For anyone who has ever moved, there are probably a few horror stories you can recant about your experience. It never fails… The best plans can go haywire for reasons way beyond your control. Moving is as stressful as losing a job or your spouse. The only way you can try to alleviate much of the stress is with plenty of proactive planning. Buying moving supplies, without waiting till the last minute, can be a big help!
Having a good understanding of exactly what type of supplies you need can be a lifesaver. Finding out you have no more boxes and no more tape just as your buddies pull up with the truck can really put a cramp in your plans! Get some professional advice – and this is as close as your nearest moving and storage facility. Buying supplies is an important part of your move; don’t be running around to your local discount stores loading up on the wrong things, or items that won’t last through the project. Have one of the pros as the storage facility go over all the details with you and buy what they suggest. This is not the time to skimp.
Anyone who has ever moved has probably headed to all types of local stores after work each day collecting boxes. This might be a good start, but these boxes probably won’t be your best bet. Certainly don’t plan on packing an entire household in these second hand boxes. They have already been used, cut, damaged, and are probably dirty. The sizes might not even be what you need. It’s a better idea to actually buy new boxes. There are boxes specifically manufactured for certain products – books, clothes, kitchen utensils. They might cost a few bucks more than you wanted to spend, but it is an investment worth the time and expense. It’s also a nice benefit to have the boxes store flat until you need them.
Don’t forget plenty of good packing tape! This doesn’t mean duct tape or that tape you use to wrap birthday presents. This means packing tape. It will even say “packing tape”. And forget the type that requires scissors. Get a dispenser that has a razor or cutting edge – this means you can tape and cut with one hand. You’ll need this type of quality to make sure the bottoms of your boxes are secured properly.
Don’t forget that things like your expensive mattresses need special attention as well. You can get sizes and materials to fit your needs. The last thing you want to see when you get to your new home is that the mattresses and box springs weren’t well protected from the dust and dirt that inherently inhabit moving trucks.
Also make sure you have an adequate supply of moving pads. These can either be rented or you can buy them. Old quilts might do, too, but you’ll need more than that for your entire household.
Give some consideration to your larger items like your sofa and entertainment units. Covers should be wrapped around these as well. They should be protected like everything else from dirt and grime.
Finally: make sure the covers you buy are also waterproof. Since weather can be unpredictable, you don’t want the perfect move wrecked at the end because your furniture got stuck in the driveway during a downpour!
Monica Alberts, the Moving Queen, provides useful information and resources about staying organized while moving. Find out more about moving boxes by visiting her discount moving boxes website.