Getting ready to move? Don’t wait until the last minute to get your packing supplies. MI-BOX helps you stay stress-free during your move!
Upgrading your home, downsizing your home or moving to another rental, it doesn’t matter why you’re moving; it’s well-known across the board that moving is a stressful experience. The good news is that we can take preliminary steps, so it doesn’t have to be, or at the very least, less taxing.
One way you can make your transition from one home to the next smoother is by preparing ahead of time with all the necessary supplies. This will prevent some annoyances like waiting for a store to open to purchase what you need at the last minute or realizing you spent a whole lot of money on things you didn’t need.
Whether you are just moving across town or across the country, here is a breakdown of the most common supplies needed, as well as a complete list containing all the packing and moving essentials you need to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.
The Basics:
First and foremost, you need boxes. You should get different sizes so you can pack items appropriately. Do not forget about packing tape and markers; these will help ensure that all your boxes are sealed properly and easily identified once they reach their destination.
Bubble wrap or newspaper is also great for padding fragile items such as glassware or electronics. Be sure to label each box according to its contents, so it is easier to unpack later on.
Pro tip: Try creating ads on social media/buy and sell platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji for unused packing materials and even old newspapers for wrapping fragile items. You’ll be surprised how many people were in your shoes and now need to get rid of all their boxes and such. Remember, there’s no harm in putting your feelers out there.
Protection:
You will also need protection for your furniture during the move, like mattress covers, furniture pads, and shrink wrap. High-quality mattress covers have durable handles preventing ripping that causes dirt from getting on your mattresses during transit. Don’t forget the furniture pads to protect your belongings against scratches and scrapes.
Shrink wrap is perfect for wrapping up anything that has multiple parts or pieces that could come loose during transport (think chairs with removable cushions). It also helps keep dust out of any nooks or crannies in your furniture pieces, so they stay clean until they arrive at their destination.
Pro tip: Amazon is a great place to look for reusable heavy-duty covers. They usually cost just under or above $100, but that’s better than replacing a damaged mattress.
Tools of the Trade:
Tools are often overlooked until the last minute, but it’s quite important that these make it on your list early on to prevent scrambling! You will need screwdrivers, hammers, nails, pliers, and saws to disassemble certain items before packing them up and reassembling them upon arrival at your new home.
If you don’t have tools handy already, invest in an inexpensive toolbox before beginning the move process as this will save time in the long run when it comes to packing up larger items such as beds or dressers that require screws or bolts for assembly/disassembly.
Pro tip: The dollar store is a great place to look for inexpensive tool kits that you may not use often or at all after the move.
Complete Moving Supplies Checklist:
Now that we’ve gone over the importance of the basics check out our complete moving supplies list below!
Packing:
- Thick Black markers
- Boxes of different sizes
- Plastic totes for heavier items
- Rolls of tape & tape dispenser
- Newspapers/flyers
- Bubble wrap
- Scissors
- Box cutter
- Heavy-duty mattress covers
- TV box or Flat screen TV cover
- Foldable moving bags – perfect for clothing, linens & more
- Vacuum storage bags
- Shrink wrap
- Cushion foam – for extra fragile belongings
- General tool kit – take apart furniture
Cleaning and Minor Repairs:
- Glass cleaner spray or wipes
- Disinfectant spray or wipes
- Carpet stain remover
- Paper towels or reusable
- Cleaning sponge
- Kitchen rubber gloves – protect your hands from harmful chemicals
- Heavy-duty plastic bags
- Touch-up paint – The Home Depot can match paint colours with a sample
- Paint brushes
- Painters tape
- Hardwood/cabinet touch-up markers
- Wall putty
- Putty spatula
- Sandpaper
- Sealants
Moving Day:
- Gloves with grip
- Moving back saver straps
- Ropes
- Tie-down straps
- Dolly/moving cart
- Car roof bag
- Moving blankets
- Outdoor lock – moving truck or storage containers
- Strong moving help – don’t forget pizza and drinks for your moving help!
Pro tip: When moving, it is so easy to let important things slip past your list of priorities. Check out our ultimate Address change checklist for additional support.
MI-BOX Storage Rentals – the ultimate moving essential:
Moving does not have to be overwhelming if you plan ahead of time with the necessary supplies and equipment listed above.
You can make your move even easier when you choose to team up with MI-BOX storage rentals. Our portable units can be delivered and perfectly levelled steps away from your front door days, weeks or even months before the big day, allowing you to work at your own pace. We also have three convenient sizes to choose from!
All you have to do is tell us where to go and when to be there. One of our expert drivers will deliver your unit(s), so you’ll never have to worry about driving large moving trucks and all the inconveniences that come with truck rentals.
When you’re ready to move, we can either take your storage rentals to your new home or one of our clean and secure storage facilities until further notice.
Ready to gear up for a smooth transition from one space to another? Click here to get started, and we wish you good luck in your moving adventure!
