When you set out for your next big move, it is important to have a checklist of the right moving supplies. Buying environmentally friendly supplies and taking advantage of the newest supportive moving devices can make your next move a breeze. Below are the top 6 moving supplies to put on your list:
1) Plastic Moving Boxes
Why rely on cardboard moving boxes for your next move? Not only are cardboard boxes difficult to find in the right sizes, but once you use them they get tossed in the recycling (if you have such an option) and disposed of, never to be used again. But the next time you or anyone else has to move, new boxes have to be found. When you buy cardboard boxes, you also have to purchase secondary supplies like pens to mark the boxes, tape to secure them, and you have to face the constant fight of holding the two top pieces together as tightly as you can with one arm and maybe a knee while you stretch the tape over the center to secure them. Once en route, these boxes can fall victim to being crushed or damages in the event of roadway hazards. If liquids leak or it happens to be raining on the day of your departure or arrival the boxes will dilapidate under the water, leaving your goods exposed to the elements and dampness.
But with the plastic moving boxes, the risk of damage to your personal goods is mitigated, the damage to the environment is no longer existent, and the burden of taking on each new box in a final tape fight is banished. Plastic moving boxes arrive at your home ready for packing, meaning you don’t have to assemble each box prior to filling it up. They have secure removable lids which allow you to easily snap it in place when you are done. The boxes are not only sturdy, but they will not succumb to exterior pressure or roadway hazards. This means the boxes (and your goods) are crushproof. The boxes are also waterproof which protects your goods (and the boxes) from the hazards of the Bay Area weather patterns. When you rent these boxes, you’ll also receive labels for every box. This makes unpacking a breeze. The boxes arrive, the lids detach, and you can clearly make out the contents of each box. What’s more, when you are done using them, you can return to them the moving box rental company and rest assured that someone else will benefit from their sturdy and reliable use, and Mother Nature will be full of gratitude for your zero waste move.
2) Packing Paper
You can use recycled packing paper to wrap and protect your breakables or delicate home and kitchen items. They come in large sheets generally 24 inches x 36 inches each and you use one sheet for every glass, plate, bowl, and any other delicate items. This paper doubles as a box liner and can also be used to fill in the spaces in between items you have packed. The material is made from the same paper as that of newspapers which means extra sheets are ideal for extremely fragile items.
3) Wardrobe Boxes
Plastic wardrobe boxes are better than traditional packing boxes because they keep your clothes safe from damage, exposure, or wrinkles. Fine clothing can stay right on its hanger, perfect for easy transport between closets when you use wardrobe boxes. These eco-friendly and reusable boxes are light weight and resistant to harsh weather. You can place your clothing right on the metal hanger bar and avoid the hassle of boxing up hundreds of metal hangers in tandem with folded clothing. You can even use these boxes for linens and bedding.
4) Bubble Wrap
With precious goods, you need to make sure that no matter what shipping container you use, the contents are safe and secure. Bubble wrap is not only fun to play with (when you are finished unpacking, of course) but a useful measure to prevent collisions within your box. The Geami Greenwrap is made from paper and offers an environmentally friendly solution to your packing needs. The green wrap roll is a new environmentally friendly form of bubble wrap which is made from recycled paper. This new packing materials provides a reliable cushioning for your delicate items and is perfect for packing things such as computer monitors, wine bottles, or fine kitchenware.
5) Moving Dolly
When you are packing up your household goods, rely on a 4 wheel dolly to safely and securely move your contents from your home to the moving van or truck, and back. The four wheel dolly is one of the most reliable moving accessory to help with the heavy lifting. The moving dolly is also designed to work with your plastic moving totes.
6) Lifting Straps
Adjustable forearm lifting straps are your newest moving friend. These straps are adjustable and allow you to employ leverage while carrying heavier items. You can easily move large kitchen or laundry appliances or even your unruly mattress with ease. These straps are ideal for moving your heavier items which have various shapes and sizes to them. Items weighing up to eight hundred pounds can be lifted between just you and a moving buddy. The straps are designed to allow for proper lifting techniques only which reduces your risk of back injuries while moving. These straps are even approved by OSHA, so you know they are a perfect fit.
Finally, when you are preparing for a move, you need the supporting accessories that often go forgotten until the moment strikes. These include tape to secure the boxes, scissors to cut packaging material and the heavy duty tape, as well as pens to mark each box with its content list. Of course, these items can add up quickly in terms of cost, especially when they have a habit of disappearing behind a recently cleared hallway door or inside of a recently sealed packing box. For this reason, and many more, it is in your best interest to invest in the plastic moving boxes which not only don’t require tape because of their attachable sealing lids, but come assembled and ready to pack with your household goods. What’s more, when you rent these boxes you can enjoy the convenience of company-provided packing labels to mark each box and its contents.
7) Glass Dividers and Dish Dividers
Glass dividers and dish dividers are reusable inserts made from corrugated plastic. Each divider will go into a rented green moving box and then will be used to pack up to 18 glasses and up to 16 dishes with little to no packing materials. The dividers make packing a kitchen easier than ever.
About The Author
ZippGo has been renting plastic moving boxes with free delivery in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Palo Alto, San Mateo, and all surrounding Bay Area cities since 2009. ZippGo’s reusable moving crates are a simple to use and eco-friendly alternative to cardboard moving boxes, but without the waste and messy tape. ZippGo delivers a full line of green moving supplies.