If you're planning to put your belongings in a storage unit, the first thing you need to do is buy some packing supplies so you can pack things properly. You don't want to put belongings in trash bags or boxes you get from a grocery store dumpster or your things may be damaged. It's a good idea to pack just like you were packing to move.
When you stack all the boxes, you can measure the space they take up so you'll know the exact size storage unit to rent. Here are some packing supplies you'll need.
Moving Boxes Of Different Sizes
When you buy packing supplies, you'll want moving boxes of different sizes so you can pack a small number of heavy things in small boxes and a large number of light things in big boxes. However, small, medium, and large moving boxes have uniform sizes so the small ones stack on small ones and so on. It's important for boxes to stack well so they don't tip over.
When you buy moving boxes, you might want some specialty boxes, such as boxes with dividers or cells to keep glasses separated. Those boxes make packing a little easier. You might even find a big box for your mattress. It might give you peace of mind to have your mattress sealed in a box so you don't have to worry about bugs and spiders getting on it.
Air Pillows Or Foam Peanuts
Air pillows or foam peanuts protect your fragile items. They also help fill voids in boxes. You may need to top off the boxes with foam nuts so when the lids close the top is flat and doesn't cave in. It helps the boxes stack better when the tops of the boxes are flat. You can also use things like towels, washcloths, and socks to fill in voids in boxes so you don't have to buy as many air pillows.
Markers And Labels
The boxes you pack up need to be labeled so you know what's in them. This is important since all the boxes look alike. You can use a dark marker and write on the sides of the box. You might also want colored dots that let you know at a glance if a box is from your bedroom or the kitchen.
Box Tape
Tape is an important packing supply. You may not think it's all that important since you can fold the lids together. However, tape seals the box to keep bugs and dust out. Plus, when you use tape, the top of the box is flat. When you just fold the flaps down, they stick up and make it hard for boxes to stay stable when stacked.
It's best to buy packing tape so you know it will stick like it's supposed to. You can buy packing tape on a roller so it's easy to use with one hand and rip it off without a struggle.
Rubber Totes And Cans
You might have some things that aren't suitable for boxes. This might be long garden tools or heavy equipment. You probably can't buy large rubber trashcans at a packing supplies store, but you might want to pick one up elsewhere so you can stand tools in one to keep them organized. You might also find rubber or plastic totes suitable for packing some items when cardboard isn't strong enough.
For more information on packing supplies, contact a professional near you.
