Ensuring a successful move takes planning and preparation. After weeks of making decisions as to how your move will take place, the time comes to pack it up and complete the task. Whether you have decided to move yourself or have hired professional residential movers and utilize their packing services, there will be a definite need for five essential items: Boxes (in a range of sizes), packing tape, wrapping paper, bubble wrap, and a mover’s tool kit.

Boxes

A variety of box sizes will be needed. Solid, heavyweight boxes should be used for breakables. Small boxes are best suited for books and heavier items. Medium boxes are a general purpose choice for a mix of contents and weights. Large boxes are best for lightweight items, especially those which are bulky. Tip: Keep box loads to 30-50 pounds and close flat.

Packing Tape

Heavy-duty 2″ packing tape is a must have; and lots of it. Packing a typical 3 bedroom, 2 bath home may require up to 10 rolls of tape or more. Packing tape is utilized for putting boxes together, sealing boxes, securing inventory lists to boxes, and household use. A tape gun dispenser is advised for efficiency and convenience.

Wrapping paper

Plain wrapping paper is well worth the cost and is a clean alternative to newspaper. Cushion your glassware and delicate items in wrapping paper to prepare for packing. Wrapping paper is also needed to fill any voids in boxes to maximize the safe transport of your belongings.

Bubble wrap

Use bubble wrap, or foam wrap, to protect fragile items. Bubble wrap is especially useful for breakable items that are too large to be wrapped in paper and for those items in need of the additional cushion.

The Mover’s Toolkit

Tools in this context are a wide variety of common household items. Certain tools and provisions should be kept on hand to make your move a seamless, efficient operation:

• Screwdrivers (or a cordless screwdriver), wrenches, and hammers are a given. Make sure that you are prepared with a selection of common head types and socket sizes to disassemble and then reassemble the bed and any other pieces.
• A utility knife is invaluable for a number of chores including packing and unpacking.
• Permanent markers are needed to label boxes.
• Trash bags are the unsung heroes of moving day. There are needed as a packing source as well as for the trash that easily accumulates during a move.
• Scissors may be needed in any number of ways during a move.
• A flashlight and batteries, as well as a basic first aid kit, are basic items that quickly become vital in many situations during a move and are a standard of preparation and planning for a large task.

Packing a home for a move is challenging to say the least. It is critical to properly pack belongings carefully to prevent damage to fragile items. Even if you have hired residential movers to pack the contents of your home, there are specific belongings that should not, or cannot, be packed and moved by the moving company.

Items which should not be packed by the movers:

Certain personal items, including those items essential to the homeowner’s well-being, should not be included in the packing inventory. A sturdy box (or boxes) with a lid, or one that can otherwise be closed, should be utilized to contain valuables, jewelry, all important papers (including an inventory list of all contents being moved and the moving contract), prescription medications, and any perishables to be taken to the new residence.

Items which cannot be packed by the movers:

Flammable items such as matches, paint, chemicals, cleaning products, lacquer or varnish, and charcoal, or items that have the potential to explode such as fireworks, disinfectant, and ammunition, cannot legally be packed or moved by a moving company.

If you decide to pack your home yourself, you may want to consider the added option of professional packing services for certain rooms, or your more fragile items, to eliminate some of the stress and worry of the move.