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Even when you hire professional movers, all home and business owners will need essential moving tools and supplies. Read this list and prepare for your move.
Fourteen percent of Americans move every year. This number doesn’t include commercial moving and a fair number of unreported moves
Regardless of where everyone is relocating to, we all have to use the same equipment to safely transport all of our belongings.If we don’t, we may end up losing sentimental items or spending money to replace broken things.Keep reading to find out the essential moving tools and supplies that you’ll need for your next big move to ensure success in your new endeavor.
The Goals of Moving
Before diving into a comprehensive list of things you’ll need, we should first talk about the ideal moving situation. You’re wanting to make a home in a new residence, which requires that your sentimental and functional belongings get transported safely. This means lots of planning and organization when packing up your stuff. Another often unspoken goal of moving is doing it in a stress-free manner. It’s completely possible and desirable, as moving doesn’t have to be a hassle.
If you give yourself enough time, you can develop a plan and stick to it, making the process easy as pie.It’s helpful for many people to make a list of belongings (e.g. inventory) before they start to pack. That way, you can create a plan of what to tackle first. Plus, you’ll have a list of your items so that when you get to your new place, you can make sure everything’s accounted for.
The other aspect of developing a plan is referring to an ultimate list of tools and supplies needed to get the job done. That’s what this article about — so you can collect what you need to make the process simple.
Moving Tools
Without further adieu, here are all the tools you’ll need to move your stuff. Some of these items vary depending on the type of moving service you hire.
Tools to Have Handy
Keep a pair of scissors and box cutters nearby when packing and moving. You never know when you’ll need to cut tape, string, boxes, or anything else.
You’ll also want to have a measuring tape to assess the size of the items you’re moving. This will help you determine what size truck you’ll need as well as how to configure them in a Tetris-like pattern to optimize space.
Depending on your space and the time of day that the big move is happening, you may want to have a few flashlights and headlamps available for illumination.
A Few Things From the Toolbox
Luckily, you probably won’t need an entire box of tools (although it’s beneficial to keep them nearby). Screwdrivers, hex wrenches, and pliers should do the trick. Think about what you’ll need to take apart, including shelves and furniture.
If you have nails in the walls, use the backside of a hammer to remove them. Put a tiny bit of putty on the hole (if the walls are white) and smooth it out with a straight metal edge.
In the case that you’re not the handiest person, you can refer to simple online guides for help. For example, this one explains how to fill nail holes with ease.
Moving Supplies
Where would we be without moving supplies? Probably in rooms full of loose, damaged items.
Here’s what you’ll need to prevent that scenario.
Boxes
Unless you have loads of plastic storage bins, you’ll need to order a range of box sizes to fit your stuff into. Check out our tips on packing boxes to get an idea of what you need. You can opt for a more environmentally friendly option if you want, such as FrogBox, which foregoes cardboard altogether.
Tape and Markers
Folding the edges of the box into itself isn’t secure and makes it so that the boxes aren’t sturdy when stacked. Using tape to secure boxes helps keep things tight and safe. You can write with permanent markers on the boxes themselves for organization or choose to write on matte tape. Either way, labeling your boxes is essential to staying organized and making the process go smoothly.
Cushioning and Covers
To protect your items and furniture, you’ll want to pick up some shrink wrap, packing paper, and moving blankets and pads. For smaller, glass items, you can fill them with packing paper and surround the fragile things with packing paper for some cushioning.
For larger items, you’ll want to keep them covered to prevent damage or moisture from occurring. You may also need straps and rope to secure the items during transport unless provided by the moving company.
Cleaning Supplies
Once everything is packed up, you’ll need to clean your old house. Make sure you have:
- A broom and dustpan
- Cleaning spray
- Garbage bags
- A mop and bucket
- Sponges (soft and durable)
- Towels
- A vacuum
Pack these things last so that you can easily grab them to clean your new space before moving in.
Small Must-Haves
More miscellaneous items include:
- Small baggies for loose screws and small items
- Gloves to protect your hands
- Reused twist ties to secure cords and cables
Additionally, you’ll want to set yourself up with water, snacks, and phone chargers throughout the moving process to take care of yourself.
Moving Equipment
Many of the moving supplies listed can be provided by your moving company. This is true for moving equipment, too. Moving equipment includes dollies, moving trucks, and straps and ropes.We offer these things, as well as many of the other necessary moving supplies.
Non-Tangibles Needed For a Smooth Move
To finish up this A-Z guide on everything you need to move, let’s talk about some of the non-tangibles you’ll need for a successful transition.
Aside from time and organization, you’ll want to stay patient throughout the process. Few people get packed and moved done in one day and the results are often a disorganized mess.
Keep your checklists handy, your supplies nearby, and give yourself plenty of time to get the job done.
The final and most important thing you’ll need is support. You can ask friends to help you pack to make the process fun if you want. Otherwise, we have your back at Metropolitan Movers.
Safe Travels
Now that you’re equipped with the ultimate list of moving tools and supplies, you can ensure that your belongings will travel safely to your new home.
Contact us for any supplies and moving help you need.
