4 Must-Have Moving Supplies

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4 Must-Have Moving Supplies

Staff Writer · Oct 19, 2009

If you’ve given your 30 day notice and are ready to move out, you’ll need to start collecting moving supplies. The last thing you want to do is not have what you need in the middle of packing your things. Use this list of must-haves to ensure a smooth transition into a new apartment:

1. Boxes

It’s a given that you’ll need moving boxes. What many tenants fail to get are different sized boxes, and a mixture of light and heavy duty boxes. Your box collection should include small, medium, large and extra large boxes. You also want to have heavy duty boxes that can hold heavy or fragile items, like dishes. If you don’t use a stronger box, they’ll get damaged during transit, shipping or while you’re carrying them. You can also buy boxes that have dividers in them to sort and separate items in them. Be careful when you buy these more expensive boxes, because your items may not fit well in them. You might save money by using bubble wrap or packing tape instead.

2. Packing Tape

You need tape to seal all of your boxes for the move, but not just any tape. Packing tape should be the second item on your list of must-have moving supplies. They are a lot stronger and more durable than regular tape. You should try to find a bundle of 2 or more, so that you have enough for all of your boxes. You should also get a tape dispenser if you can afford it. It makes your job easier, and it makes things go a bit faster (not having to mess with the tape so much). However, having a tape dispenser is not a necessity, and you can get the job done without it.

3. Packing Paper

This is a necessity if you’re moving fragile items or if you need to fill space in your boxes. If you leave items to roll around in the boxes or bump against the sides during the move, they’ll get damaged. Sometimes electronics arrive on the other end and don’t work anymore because something inside gets loose. You don’t want to take that chance by not having packing paper. Bubble wrap is another option, but may be too bulky for what you need.

4. Mattress Covers

If you want to move your mattress and not have stains or dust on it from the truck or other transportation, use a mattress cover. These are clear plastics that will cover the mattress and protect it. You’re not going to find a garbage bag large enough to cover your mattress, and a mattress cover is properly sealed with vents. Since you’re going to be sleeping on your mattress (and because you can’t just throw it in the washing machine), it’s worth investing a little money to buy a mattress cover to protect it from dirt.

There are other moving supplies that you can purchase to help with your packing, and make moving to your new apartment that much easier (such as moving blankets and pads). However, this list consists of the basic supplies that you simply can’t do without.

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