From 2020 to 2021, 8.4% of Americans moved home. While this is a decline from previous years, plenty of people still have reason to move. Moving to a new home is a big task – you need to pack up everything you own and transport it to a new home, all without breaking or losing anything. Things can be much easier if you’re properly prepared. In this guide, we’ll cover 9 must-have packing materials for moving home. Keep reading for more.
1. Boxes
The first thing on your packing checklist should be boxes. In most cases, cardboard boxes are ideal – they’re cheap and functional, and you might already have some laying around from things you’ve bought in the past. Just bear in mind that weaker boxes might not be ideal as they could easily break with too much weight inside them.
You might want to invest in higher-quality packing boxes specifically for moving. They’re still cost-effective and durable enough to see you through the move. You may also want a variety of sizes and shapes so you have suitable boxes for everything in your home.
2. Packing Paper and Bubble Wrap
There will be plenty of items in your home that you want to wrap up to stop them from breaking. For some things, packing paper will be enough, but bubble wrap can offer even more protection. This is likely to consist of fragile items like kitchenware, photo frames, and electronics.
During a residential move, you might be trying to stick to a tight budget. Rather than investing in packing paper, you can usually achieve the same thing with newspaper. Unless you save up newspapers for reasons like this, however, you might not have as much as you need.
3. Extra Packing Tape
Packing tape is essential, and you’re likely to already have this covered. The thing you should remember, however, is that you will almost certainly need more than you think.
You can get through a roll pretty quickly, and running out can be very inconvenient. Make sure you’ve got spare rolls so that you don’t run into a dead end.
It’s also a good idea to not go for the cheapest option here. You’ll end up using a lot more, and it may not hold when you need it to. Paying a bit more for stronger tape could be very beneficial.
4. Scissors
When dealing with tape and cardboard boxes, you’ll be using scissors a lot. Again, you want to make sure they’re sharp and durable enough, so don’t go for the cheapest scissors available. On top of cutting tape, you might need to resize cardboard boxes for specific items, so a decent pair of scissors is essential.
5. Box Cutter
This is one that gets left off a lot of people’s lists, but it can be very important. Most people think that it’s unnecessary if they have a pair of scissors, but a good box cutter can make things much easier.
Using scissors to cut a box is possible, but it doesn’t always go well and can take a while. A box cutter can glide through cardboard with ease, helping you get things done much faster.
If you’re spending a full day dealing with cardboard boxes, you’ll be grateful for anything that helps you save time and energy. A box cutter is also ideal for things like zip ties which could break your scissors.
6. Painter’s Tape
Painter’s tape is incredibly versatile, so you’ll be able to use it for several things when moving home. While packing tape will help you secure cardboard boxes, painter’s tape has its own advantages.
It’s sticky, but not abrasive, making it ideal for sticking to things when you don’t want any residue left over. This is great for labeling boxes, as well as securing items together like pens or silverware. You can also use it to hold drawers and cupboards closed on furniture while moving it.
7. Pen and Paper
On top of moving supplies, there are also other everyday items that you’ll need. Staying organized when moving can be tricky – you’ve got a lot to keep track of, so you want to keep things in order.
The whole process will go much smoother if you make an inventory list. Make a note of everything you pack into boxes and give each box a number. When you get to your new home, you’ll be able to find any specific items with ease rather than having to search through every box.
8. Heavy-Duty Trash Bags
Throughout the moving process, you’ll probably fill up quite a few trash bags. Make sure you have more than enough, as there will likely be other things that you want to use them for.
If you run out of boxes, trash bags can be an ideal substitute. There will be certain things you want to pack more securely, but when it comes to clothes and linens, for example, durable trash bags will be more than sufficient.
9. Thick Marker Pen
Another thing that people often leave off of their list of moving supplies is a marker pen. While pen and paper are ideal for making lists, markers are much better for labeling boxes. A marker can write on cardboard with ease, and you’ll be able to write much larger, which is ideal when you have a lot of boxes to label.
Managing All of These Packing Materials
Having these packing materials when you’re moving will help the process go more smoothly. Even when you’re fully prepared, however, it can still be a very big job. The easiest solution is to go with a professional moving company.
Moovers Chicago can do all the heavy lifting and get all of your belongings from your old home to your new one. You can get a free estimate from us today.