It is important to choose the right packing materials when moving to another home. You do not want to open your boxes to find busted toiletries, cracked frames or broken appliances. Boxes are stacked and shifted around during the moving process, so you want to use supplies that can withstand the packing and drive to your new home. Check out our quick guide to choosing the right packing materials for your move.
- Moving Boxes: It may be tempting to gather discarded boxes from grocery stores, but the boxes may not be sturdy enough to withstand moisture or impact. It is recommended to purchase the boxes from your local post office or moving company. The store clerk or mover can help you find the right boxes for various items. One example would be wardrobe boxes, which should be used for formal gowns, business attire and other clothes you do not want to get wrinkled. You should also make sure the boxes are the right sizes for your items. The smaller boxes should be used for heavy items, and the larger boxes should be used for lighter items.
- Protective Padding: Use the right padding to protect your items from damage. Use bubble wrap to secure items that are fragile or dangerous, such as glass vases, picture frames, and kitchen knives. Use foam sheets to protect glass items or large items such as your television. You can also use newspaper to wrap items or fill spaces, but butchers paper allows you to avoid washing the ink off your items. Use packing peanuts to fill the spaces between your items so they do not shift around during the drive. You can always use extra clothes or linen to fill the spaces, but packing peanuts are designed to keep your items safe during the transportation process. The other supplies include furniture pads and covers or bags designed for protecting fragile items.
- Labeling Supplies: Labeling supplies may not seem as important as other supplies, but these materials make it easy to pack and unpack your boxes. You can purchase the right labels for your boxes from your moving company or local post office. A permanent marker should be used to label the room, contents, and number of each box. You may even be able to find sturdy boxes with label forms on the sides, which allows you to save money on self-adhesive labels.
- Packaging Tape: You cannot rely on Scotch tape or duct tape to keep your boxes closed during the transport. Packaging tape is designed to keep even the heaviest box closed during the moving process. The tape is so strong, you usually need a knife or pair of scissors to get through it. You should use clear packaging tape so you do not cover your labels. It is recommended to use the same technique as professional movers, which is to make several wraps around the top and bottom edges of the box.
If you are unsure of what type of packing supplies to use for your move, get in touch with your moving company or even your local post office. They can help you choose the right materials for specific items, from your decorative figurines to your appliances.
Whether you are moving short or long distance, choosing the right packing materials is essential for keeping your valuables safe during the moving process. The bumps and impact during the drive can cause damage to your valuables in the long run. Taking the time to gather the right packing supplies means your clothes, electronics, and fragile items will make it to your new home in one piece.