Your Essential Guide to Moving Supplies

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” The second step is having a plan to ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you are moving an office, moving a business, or moving your home, having a plan in place will save you time, money, and peace of mind. Moving supplies are a key component during any moving process, but not all moving supplies are created equal. Knowing exactly which supplies to have on hand will allow you to breathe easy and focus on getting from A to B without a hitch. Prevent unnecessary stress during moving day and make sure you have the following moving supplies in your arsenal:

The Right Kind of Moving Boxes

Cardboard boxes have long been the standard for moving boxes, but are they really the best choice? Purchasing new cardboard boxes can be expensive, but using used cardboard boxes can lead to hazards such as stains on your belongings or the box ripping during the moving process. The last thing you want during your move is your belongings shattered and broken on the floor. There’s also the hassle of breaking all the boxes down and recycling them after. Cardboard moving boxes- new or used- are not your best option. Reusable moving boxes, on the other hand, are strong, durable, and environmentally friendly. Large plastic bins are okay to use, but keep in mind that these bins are designed for storage, not transporting objects (especially heavy ones) during a move. Your very best bet is to rent reusable moving boxes. Companies like Boxbee offer moving boxes in several sizes and at low costs. Boxbee will deliver, pick up, and even take care of cleaning the boxes for you, so all you have to do is unpack and relax into your new location. With low costs for both renting and selling, reusable moving boxes are the right kind of moving boxes for your move. Lastly, use specialty boxes for special items. For example, the Boxbee wardrobe boxes are perfect for hanging your clothes directly from your closet or for packing bulky items like blankets, comforters, and pillows. This is the one time where it’s okay to use cardboard. But with the wardrobe boxes delivered and easily broken down for recycling, they’re still an easy, affordable, and green choice.

Tools for the Moving Process

If you’re moving, you’ll need the right tools for the job, or else you risk running into delays, broken items, and packages that aren’t properly secured. Let’s start with the small stuff:

• Tape Gun/Dispenser. This will allow you to tape with lightning speed. Okay, maybe not lightning speed exactly, but the moving process will go much faster with a tape dispenser at your disposal.
• Utility Knife. Look, your kitchen knives just aren’t going to cut it. Literally. Plus, using a kitchen knife to cut things like cords and ropes is a safety risk. Use a utility knife (properly and safely), and ensure that all your fingers remain in tact.
• Hammer. Once you’ve removed the paintings and photos from your walls, most scenarios require that you remove the nails, too. Save yourself some time by removing the nails as you go.
• Screwdriver. Anyone who has assembled, disassembled, and reassembled furniture can attest to the importance of a screwdriver. This is a must have item in your moving supplies tool box.
• Gloves. Protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, and pinches by wearing protective gloves. Your well-being is just as important as the items you are moving.
• Pen and paper. A notebook is always convenient for making lists, jotting down where items are located, and crossing off moving supplies that you’ve used.
• Labels and markers. Always an essential duo to prevent pandemonium during the unpacking process.

Once you’ve made a list of the small tools your moving process will require, it’s time to sort out which of the larger ones you will need. This handy list of moving and transportation tools will act as a helpful assist on moving day:

• Moving dolly. The moving process shouldn’t include injuring your back. Using a sturdy moving dolly will protect your muscles from injury and will make the moving process go by more quickly. A heavy-duty moving dolly is included in every Boxbee rental package.
• Hand truck. Yes, it’s as fun as it sounds and will make your move a piece of cake. Made of rugged, lightweight aluminum, the Boxbee hand truck rental is great for moving boxes and other items up and down stairs and throughout your home or office.
• Lifting straps. Team up with a moving buddy and use lifting straps to move large items quickly and safely. With both buying and renting options, this will give you the little lift you need to get large jobs done.

Packaging Supplies

Included in your essential guide to moving supplies are packaging supplies. After all, even the first-time mover knows better than to simply throw all of their items into a moving box. The first thing you’ll want to learn is how to pack a moving box like a pro. Once you’ve mastered that, choose what you’ll need for your move from this list of packaging supplies:

• Bubble Wrap. What move wouldn’t be complete without bubble wrap? Plus, you’ll have the satisfying experience of popping bubble wrap to look forward to at the end of your move.
• Packing paper. No, newspaper is not the same thing. Do you really want to scrub all the ink off your dishes and other items after you’ve moved? Not to mention the mess newspaper makes of your hands. Use packing paper specifically designed for moving and save both you and your items some hassle.
• Packing tape. You weren’t going to leave your tape dispenser empty, right? Use tape designed for packing so that all of your belongings will be properly secured. Save the scotch tape for art projects.
• Trash bags. Handy both for things you want to throw out and for packing light items such as clothing.
• Rubber bands or straps. Secure doors on furniture and lids on items like jewelry boxes with rubber bands. By using rubber bands you can avoid dealing with tape marks, too. Rubber bands are also useful for securing loose ends like electrical cords.

Helping Hands to Get You Through

Trying to move by yourself is a challenge for which most people are not up to task. Having some moving buddies to help you with packing, moving, and unpacking is the most essential of all the moving supplies. If your friends or family are not available to help the day of the move, consider hiring a moving company. It will be well worth the cost compared to putting all of your furniture and belongings at risk. Think of it this way, a new couch is going to cost you more than hiring a moving company for a couple of hours. Also, lend yourself a helping hand. During the moving process, stay hydrated and pay attention to how you’re feeling to make sure that you don’t injure yourself. Stretching at regular intervals during the move and using tensor wraps and back braces will help prevent injury. Let Boxbee be the helping hand you need to get your move done quickly, smoothly, and as affordable as possible.