November 19, 2019 Posted in Moving Essentials

The Ultimate List of Packing Materials for Moving

Have you finally decided that it’s time to move out, and now you’re getting ready for the upcoming relocation adventure? Preparing for it means a lot of planning and organization. And you will probably be wondering what packing materials for moving to obtain to properly prepare your belongings for transport. Even if you’re relocating to a smaller home and don’t have lots of packaging to do. If you have moved many times before, you will probably still have a lot of questions about the entire process to be sure everything stays in order. You want to know everything, from where to find plastic packaging material, how many boxes you need to how much they cost, and where to store them.

Packing a box for cross-country moving overlay
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Maybe you have some leftover box or two, some paper, or other supplies that you got from your relatives who recently moved. You got yourself some scissors and some tape, so you think that you don’t have to order anything else. But all of this won’t be enough to supply the entire process as thoroughly as you’d like to, so that’s not a good way to reduce costs when moving. You will need should have a wide variety of moving supplies, plastic materials, and equipment to make sure that your items are safe during the relocation, as well as storage in case you’re planning to store them.

But don’t worry, even if you are relocating on a budget and finding the cheapest way to move out of state, there are ways to acquire the necessary supplies, from boxes to stretch and bubble wrap and foam, without making a giant hole in your savings account. Don’t let relocation depression or moving stress catch you, let’s take a look at some moving tips for using different packing materials so you can avoid some of the common moving mistakes.

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A Sturdy Box and Packing Supplies -the Most Popular Packing Materials for Moving

You decided where you should move and you know what are your reasons for moving cross country, and now it is time to get down to business. The bread and butter of any relocation effort are the best-sized boxes you will use to transport your belongings safely.

Our best recommendation is to get a wide variety of boxes for the task after you donate unwanted items, so you can have a better idea of how many you need. There are a number of reasons why this is one of the most common packing tips and tricks.

You can use small ones for heavier and bulkier belongings, like tools or stacks of books. And the purpose of the larger ones is for packaging lighter belongings, like blankets, bedsheets, and pillows. Each box will serve its purpose if used properly. Or you can ask for a professional service and let experts help you and provide all the plastic and other materials needed.

Various-Sized Moving Boxes Are Essential Packing Supplies to Be Sure Your Move Goes Without Any Hitches

Remember that if you’re going to pack possessions of various sizes and weight – you will also need boxes of different shapes and sizes. You can use small ones for stacks of books, kitchen belongings, and small appliances like lamps.

The medium size ones will be useful for the storage of various clothing, electronics, larger lamps, and any bigger kitchen appliances. And if you need any couch cushions, blankets, pillows, and comforters safely packed for the move and storage, large boxes will be essential. Just keep in mind that a larger box will get heavy very fast, so keep track of the weight of each box as you pack.

In case you’re planning on reducing relocation expenses, there are places to get free boxes and materials, like Craigslist, so if you don’t have an account already, be sure to create your account as soon as possible. Or go to any stores near you.

Liquor and book stores should be your number one priority if you want to find any material for free. Both books and liquor are transported in sturdy packages which will offer perfect protection for your belongings. Depending on which state you’re living in, you could also be able to rent moving boxes or some plastic packaging material. If you can’t get them for free, this is an excellent option, too.

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No matter what kind of packaging material you’re looking for, plastic or otherwise, if you can’t get it for free, consider renting it

The Packing Supplies for Moving You Will Need to Pack Fragile Items

Having a couple of containers and just stuffing your belongings inside won’t be enough if you want everything to be shipped to your future home in one piece and kept safe in storage units. You will need to pack and store your belongings carefully. No matter if you are packing furniture of glassware, always use a variety of cushioning materials.

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You'll need proper supplies to protect everything.

Stretch and Bubble Wrap and Newspapers Should Be Among Boxes-and -Packing-Supplies Checklist

One of the most important supplies you’ll need is bubble wrap. Not only is it useful if you want to wrap up your belongings before the move, but you can also use it to fill out the empty space inside your package. In case you are relocating fragile items, say if you’re packing glassware for moving, or boxing up computers, bubble wrap will come in very handy.

If you can’t get your hands on high-quality bubble wrap, or if you run out of it, you can use newspapers as a replacement. But keep in mind that using newspapers is not nearly as protective and reliable as using new and durable materials. You can get some good deals when buying bubble wrap rolls in bulk, especially when relocating during the holidays.

Packing Paper Is an Affordable Solution for Excellent Protection

If you’re searching for high-quality materials that you can use to pack and wrap your items, then the specialized packing paper is your best option. This paper is clean, won’t leave any marks on your possessions, which is especially important if you want to pack dishes. It isn’t as expensive as you may think, so even if you’re relocating on a budget you can still get the paper in large quantities.

Buy High-Quality Tape for Additional Protection

You have to remember that your everyday duct tape won’t do the job if you want to carefully prepare your items for a safe relocation. Spending a few extra bucks on quality tape is a sound investment, not only for your current relocation but for the future, too.

It will be far thicker than standard duct tape and will stick much better. If you want to be extra safe with your belongings, you can tape the sides of the box, in addition to taping down the middle. So, before researching best cross-country moving companies find high-quality tape.

Packing Supplies for Moving You Will Need to Make the Packing Easier

Now that we’ve handled the essential materials, let’s move on to other supplies you may find useful. When it comes to labeling your boxes, you can use markers to write on the box itself. While some people prefer using stickers of different colors, this way you can mark them according to the rooms in your future home the possessions inside will go to. Also, labeling will make unpacking after the move that much easier and faster.

Furniture covers and moving blankets are perfect if you’re worried about your larger furniture pieces getting damaged, scratched, or dented. Especially if you plan on leaving them in a storage unit for a long time. You can also use them to cover all of your boxes to make sure that nothing gets damaged during the move. If you don’t want to, or can’t afford using professional blankets, you can use your own blankets or comforters for the same job or rent moving supplies and some plastic packaging material.

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Get markers to label your boxes.

Apart From Packing and Moving Supplies You Have to Use Moving Dollies

When it comes to relocating large possessions, like bulky furniture, you will find it very hard to do without a long-distance moving company. But it will be much easier to handle using professional hand trucks and moving dollies. And you don’t have to buy new ones for the job either.

You can rent the equipment from professional long-distance movers as it’s a much more affordable option. Just make sure that you understand how to use them to avoid any unnecessary injuries or damages.

Rely on Towing Dollies to Move the Boxes to the Moving Truck

In addition to bulky furniture, you can also move small items and bags more easily if you have the right equipment. Put your things and boxes on a dolly to roll them to the moving truck instead of carrying them.

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One of the main tips for successful relocation is to get proper gear before you start loading the bags into the truck.

Let Professional Movers Do the Job For You and Store Your Stuff

So now that you know all about the essential materials, you’re ready to create a photo inventory and get the packaging process started. If the best time of the year to move is approaching and you’re still unsure whether or not you’ll be able to handle everything reliably or you’re moving alone to another state and you need help, you can hire top-rated and highly recommended professionals to take care of it for you. Focus on finding a job before moving to another state, checking the safety of your future neighborhood, or house-hunting no matter if you are relocating for a relationship or alone.

Experienced cross country movers can provide you with both cross-country moving services as well as packing services and make the entire relocation process a breeze. In case you’re relocating to the suburbs and you need auto transport services, they will provide you with that as well. Let your chosen mover explain how car shipping works and transport your car across the country easily.

FAQ

What Are Some Essential Packing Materials for Moving?

Essential packing materials for moving cross country include:

  • Cardboard boxes in various sizes,
  • Bubble wrap or packing paper,
  • Packing tape and a tape dispenser,
  • Labeling markers,
  • Furniture blankets or pads,
  • Plastic wrap,
  • Packing peanuts or foam inserts,
  • Moving dolly or hand truck.

Where Can I Find Packing Materials for Moving?

You can find packing materials for moving before hiring a cross-country moving company at local home improvement stores, office supply stores, and online retailers such as Amazon or U-Haul. Free packing materials can be found on Craigslist.

What Are the Benefits of Using Professional Packing Materials?

Using professional packing materials can provide better protection for your belongings during the move. These materials are designed to withstand the rigors of moving and can prevent damage to your items.

How Do I Pack Fragile Items, Such as Glassware or Dishes?

To pack fragile items such as glassware or dishes, wrap each item separately in bubble wrap or packing paper. Place them in a box with packing peanuts or foam inserts to prevent them from moving around during transport.

What Materials Are Best for Packing Fragile Items?

The best materials for packing fragile items are ordinary bubble wrap or packing paper, packing peanuts or foam inserts, as well as reliable sturdy boxes.

How Do I Pack Clothing for Moving?

To pack clothing for moving, you can use wardrobe boxes or simply fold them and pack them in a box. You can also use vacuum-sealed bags to save space.

What Materials Are Best for Packing Furniture?

The best materials for packing furniture are furniture blankets or pads, plastic wrap, and packing tape.

How Do I Pack Electronics for Moving?

Remove any detachable parts and pack them separately. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect the item and place it in a box with packing peanuts or foam inserts.

What Materials Are Best for Packing Artwork?

The best materials for packing artwork are bubble wrap or packing paper, cardboard corners, and sturdy boxes.

How Do I Pack Bulky Items, Such as Mattresses or Couches?

To pack bulky items such as mattresses or couches, use plastic wrap or furniture blankets to protect them during transport.

How Do I Label My Packed Items for Easy Unpacking?

Label each box with a brief description of the contents and the room it belongs in to make unpacking easier.

What Materials Are Best for Packing Books?

The best materials for packing books are small or medium-sized boxes, packing paper or bubble wrap, and packing tape.

How Do I Pack Items That May Be Affected by Changes in Temperature or Humidity?

Items that may be affected by changes in temperature or humidity, such as plants or musical instruments, should be packed carefully and transported in a climate-controlled vehicle.

How Can I Reduce Waste When Packing for a Move?

To reduce waste when packing for a move, use environmentally-friendly packing materials such as reusable plastic containers or biodegradable packing peanuts.

What Should I Do With Unused Packing Materials After the Move?

If your packing materials are recyclable, you can drop them off at a local recycling center. Check with your local waste management facility for guidelines on what can be recycled. Many charitable organizations, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army, accept packing materials as donations. You can also offer them to friends or family members who may be moving in the future.

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