Packing Materials & Supplies

When you move or relocate, to make sure your household goods arrive at your new home without a scratch, start with a good packing list of the packing materials you'll need to pack and move your house. This is an area where you can cut down on moving costs if necessary, just keep in mind that doing so may increase the time you need to pack - having to double wrap items - or unpacking - newspaper results in dirty glassware. Your time is valuable and paying that little bit extra for good packing material may also buy you peace of mind.



Packing materials and supplies can be purchased at a local moving retailer, a mail service store, or an office supply outlet. However, for the best choice and most variety, go online. By taking the time to surf the Internet, you can compare prices and find specialty items that may be difficult to purchase at a local retail shop. Be aware that some packing and moving suppliers deal with large companies, so you will need to make sure you are able to purchase smaller quantities.

To save money, used moving boxes are available from grocery stores or liquor/wine stores. Give the store manager a few weeks notice so he or she can put aside what you need. Also, find out when the store receives large shipments and ask what time they will finish unloading. Remember that it is more difficult to securely pack items in used boxes as they tend to be larger and more cumbersome. Just make sure that the boxes are strong and not damaged before using them for your household move.

Specialty Moving Boxes Specialty moving boxes are available for purchase from stores and online. Artwork and mirror boxes are stronger and shaped to fit, and most come with - or with an option to purchase - frame protectors. Frame protectors can be secured to the corners of the item to prevent damage during the move. Purchasing corrugated cardboard may help protect glass surfaces and keep items separated while in transit.

Lamp boxes, guitar boxes, mattress and crib boxes are some of the specialty packing supplies available online. For most people, these boxes are not necessary. Not so for file boxes. Arriving at a new destination with nothing but empty file folders and papers strewn on the bottom of a box, can take days to sort and organize. File boxes are a simple tool to keep your documents sorted and sealed even after moving houses. File boxes can be purchased at any office supply store.

Accessories
Other nice to have items are things like packing tape and packing paper. Most people on the move are able to manage with a pair of household scissors instead of a box cutter, markers instead of printed labels and newspaper instead of packing peanuts. However, the more organized you are, the faster and easier the move. If you purchase items for the sole purpose of moving, it is easier to set aside a packing materials' box so all your supplies are within reach. Scissors and markers can quickly disappear when a project is due at school.

One item highly recommended when it comes to packing is a tape dispenser. A tape dispenser will save you time, frustration and your teeth! Purchase one, and after the move, keep it in the kitchen drawer. You will find it indispensable.