When packing your belongings in preparation for a move, there are some things that are completely non-negotiable. In this case, packing materials are definitely a necessity while you’re compiling all the belongings that you’ll be bringing with you to your new home. Make sure you have enough packing materials with you before you start the arduous process of packing though. There’s nothing worse than running out of something in the middle of packing and having to rush out to get more.
But, which packing materials are suitable for moving houses? It can be overwhelming to decide on a few, so here is a list of packing materials that will help ensure that your valuables and possessions are safe and secure on your way to your new home:
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- Sturdy cardboard boxes. Perhaps no packing material is as ubiquitous in moving as a cardboard box is. It’s affordable, easy to find, and comes in a wide range of sizes. If you have some old cardboard boxes lying around, you can reuse them if they are still in good condition. However, it’s always good to reinforce used boxes and buy a few new ones to be on the safe side. Additionally, you should consider getting packing services from a trusted packing and moving company to maximize the capacity of your boxes while minimizing the hassle of doing it by yourself.
- Packing paper. Repurposing newspaper or old wrapping paper for packing is an eco-friendly way to protect your belongings and cushion them. They can also be used to line the gaps between items you’ve packed. Just be careful using anything with large prints or text though as ink can stain porcelain, furniture, and other items. You can prevent this by wrapping your belongings in a towel or cloth before wrapping them in newspaper. However, you can also use dye-free packing paper that you can readily purchase from most stores.
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- Securing materials. In addition to packing materials, make sure you have a lot of packing tape, rope, and straps at your disposal. These will be used to seal and tie down everything before and after you start loading them into the moving truck and vehicle. The last thing you want is to have your boxes tearing open or having a household appliance fall and break while in transit. You can prevent that by getting these materials.
- Moving blankets. Securing appliances and furniture is quite difficult because of their shape, size, and weight. Since it is not easy to fit them into a box, it is better to wrap them using large moving blankets to keep them safe and protected. If you don’t have moving blankets, you can use towels, actual blankets, and other household textiles for this purpose. Just make sure to tie them securely and wash them right after you unpack everything.
- Crates. Packing fragile items and clothing into crates is a better alternative than putting them in bags or boxes where they can get crushed. Wooden and plastic crates are usually quite sturdy and heavy-duty and won’t easily get deformed. Just make sure to put packing peanuts or shredded paper in between the gaps and items for added cushioning.
- Specialty packing boxes. While standard cardboard boxes do come in handy when packing for a move, they may not be the best thing for certain items that require more protection. Fortunately, there are specially shaped boxes that serve that purpose. These packing boxes are designed to have the support and lining to hold and protect breakable items like picture frames, dishes, musical instruments, lamps, and more. If you’re not sure how to go about packing these items, it’s good to have these boxes around.
- Wrapping materials. Foam cushioning, bubble wrap, and other similar items are used to seal and protect different items from dust and damage. While it’s good to have the right boxes and containers that are already reinforced, you can never really predict what might happen on the way to your new home. The way could be bumpier than you expected, and your belongings may be tossed around even if you’re careful. It’s better to wrap them up nicely and generously before packing them to ensure there won’t be any casualties from the move.
There are a lot of options you have when it comes to packing materials in preparation for a move. When you have the materials mentioned in this list, packing and organizing all your belongings becomes a bit easier to do. Good luck and happy moving!