In all of the excitement of moving into your new
location, it's easy to let a few things slip your mind. This is especially true
if the move itself is a rushed, do-it-in-one-day job. When it comes time to start
packing things up, there are a few items you'll need in order to provide a safe
and smart way to move. Many of these are inexpensive and may be supplied by the
moving truck company or you have around the house already.
1. Boxes – Boxes and containers are an obvious need. You can
usually pick these up for free at grocery stores and even liquor stores if you
don't mind the labels. Boxes can be relatively cheap but there's nothing wrong
with picking up free boxes from retailers who are getting ready to throw them
in the recycling bin anyway.
2. Sharpie – A Sharpie marker can help you find the box you need
right away should you need it immediately after unloading the moving truck. By
writing which room the boxes go into and a short synopsis of what's in the box,
such as "dishes," you can quickly find what you need. Any marker will
do, but Sharpies are a favorite of many.
3. Tape – Not all tapes are made alike. For instance, using scotch
tape to seal the bottom of the box may not work very well. It may hold Christmas
wrapping paper efficiently, but it wasn't designed to hold back the excess
weight. Duct tape would work flawlessly, but it would be an expensive move.
Special moving tape is designed for what you need while providing a better cost
to you over duct tape.
4. Water – This is for you and your moving crew. Never
underestimate the need for water while moving a home or an office from one
location to the other. Exhaustion and dehydration can cause your crew to slow
down and could be damaging to their bodies.
5. Filler – Don't over flow your boxes. This could cause damage to
fragile objects or put so much weight in the box that it can't be lifted
safely. If you need the goods on the inside to stay firm, use a filler such as
wadded paper, bubble wrap, or the ever versatile packing peanuts.
6. Straps – Fastening your furniture and appliances tight to the
moving truck can prevent them from becoming damaged or thrown from the vehicle.
Every moving truck should be equipped with straps, but you should buy or borrow
some if you need them.
7. Appliance Dolly – Do you really need to be macho in order to get
the fridge down the stairs? Only if you are purposely trying to strain
yourself. Work smarter and load the appliances, furniture, and heavy boxes on
an appliance dolly to get them out to the truck.
If you carefully plan your move, you won't have to sift through piles of boxes
in order to make dinner the next night. Although you'll more than likely be too
tired to cook anyway, imagine how much more difficult it would be without the
use of moving equipment. You don't have to be a moving hero by tossing boxes
and furniture into the truck putting additional strain on yourself. Work
smarter and safer and make the whole experience a pleasant one.
This article is contributed by Madoline Hatter.
Madoline is a freelance writer and blog junkie from ChangeOfAddressForm.com. You can
reach her at: m.hatter12 @ gmail. com.
