Packing Tips

Moving can be stressful, but having the right accessories and supplies on hand can make packing significantly smoother. Here's an expanded list to help you prepare:

Essential Moving Accessories and Supplies

  • Bubble Wrap - Indispensable for protecting fragile items.
  • Boxes of all sizes - A variety of sizes will accommodate everything from books to bedding.
  • A Tape Measure - Useful for measuring furniture, doorways, and ensuring boxes will fit in your moving vehicle.
  • Marker to label boxes - Clearly label boxes with their contents and the room they belong in.
  • Furniture pads, sheets, towels and blankets - Use these to protect furniture from scratches and to wrap delicate items. These also offer excellent protection for furniture during transit.
  • Packing Tape - Strong packing tape is crucial, and a dispenser will save you time and effort.
  • Scissors or a box cutter - Essential for opening boxes, cutting tape, and various other tasks.
  • Rope and twine - Handy for securing items or bundling things together.
  • Dolly or Hand Truck - For moving heavy appliances or stacks of boxes with ease.
  • Stretch Wrap/Shrink Wrap - Great for securing drawers, keeping cabinet doors closed, and protecting upholstered furniture from dirt and damage.
  • Clear Plastic Bags - Ideal for small items like screws, remotes, or disassembled furniture parts. Label them clearly.
  • Zip Ties or Bungee Cords - For securing cords, cables, or holding items together.
Bubblewrap
More Moving Tips
  • Tool Kit - A basic set of tools (screwdrivers, wrench, pliers) will be invaluable for disassembling and reassembling furniture.
  • Trash Bags - For last-minute clean-up and discarding unwanted items.
  • Cleaning Supplies - Have some basic cleaning supplies (paper towels, all-purpose cleaner) on hand for last-minute touch-ups in your old place or immediate needs in your new one.
  • Color-Coded Labels or Tape - Assign a color to each room and use corresponding labels or tape on boxes to make unloading even easier.

Packing Strategies and Tips

Beyond the supplies, these strategies will further streamline your move:

  • Use the marker to write on the box which room it came from so you know where to put it when you arrive.

  • Make an inventory of the boxes, keep count and keep a list of what's in each box.

  • Keep a First-Aid kit Available.

  • Pack a suitcase or bag with a change of clothes, toiletries, maps, food and drinks. Include a game or two if children will be along for the ride/move

  • Clearly mark fragile items.

  • Use your towels to wrap vases and other large glassware. Use sheets and blankets to protect furniture from scratches.
  • Pack an "Open First" Box: This box should contain items you'll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a few dishes, basic cleaning supplies, and perhaps a coffee maker.