Moving is never a pleasant and fun activity. It can be very stressful and requires a lot of planning, organisation and coordination. Once you start, everything should go as smoothly as possible. You should set your priorities to protecting the most fragile items in the house. This will require buying some moving supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap, tape and carpet protection film.
Protection Film
Protecting your home’s surfaces is very important when you’re moving. There will be a lot of heavy foot traffic around the house, many objects being transferred from one place to another. Some may even be too heavy to lift, so you’ll have to drag them around. By applying high-quality, durable floor protection film, you’ll save a lot of time, money and effort.
The first thing you need to know is what kind of surface you’ll need to protect because different surfaces require different types of protection. Carpets, granite, stone, vinyl, glass and plastic don’t need the same protection. You need to make sure there will be strong adhesiveness between the floor and the type of film you apply.
The tape's resistance to pressure and temperature, as well as the adhesive's quality, are some of the aspects of the film that you should consider when you buy one for general application. There's also a difference if the film will be used inside or outside, mainly because of the exposure to the elements. If you use it outdoors to protect your stairs or patio, make sure it’s UV-resistant and waterproof.
The amount of time the film will need to stick to the surface is another thing to think about when thinking about surface protection. Choose adhesives with stronger bonds that will stick for a longer amount of time if you are planning a long-term moving project. Always make sure you clean the surface before you apply the film.
This will remove all obstacles that may cause the film to separate from the floor or the carpet. Make sure you stretch the film evenly. This way you’ll get an even seal all over the floor. Be careful when you remove the film. If the adhesiveness is strong, it may leave some residue. To take it down, wipe the floor with mild organic solvents like acetate or ethanol.
Furniture Blankets
Furniture blankets are made for a specific purpose, to protect your belongings while moving. They're heavy-duty blankets and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They're usually made of polyester mesh and cotton and have extra protection on the inside called bating. They’re there to protect your furniture from bumps, scratches, scuffs and dents.
They’re perfect for items with delicate surfaces, like wood, or those that require extra cushioning. These blankets come in three weight variations: normal, heavy-duty, and lightweight. The thicker they are, the more protection they provide. You can either buy them or just rent them for one use. They can also protect your floors as floor protection film does.
They're especially practical when you’re transporting things in your car. They'll protect the seats from sharp edges and won’t let the dust and dirt make a real mess. When wrapping the objects, always start by covering them at the top. How many blankets you’ll need depends on the size of the things you’re moving. Combine the blankets with rubber bands to secure them in place.
Blankets will also prevent the furniture from moving inside the car or the truck. They'll be a nice barrier between everything inside. If the furniture you’re moving has legs, wrap them as well, because they’re very prone to damage. Overall, these blankets can save you a lot of money and prevent your precious belongings from being damaged.
Bubble Wrap
Did you know that the initial purpose of bubble wrap was to become a new form of wallpaper? But people saw its true potential and repurposed it. Nowadays, it’s one of the most commonly used protective materials in the shipping industry. Bubble wrap is basically a plastic sheet filled with small air-filled bubbles.
Their purpose is to absorb the shock from impact and protect the items inside it. People who move often combine it with carpet protection film and furniture blankets to protect their belongings. You can find bubble wrap in many grades and sizes. If you need extra protection, use high-grade wrap because its bubbles won’t pop that easily. Otherwise, you can use general bubble wrap.
Bubble wrap with anti-static properties is designed to protect electrical equipment. This is your to-go wrap if you're carrying your laptop, TV, computer, or phone. Lastly, due to its insulating qualities, the temperature-controlled wrap is designed to keep up a specific temperature for your items.
Boxes
Next, you’ll need lots and lots of boxes. You can buy them from the store or from your moving company. If you’re in the middle of a rainy season and your stuff can get wet, choose boxes made of waterproof materials and with lids. If there’s no rain coming, you can use regular, cardboard boxes. They come in a variety of sizes, are lightweight, and are simple to use. The only drawback is that water can ruin them, and you can't put a lot of weight inside.
If you want a sturdier option, you can get plastic boxes with lids. They have more weight capacity, offer more protection and are more versatile. Don't overbuy boxes. Make a rough estimate on how many you’ll need and in which sizes. Medium-weight things fit well in the larger boxes; the smaller ones are used for more delicate objects that need to be kept apart. Use the extra-large ones for your bedding, pillows and clothing.
Tape
This is an item we often use all around the house, but it’s also very practical when you’re moving. It serves to seal the boxes and secure the items inside. There are several types of tape but the most popular one is brown tape. This is because of its excellent adhesiveness and durability. Some people use clear tape, just because it has no colour.
Because not all tapes keep up well in humid environments, it's critical to select the tape based on local weather and climate. Sometimes, in cold weather, the tape will come off and the box will open. In this case, you need a specialised tape. There are also tapes with fun and colourful prints if you want to make your moving more entertaining. Don't forget to label your items, so you’ll know where you’ve stored everything.
