- Box Cutter – What happens if you pack something and when you get to your new home you need to unpack it quick. Do not fight with the tape, use a box cutter to make a clean cut.
- Ziploc Bags – these zipper style plastic bags come in handy when packing screws, markers, and that famous junk drawer everyone has.
- Plastic bin – This is a great idea for storing all your smaller packing supplies such as markers, tape, and extra box cutters. Keep all these items organized so that you will just be able to move from room to room without a problem.
One of the hassles of moving boxes is that you many people run to stores such as Home Depot or Lowes. Why not have the boxes shipped directly to your doorstep. This gives you more time to organize and prepare for the move and saves on gas.
Choosing Your Moving Boxes
Surprise costs can pop up anywhere when moving, there are some steps you can take to make sure that those hidden costs do not show up with your moving boxes. You can always go the route of free boxes. This usually requires you going to local businesses and seeing if they have empty shipping boxes. We highly recommend that you stay away from liquor stores, grocery stores, or any business that deals with food or beverages for your boxes. Boxes that contain food or drink can come with other surprises like cockroaches, mites, and mold. Other places you can find boxes are craigslist, Facebook marketplace and other social media. Remember these are still used boxes and can come with these unwanted critters and pests. If you do purchase or pick up free boxes from places like these, to inspect the boxes very carefully. The worst pest of all, Bed Bugs, can come from a box that was used to move another person’s home. Do you really want to introduce these into your new home?
You can purchase boxes online at many different retailers. This is the best road to take. You know that these boxes are new and have the stability and structure. You will not have to worry about these boxes falling apart after you pack them. If you do not know what type of boxes you will need, or how many boxes, you can always call these companies and they will be more than happy to help. Purchasing all sorts of boxes such as wardrobe and other specialty boxes will let you have more of a plan and not throw random items in random size boxes. If you have saved any boxes for your appliances and electronics make sure to take those out and use them. Nothing better than straight from the manufacturer boxes.
Prepping the Box
A moving box is one of the most crucial supplies that you will need for your move. You will want to strengthen and create a strong foundation for your items and valuables. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to at the bottom of each box. This will add an extra layer of protection if the box gets wet or dirty during your move. Remember you will want to do the same to the top of the box once everything is packed. Use packing paper to fill any voids that are created when packing. This will ensure that none of the items will shift during transportation. You want your boxes to feel firm when you push down on the tops or on the sides. If there is a lot of give when you push down, reopen the box and either pack a couple more items or use more packing material.
Small and Heavy
Smaller boxes are better for heavier items such as canned goods, DVD collections and books. When packing books, larger and heavier books on the bottom and stack books flat. Use packing paper to fill in any gaps. You can pack clothes and stuffed animals in smaller boxes, but we recommend packing these items in medium and large boxes due to their light weight.
Use smaller boxes for your knick-knacks and smaller items as well. When packing knives, use the knife guards if provided or wrap them in a couple of layers of paper to protect the blades from the box and the person carrying the box. No need to have a surprise medical bill due to a knife cutting through the box and cutting someone. More fragile items are perfect for smaller boxes. Wrap them in bubble wrap to ensure their protection during the move.
Medium boxes
Medium moving boxes are also commonly referred to as the catch-all box. They can be used to pack and sort so many different types of items. They can still be packed a little heavier due to their size. Medium boxes are perfect for electronics, pet toys, children’s toys, pots and pans, and linens like blankets and pillows. But keep in mind the weight of the box. Just because the box is larger in dimensions does not mean that you want it to way a ton.
You can pack your electronics in medium boxes, but we do recommend saving the boxes they originally came in for the best protection. But if you do not have these boxes, wrap the components in packing paper or a plastic bag. Plastic bags are perfect for storing cords, remotes, batteries, and controllers.
Pots and pans are more durable when packing. You will still want to use packing supplies to protect the pots and pans from banging and rubbing into each other. You can either remove the lids or pack spices and other smaller kitchen items and in them and then secure the lid. Make sure to leave some room and use paper to separate them. This will ensure that you will not have any dents, dings, or scratches.
Packing Dishes
Do not just put your plates and bowls into a box and call it done. You will want to place bubble wrap on the bottom and sides of the box. Wrap each dish separately with packing paper. Do not stack the dishes into the box. You will want to pack them vertically. Any open spaces use bubble wrap or crumbled up blank newsprint paper. You want to make sure that they have enough padding between each. There is no such thing as using too much packing paper. Bowls you will want to wrap in paper and then use crumbled up paper to pack into the recess of the bowl. You can read more about packing your dishes in another article all about the best way to pack dishware and glassware.
Wardrobe boxes
This box is just like your closet. It comes with a metal hanging bar and is perfect for all your hanging clothes in your closet. Just think of it as a portable closet. Just grab your clothes from the closet and transfer to the metal bar. This is the simplest way to unpack when it comes to moving. Pack these boxes in less than a minute. You can also use the bottom of the box to pack robes, shoes, and pillows. Use all the space. These boxes do not just have to be used for clothes. You can pack garden supplies and other larger awkward items. We have had customers use them to transfer potted plants and fake plants.
Television boxes
Most people do not save the box that their TV came in. They are just to bulky to store. TV boxes are the perfect solution. A telescoping box which can fit up to a 70” television. Most also come with foam padding to make a tight and secure fit. You do not want your TV sliding around in the box. They are fragile and expensive to replace. Remember never pack your flat screen television flat. You run the risk of damaging the screen or the mount.
Label all boxes
When you have finished packing and taping a box, make sure to label it with a marker. If a box has different items in it like, a toaster with books, make sure to label it as books and toaster. You will find sometimes that mismatched items will end up in boxes together because they are the perfect fit. We recommend labelling each box with the room and contents. This will also help you or your movers know where boxes go while unpacking.