Moves are almost always stressful events, even if you carefully plan for months in advance. You might start packing to discover you forgot a moving essential. This moving supplies list from Auburn Moving & Storage can help you avoid last-minute trips to a warehouse for additional packing items.
Our movers in Sacramento, California, have facilitated countless moves for numerous clients. We’ll impart some of our wisdom below. Find out what to add to your supply list before you box your belongings.
Cardboard Boxes
Stacks upon stacks of cardboard boxes typically indicate an upcoming move. While you can probably get away with using a single, uniform size, you’ll have an easier time organizing your items when you choose moving boxes in varying sizes:
- Large boxes are sturdier and readily house hefty items like pots, pans, and dinnerware.
- Pack clothes, office supplies, and decorative items into medium boxes.
- Delicate items, like glass knick-knacks and other tiny collectibles, should go in small boxes. Keep them separate from heavy things that may damage them.
- Extra-small boxes perfectly contain jewelry, important documents, and photographs.
You can purchase new boxes, ask local retailers to give you their empty stock boxes, or collect boxes from shipments to your location.
Tape
Invest in two types of tape to simplify your move: painter’s and packing tape. You can use painter’s tape to secure loose items attached to larger belongings.
For example, you might take your blinds down and wrap painter’s tape around each end to consolidate the blinds. Apply packing tape to the box flaps to prevent them from opening during transport.
Baggies
If you dismantle any future for easier transport, you’ll need to keep screws, nails, and other hardware available for reassembly. Losing them could jeopardize the furniture’s stability after you put it back together. Store the hardware in small, labeled sandwich baggies for easy reassembly later.
You’ll also need garbage bags to collect any leftover trash. Plus, if you forget to pack a few things, you can put them inside the bags for safekeeping.
Cushioning Supplies
You need materials that secure and protect your fragile belongings during transport. Bubble wrap and cushioning supplies work perfectly for this task. You can purchase bubble wrap rolls to wrap individual items, like glass figurines, carefully. You might also place wrap sheets between flat, glass items, like plates, to absorb shock.
Packing paper also protects delicate things, but you have numerous alternatives at your fingertips to save money and reduce waste. Collect old newspapers, paper towels, and even plastic bags from grocery stores for extra padding.
Labeling Materials
Organization is essential during the moving process. Otherwise, you won’t know which box contains what, and you will be stressed over locating your toiletries, dishes, and other necessities. Keep plenty of labeling materials close, such as:
- Sticky labels
- Markers and pens
- Color-coded stickers
- A legal pad for lists
You can organize boxes by room and level of need to prevent mix-ups.
Toolkit
Add a kit with basic tools to your moving supplies list, especially if you have furniture and other items that you must disassemble before transporting them. Wrenches, screwdrivers, a hammer, and other basics can simplify your work.
Once you begin the arduous packing process, you won’t likely have the energy to run out and purchase these things. Checking your household supplies or buying a small kit can save you trouble.
Furniture Pads and Blankets
When you move large, awkward pieces of furniture, you will struggle to protect the furniture itself and the walls. Use furniture pads and covers throughout the move to keep your walls and furniture scratch-free. The coverings will also keep the furniture free of dust until you can situate it in your new home.
Cargo Straps and Dollies
Cargo straps and dollies add an extra layer of security when you transport large items to and from the moving truck. You can tighten the straps to the hand trucks and dollies while you wheel them into the truck. Then, use the straps to situate your furniture and boxes snuggly against the truck’s sides.
Household Cleaning Supplies
As you empty each room, you’ll uncover hidden stains, piles of dust, and other evidence of your family’s activities. Keep some cleaning supplies on hand so you can clean each room as you go. Make sure you have the following:
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Disposable rags
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop
- Vacuum cleaner
You can also ensure your new home is tidy as you unpack.
Travel Supplies
Finally, don’t forget to care for yourself and your family, especially if you have a long move ahead. Pack lunches, beverages with electrolytes, and snacks to give everyone enough fuel for the move. Keep some kibble available for any pets.
Tick Off Each Moving To-Do Faster With Auburn Moving & Storage
Acquiring the items on this moving supplies list is the first step to a successful move. You should also know about safely moving appliances and other heavy, expensive items. Auburn Moving & Storage in Sacramento, California, can help you with each step. Call 916-786-8683 to discuss your plans or ask about an estimate.
Moving Supply List FAQs
How Should I Organize Boxes for the Move?
You should organize boxes for the move by packing and securing boxes with items you don’t immediately need first. You can unpack these items at your leisure since they don’t influence your daily life.
What Are the Worst Days of the Week to Move Into a New House?
The worst days of the week to move into a new house are Friday through Sunday. Weekends are high-traffic since most people have those days off.
How Can I Decide What to Keep and Leave Behind?
You can decide what to keep and leave behind by determining what holds sentimental value, whether you have multiple of the same object, and whether you need the items.
What Can I Do With Unused Materials in My Moving Supplies List?
You can recycle, reuse, or donate the unused materials in your moving supplies list. Find out whether a neighbor needs supplies for a move or give them to a local recycling center to reduce waste.
