All Moving Supplies Are Not Created Equal

by Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Moving SuppliesThere is something about a large stack of boxes and rolls of packing tape that is invigorating—here's your chance to sort through all your things and gingerly wrap your prized possessions, so when you reach your new house and start unpacking the boxes it will feel just like Christmas morning when you were a kiddo. Fantasize for a moment that is how the whole master plan truly develops, and you are not rushing amid the abode like a maniac throwing heirloom crystal in with the bowling balls, be sure you've got the right packing supplies for your moving project.

Boxes and tape are a few of the most vital components of packing, and all boxes and tape are NOT similar in quality. It is acceptable to toss a few coffee mugs in an old toaster box and put it in the top of the pantry, but to pack, stack, and move that box, it will fall down like a house of cards and you will end up with lots broken ceramic pieces.

If you're packing yourself, conduct some research into the materials before you begin. If you're hiring a moving company to handle the actual moving, they will probably have the correct heavy-duty boxes, tape, and wrapping paper you'll need. If not, storage facilities, big box stores, and the internet are decent places to get your supplies, but since you cannot do tactile research digitally, do not depend on reviews to make your decision—everyone packs differently and "sturdy" and "solid" are very subjective words.

Look for boxes that are corrugated--a layer of wavy fiber between the inner and outer layers of heavy cardboard. The corrugated allows for structure and stability, so when you put them on the moving truck they don't cave in. There are different amounts of toughness within the corrugated world, so you should purchase the box strength you need for a particular item--go with the sturdiest boxes for the most delicate and the bulkiest items you will pack.

While you are purchasing boxes, make sure and get plenty of the small ones--heavy belongings go in small boxes, bulky lightweight things go in the bigger boxes. For example, books weigh a lot and should go in a small box. Blankets and pillows are comparatively light and can be placed in the bigger ones.

Purchasing cheap, low quality tape is where a lot of DIY packers get stymied. If it is cheap, it won't stick well. Worse, it will stick to itself when it is dispensed out of the gun and splinter in tiny little slivers and then you have to work at it and aim to get it to unstick in one piece. Splurge on a high-quality gun or two with a padded handle—you will be glad you did when you're eighty boxes in with a lot more to tape. It's also a brilliant idea to get your tape in bulk--it costs less and you can generally take back what you do not use.

Moving SuppliesThere are lots of alternatives for padding around the inside of the boxes. Old towels and sheets are magic when you require something lining the box, for example when you are packing shoes and don't want them thumping around.

Newsprint is by far the best alternative for almost everything--from wrapping mugs (thread a twisted end through the handle and stuff the rest inside after it's wrapped) to books to small appliances.

Bubble wrap can be pricey, but purchase the good stuff anyway, since that's what you will use it for. The bubble size fluctuates, but a good rule of thumb is for your bubble size to pair the item size—use the big bubbles for lining around the entire box. Feel the wrap before you buy, and see how strong it is when you squeeze and pull it. If it is not strong or does not like the bubbles hold, go with another brand.

If you haven't moved for quite some time, and you go looking for boxes, prepare to be amazed at the alternatives you have. When your parents moved, they got their tape and boxes and had the whole neighborhood keeping newspapers for months. Currently, there are lots of specialty moving supplies you'll discover in the stores—some are definitely worth the extra money, some are not—it's up to you to decide what is going to work best for you situation. Just remember, make sure you're getting decent quality--you don't need your mattresses in unsubstantial plastic sheeting.

  • Dish packs are heavy duty boxes meant for dishes. They could include pieces of corrugated paper to keep between the dishware so you don't have to wrap one by one.
  • Glass packs are like the dish boxes, except they have the lightweight cardboard insert that fits between the glass.
  • Wardrobe boxes are also strong, tall, and contain a bar for hanging clothes.
  • Specialty boxes for mirrors and TVs are shallow and large.

Now that you've got the boxes under control, you need to think about how you're going to get the big stuff out the door--the furniture, the lawn mower, the grill--but do not fear, help is on the way. For moving some of these things renting equipment is the easiest way to go.

Your furniture is more fragile than you think--surface dings and scratches are entirely too common when things come off the truck. You can sidestep these with some key protection; again, be sure you're obtaining good quality materials that stand up to a lot of wear and tear.

  • Moving blankets are a must. You can purchase or rent them. Most moving companies and storage facilities can rent or sell them to you. Remember that while buying is usually less costly, renting may be the best choice. The blankets you purchase are most of the time a synthetic fabric with padding and are alright for some items, but if you are moving wood furniture of much value you are much better off with a heavy cotton blanket with more batting in the middle, which are usually rented (you could get them and return them with the truck). If you anticipate that you will use ten, rent twenty—this is especially true if you choose to get the lower quality ones--double wrap.
  • Shrink wrap that comes on a sizable, double handled roll holds the blankets in place on the big pieces, and protects just about anything. Buy an almost opaque plastic that's going to hold up against boxes and corners--get the most puncture-proof plastic you are able to find.
  • Foam padding comes in handy for corners, you can get a roll of heavy foam, but be mindful that it's good quality and won't rip easily.

The last items you'll require are for the big time heavy and bulky stuff. Unless you own these already, you’ll want.

  • The best hand trucks are the heavy-duty ones that are appliance weight, and have straps to tighten down the thing you are moving. They also tilt, to give you better leverage against the weight of the couch or dryer or whatever you've strapped on.
  • Dollies are flat pallets on wheels that work best if there are not any stairs that you will have to navigate. They're perfect for smaller dressers or anything that's heavy and flat on the bottom; make sure the one you obtain is carpeted on the slats.
  • Body straps help you to evenly distribute the weight of extremely bulky items on your body. They're typically used in pairs as to takes two people to move the big things, especially down stairs. If you obtain these, make sure the straps and buckles are in good repair.

No matter how you're moving your home, your local moving company will be able to help you with all of the supplies you will need to move. Just don’t forget that you are moving your whole life in these boxes, so take care that your moving materials are up to the task.