By Katie Blumenberg, Multi Site Manager for Leader Storage
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The Ultimate Moving Supplies Checklist
At Leader Storage, we have helped thousands of people through one of life’s most stressful events…. MOVING. We would be naive to think that we could completely remove all the stress from this life event, but we certainly try our best by providing storage and moving expertise where we can. Whether you’re relocating across town, downsizing or simply need space during a transition, one thing remains true: having the right supplies makes a huge difference and can reduce stress when planning for a move.
We created this checklist a to help you stay organized, avoid last minute trips to the store and to protect your belongings from the time you start packing until the last box is unloaded. Let’s start with the basics.
Boxes and Totes You’ll Need
Everything starts with having the right containers and the goal is simple: keep items organized, protected and easy to stack.
Checklist:
- Small boxes (books and heavier items)
- Medium boxes (most household items)
- Large boxes (light, bulky items)
- Dish/Glassware boxes (fragile items)
- Plastic storage totes (seasonal decor and long term storage)
- Specialty boxes (TV, mirror, wardrobe, etc.)
Key Recommendations:
Heavy Duty Moving Box Kits (Mixed Sizes)
One thing we see our customers underestimate is how important consistent box sizing is. Having a set of standard of boxes makes stacking easier in trucks and storage units and helps to prevent crushed or collapsed boxes.
Clear Stackable Storage Totes
For anything going into storage long-term or for items that are sensitive to the temperature changes we see in North East Ohio, plastic totes are often a better option than cardboard. They hold up better over time, protect against dust and moisture and make it easier to see what’s inside without reopening boxes. They are a great solution for seasonal decor.
Glassware Boxes with Handles and Lids
Don’t break a glass while moving. Nothing is more annoying than having a mismatch set of glasses. Glassware boxes protect your glasses during a move and save you from being tempted to buy a whole new set in the future after one broke.
Budget Friendly Tip: Moving adds up. Ask friends for boxes. Save your boxes from deliveries. Or use boxes from work if possible. Local businesses such as the grocery store may also have boxes they can give you. Breakdown and save your boxes after a move to give to others or for future moves.
Packing Supplies
Packing supplies are what keeps the boxes and everything inside together. Without them, even good boxes won’t hold up.
Checklist:
- Packing tape and dispenser
- Bubble wrap
- Specialty wrap (for dishes and such)
- Permanent markers
- Labels (for fragile items, room specific items, etc.)
- Stretch wrap
- Box cutter
Key Recommendations:
Foam Wrap Pouches for Dishes (Variety of Sizes)
These pouches make wrapping dishes, bowls and other kitchen glassware super easy. No need for scissors and tape. Just slide the item in and stack in the box. Worth the small splurge especially since they can be saved and reused.
Heavy-Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser
One of the most common moving frustrations, is the box reopening after they’ve already been packed. A tape dispenser helps you secure boxes faster and more securely, especially when packing a large number of items.
Heavy-Duty Plastic Stretch Wrap
Ensuring your upholstery items are covered and any hardware such as curtain rods are bundled is an excellent way to reduce snags and lost items. Stretch wrap is useful product that protects and secures your items. Stretch wrap with a holder and handle included further simplifies the process by making it even easier to wrap your items.
Budget Friendly Tip: Towels are great for protecting fragile items. Instead of just packing your towels in a box labeled, “Bathroom Stuff,” use them to wrap fragile items like glass vases, picture frames or decor.
Furniture Protection
Protecting your furniture is an important aspect of reducing your stress while moving because nobody wants to scratch their dresser or beautiful antiques passed down by a loved one. Be sure to follow this checklist to protect your items.
Checklist:
- Furniture blankets
- Mattress bags
- Sofa covers
- Corner protectors
Key Recommendations:
Furniture Blankets
Furniture blankets protect the furniture you’re trying to move, but it also protects your home by reducing the risk of damaging the walls. They can also shield items from dust or moisture while on a moving truck or in a storage unit.
Heavy Duty Mattress Bag with Handles
Moving a mattress can get a little tricky and hard to maneuver. Using a mattress bag with handles attached to it not only makes it easy to move, but it also protects the mattress from dust, debris and germs.
Budget Friendly Tip: Blankets from your home can be used as furniture blankets. Using household blankets as furniture blankets also means one less item to pack.
Moving and Lifting Tools
The proper moving and lifting tools are essential to ensuring your safety and moving efficiency.
Checklist:
- Furniture dolly
- Hand truck
- Lifting Straps
- Work gloves
- Furniture sliders
Key Reccomendations:
Furniture Dolly
Furniture dollies help maneuver heavy loads and reduce the physical labor required of moving so that you can focus your energy on other things. It is a very useful tool because it allows you to move multiple boxes or pieces of heavy furniture at one time.
Lifting Straps
Lifting straps encourage proper lifting techniques for heavier items by distributing the weight more evenly which can also help to reduce back strain.
Furniture Sliders
Furniture sliders are great for protecting your floors and rugs from scuffs and scratches. They are also useful for someone working alone to move furniture around.
Budget Friendly Tip: Before purchasing items like dollies or moving straps, ask your family, friends or neighbors if they have any that you can borrow or if you’re moving company, there is usually an option to rent these items.
Storage Unit Essentials
If you’ll be utilizing storage during your move, a few items can make a huge difference in keeping your belongings protected and organized. By taking the time to protect and organize your belongings, you’ll have extra peace of mind.
Checklist:
- Disc lock
- Moisture absorbers
- Plastic totes
- Shelving units (Optional)
- Labels/inventory List
Key Recommendations:
High-Security Disc Lock
Most storage facilities recommend disc locks because they are the most secure form of lock and they tend to hold up better to outdoor conditions better over time.
Moisture Absorbers
Humidity can build up in enclosed spaces over time. Moisture absorbers help reduce dampness and protect furniture, clothing and boxes
Moving Labels
Labels are affordable and incredibly useful for ensuring that fragile items are marked and handled with care. They also making sorting and eventually unpacking super simple.
Budget Friendly Tip: If you don’t want to splurge on labels, labeling everything with a sharpie is just as good and will make sorting your items simple.
Download Your Free Moving Checklist
To make planning even easier, clicker here to view a printable version of this checklist to keep on hand while planning your move and packing.
Related Moving Resources
Check Out our Storage Size Calculator Here
Take a Moment to Read Our Other Use Blog Articles Here
Need Storage During Your Move?
If you need extra space during your move, Leader Storage offers clean, secure and 24/7 access storage units designed to make transitions smoother.
