape out there. You need to ensure that you get the tape that is apt for securely sealing moving boxes.
The best place to get the right type of box tape is at a hardware store. Usually found right near the moving boxes, box tape is strong and wide that securely closes both the flaps of the boxes, making sure none of the contents of the boxes spill out.
For packing purposes, it is advised that you go for paper-backed box tape and stick super well to cardboard. It is a much better option than the regular plastic tape you may buy at the craft store and does not cost a lot as well.
4. Apparatus for Moving Furniture
Let’s face it – carrying furniture can be a tricky task, no matter however strong you may be. To avoid situations where you are stuck with one heavy piece of furniture and end up spending a lot of time without getting anything done, you can invest in some quick solutions.
One of the best and cheapest things you can buy is forearm forklift. It costs about $20-$30 and it makes carrying these heavy things a breeze. Two people and a forearm forklift are enough to get the job done in no time.
5. Bags of All Types and Sizes
Different sizes of bags allow you to organize properly. Small sandwich bags are great for storing nails, screws and other small hardware.
Some things that are difficult to store in boxes can be kept in these bags. Make sure you have plenty of bags in all sizes. Don’t worry about having some extra bags, you will probably use them at some point, so nothing will go waste.
6. Plastic Wrap
For those items that are too big to fit in plastic bags, plastic wrap is perfect for them. Plastic wrap helps you protect items that are fragile and prone to scratches.
All your stuff will be loaded into a truck and transported to your new destination, so chances are that they will move around when in the truck.
Plastic wrap or bubble wrap is a great way to ensure all your things stay safe in transit. You can also get some furniture pads and use the plastic wrap to secure these pads around the furniture to prevent any dents during the transportation process.
7. Newspaper
Newspapers act as a great filler and adding when you are packing your things into a box. Fill all the empty spaces in the boxes with newspaper to prevent unnecessary movement of your items.
This is a material that is cheap and easy to procure and you can always find some or the other use for a newspaper, so you don’t have to worry about wastage.
You can always ask your neighbours for extra newspapers if you are running low. If none of your neighbours can help you out, a quick trip to your local hardware store will do the job.
These seven items are the absolutely necessary packing essentials that you will require to safely and systematically pack all your belongings.
Before you start packing immediately, make sure you take time to ensure you all have these things available at your home.