A successful move comes down to three basic things: knowing what needs to be done, knowing when to do it, and having the right supplies available when you need them. Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, preparation can reduce wasted time, unnecessary expense, and damage to your belongings. This handy moving guide, downloadable detailed checklist, and the recommended products below give you practical resources for each stage of the move. I’ve also included useful links at the bottom of the article for services you may need along the way.
PACKING SUPPLIES
The proper packing supplies will protect your items while in transit, but knowing when to use each one is just as important as knowing what to use. Bubble wrap and foam sheets are perfect for wrapping around fragile items such as glass, frames, and ceramic items, while packing paper should be crumpled up and used as filler when packing them in boxes. Corner protectors may be good solutions to prevent corners of photos, prints, or pictures from getting damaged during your move.
A couple more good examples are heavy-duty mattress covers that will prevent dirt, oil, water, and grease from staining those mattresses, along with moving blankets, which will help prevent damage to furniture and other household items as a result of friction between them during the packing and moving process. Browse through the list of products below that are sure to help you with your move. Or, you can view all of them on this page in Amazon at one time.
IDENTIFICATION
Make your unpacking easier by identifying what is in each container. Wide-tip Sharpie markers are perfect for writing on cardboard boxes while room labels with extra space for writing allow you to specify what’s in each box.
CONTAINERS
The options for packing your household items into containers range in price and durability from free cardboard boxes from a local store to sturdy totes with locking capabilities. Whatever your preference may be, our recommendations are:
- Try to stick with the same size container because it will make packing a truck or trailer easier and more uniform.
- Pick the right container for what’s needed. If you are only moving across town, something less durable, like a cardboard box, may be all that’s needed. However, a move that requires hundreds or thousands of miles in transit will likely require something sturdier, like a tote.
- 27-gallon totes are stronger, can stack well, and are recommended for longer-distance moves or storage. The best prices for these containers can usually be found at Costco or Home Depot.
- For specialized items, consider these packaging options:
TAPES & TIES
In addition to choosing the right container and packing materials, knowing which products to use and how to secure household items as you pack them can save time and aggravation. Duct (or “duck”) tape generally works best on cardboard boxes but won’t hold up as well on plastic bins especially if the bins get cold. Stretch wrap will secure loose items, but won’t provide much protection. Zip ties are a suitable solution for loose cords and are excellent for keeping lids on plastic totes, but they won’t secure a load like bungee cords or a ratchet strap.
EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
To protect yourself and prevent possible injury, consider purchasing or renting some equipment to help lighten the load and ease the strain of lifting or moving especially heavy items.
STORAGE
If you plan on storing any of your items for an extended period, consider your needs and the environment to be sure your items don’t get damaged while in storage. You can save space and protect soft items from pests with vacuum bags, while shelves will help keep your things high and dry. If you rent a storage unit, make sure that the location is secure, the facility is reputable, and that you don’t store anything of high value. More tips about storage facilities can be found in this article.
USEFUL LINKS
- Moving Trucks: U-Haul, Penske
- National Moving Services: United, Mayflower, Bekins, Atlas, Allied, North American
- Storage Facilities: PODS, Packrat, Public Storage, U-Haul
- Services: Doctor Finder, Vet Finder, School Rankings
- Cost of Living Adjustment Calculator
- Time Saving Moving Apps
You probably won’t need every product or service listed here, but knowing your options ahead of time can help you plan more efficiently and avoid last-minute problems. If you need information about packing, moving, storage, or local service providers, contact me anytime. I’m happy to help you identify reliable resources so you can make informed decisions throughout your move.