Here at Fresh Start, we’re more than happy to be your packers and movers. In fact, we’d highly suggest you just let us take care of everything. After all, with a single call you can procure our services and we’ll get you where you need to be.

But we also understand that some people are only interested in our moving services. Perhaps they’re distrustful of other people packing their stuff, or maybe they have the time and inclination to take care of it and want to save money by foregoing the packing services. If you’re planning on packing up everything yourself, here are some of the most common packing supplies you’ll be needing for the move.

Boxes

Let’s start this off with the most obvious supply you’re going to need. You’ll need boxes when you move, because while garbage bags might hold up to some items, stereo equipment isn’t one of them! Be sure to get a variety of sizes, and label the ones that are heaviest; this allows us to plan the loading of the truck when we get there. As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, put heavy items such as books in the smaller boxes. Put lightweight items in the larger boxes.

Tape

Packing tape is another necessity, especially if you’re getting your boxes unassembled. Even if your boxes are taped on the bottom, it’s a great way to make sure everything stays closed during shipping (sure, you could always try the box flap closure, but that’s not nearly as secure.)

It’s a good idea to have a variety of kinds of tape at the ready. Packing tape will be the most commonly-used types, but for extra strength it’s a good idea to keep a roll of duct tape around. Masking tape is also a good idea because it can be used for labeling, especially on darker boxes where a Sharpie might not show up.

Scissors

Sometimes the tape gun dispensing your tape is going to mess up, and other people have never learned how to tear duct tape effectively. That’s where scissors come in. They’re also great for cutting open a box when you want to know what’s in it after you forget to label it!

Packing Material

If you plan on purchasing bubble wrap for everything you own, it’s going to get expensive. Yes, you’ll want a good supply of bubble wrap for the more breakable items, but you’ll also want to find alternatives. There’s no need to spend money on bubble wrap for your flatware when newspaper would do just as well.

Also, don’t forget the wonders of your towels, bedding, pillows, and other soft items you’ll be taking to your new home. Instead of simply loading up all of that soft stuff in a box, use it a packing material.

Markers or Colored Stickers

Knowing what’s in a box is a great idea. But what’s even better is knowing exactly where something is going once you get to you new location. By marking something “bedroom 2” instead of simply “bedroom lamp,” our movers will know exactly where to put something when we get to the new location.

At the very least, it will help you know which boxes are more important. Don’t just label something “kitchen stuff.” Opening the box marked “toaster” is probably more important to you than opening the one called “bread maker I haven’t used in three years.” (That’s some really thorough labeling, by the way!)

There are some less obvious packing supplies you’ll be needing, but we’ll take care of those another day. In the meantime, get on our moving company’s schedule as soon as possible!