When moving local or long distances you want to use a particular types packing material. Cardboard boxes or cartons are a good place to start. Next you will need tape for sealing the boxes, and some sort of padding such as packing paper or bubble wrap. Marker pens are always good to have on hand to mark your boxes after sealing. Marking all your cartons with rooms and contents always makes it easy when unloading. And don’t forget a knife or box cutter to open you boxes with ease.
There are a variety of different types of boxes used for packing. Most are a standard size and can be used for 90% of packing. Cartons generally come in three sizes, large, medium, and small. You will want to put small heavy items in a small box, such as books, tools, and canned food. You can also use small boxes when packing liquids. The majority of people prefer small boxes because they are easier to handle. Use medium cartons for stuff like kitchen items, such as pots and pans or medium cartons can be used for lamp shades. And large boxes are generally used for lighter items like pillow, blankets, and pillow. Those kind of items you can usually stuff the box tight.
Most moves will consist of a variety of small, medium and large cartons. You can find basic moving cartons at places such as Home Depot and Lowes, or at box stores that specialize in moving cartons and supplies.
Then there are specialty cartons. These include cartons designed for packing of fragile items such as dishes, glassware, stemware, china and fragile decorative items. Also pictures and mirrors, electronics and components, and lamps and lampshades. Also wardrobe cartons for moving hanging clothes on their hangers.
One specialty carton is called a dish pack carton. Dish packs cartons are “doublewall” cartons and designed for fragile items. That is, instead of one layer of cardboard like standard cartons, they have 2 layers of cardboard for extra impact protection. Standard dish pack cartons are somewhat large, and when professionally packed can weigh up to 60 or 70 pounds. Many specialty box stores have smaller double-wall cartons that when properly packed weigh only 20 to 30 pounds, and are easier for most consumers to handle.
Mirror cartons are also considered a specialty carton. Mirror cartons come in different sizes, but they are typically tall, wide and are only about 4 inches thick. Medium size picture cartons hold 1 to 2 pictures or mirrors which are medium in size.
Wardrobe cartons are designed for moving hanging clothes on their hangers. They are about 4 foot tall, and have a metal bar that goes across the top so you can hang you clothes on their hangers. In addition, wardrobe cartons are very large cartons, and are great for packing garage items such as camping gear, sports gear, and consolidation of other miscellaneous bulky items.
Using the proper carton for the right job is very important. But so is using the right packing material that goes in the carton to protect your goods. “Packing medium” is terminology used to describe the cushioning material which may include packing paper, paper pads, foam wrap, air cushioning bags, packing peanuts, blankets and bubblewrap. For most local and long distance moves most professionals will use unprinted news or paper pads to protect your items in the box. These types of paper are commonly used by movers because when bought in bulk they are less expensive. Unprinted news and paper pads can be used to pack 95% of your items.
Unprinted news is the same material as newspaper, but without any printing. The problem with using regular newspaper is that it will often leave ink on whatever you pack with it. In addition, the ink transfers to your hands when using regular newspaper, which then spreads to everything you touch, including sofas, linens, etc. While regular newspaper is probably the cheapest, you should only use it if you don’t care about the ink issue. Be generous when wrapping your fragile items with unprinted news, and they should arrive without breakage.
Generally you will wrap large items such as mirrors, lamps and pictures with paper pads which vary in size but are most commonly about 3 feet by 4 feet. You can also use towels or blankets in place of paper padding. You’ll kill two birds with one stone, buy less paper and you’ll be packing your linens all in one shot.
Many home stores such as Home Depot have large rolls of brown paper wrap that you can use for much of your packing of large fragile items, such as pictures and mirrors and vases and electronics. You can find these large brown wrap rolls in paint section, and they are very cost effective.
Items like packing peanuts, foam wrap and bubblewrap are usually expensive, but I think these materials will give you the most protection. The high cost is why most professional movers don’t like using these materials. They prefer unprinted newspaper as their packing material of choice.
You will also need some packing tape for taping the bottom and tops of your cartons. Standard 2 inch wide plastic tape is the best for packing of moving cartons. Usually put about 3 to 5 strips on the bottom of the cartons, and 1 to 2 strips on the top of the cartons.
And finally, you should find some markers for marking the sides of your cartons. Be sure to write your last name, room, and quick list of items inside. Also, carton cutters are very helpful for cutting cardboard as needed for custom cartons. Also for unpacking of cartons at your new location. Be careful, carton cutters have razor blades.
I have listed your basic packing materials you’ll need whether you are moving your items yourself or having a professional do it. Being prepared and having the proper packing material will ensure your belonging arrive at thier new home in one piece. Using all the right material can save you in the pocket book.
It is most crucial for a move you decide to hire top movers in your area to handle your items. If you decide not to hire professional movers you risk the chance of your items being damaged or broken. Make the right choice and hire only the best moving companies that you require.