All Moving Supplies Are Not the Same

By Julie DeLong, Oil Capitol Relocation 

Boxes and tape are a few of the most important components of packing, and all boxes and tape are NOT similar in quality. It's acceptable to throw random coffee mugs in an old microwave box and store it on a shelf in the pantry, but to pack, stack, and transport that box, it will fall down like a house of cards and you'll wind up with a bunch of broken crockery.

If you are packing packing your own stuff, do some research into the materials before you get started. If you are employing a moving company to do the actual moving, they will most likely have the right heavy-duty boxes, tape, and wrapping paper you will want to use. If not, storage facilities, big box stores, and the internet are acceptable sources to get your supplies, but since you cannot do tactile research online, do not depend on reviews to help you make up your mind—everyone packs differently and "sturdy" and "solid" are highly subjective terms.

Seek out boxes that are corrugated--a layer of wavy fiber between the inner and outer layers of heavy cardboard. The corrugation allows for structure and support, so when you stack them on the moving truck they don't collapse. There are different degrees of rigidity within the corrugated world, so you should get the box stability you require for a given item--go with the sturdiest boxes for the most fragile and the bulkiest things you'll pack.

While you're buying boxes, make sure and get plenty of the small ones--heavy belongings go in small boxes, bulky lightweight items go in the bigger boxes. For instance, books are relatively heavy and should go in a small box. Throws and throw pillows are comparatively lightweight and can be placed in the bigger ones.

Purchasing bargain, low quality tape is where many DIY packers get discouraged. If it's cheap, it will not adhere well. Worse, it will stick to itself when is comes out of the gun and splinter in tiny little pieces and then you have to pick at it for quite a while and try to get it to unstick in a single piece. Be extravagant and purchase a decent-quality tape gun or two with a padded handle—you will be overjoyed you did when you're eighty boxes in with a hundred more to tape. It is also a good idea to buy your tape in bulk--it costs less and you can generally return what you don't use.

There are several options for padding around the inside of the boxes. Old towels and linens are wonderful when you need something lining the box, like when you're packing shoes and do not want them crashing around.

Newsprint is hands down the best option for almost everything--from packing mugs (thread a twisted end through the handle and put the other ends inside after it's wrapped) to books to kitchen items.

Bubble wrap can get pricey, but get the good stuff anyway, since those are the items that you will use it for. The bubble size fluctuates, but a good rule of thumb is for your bubble size to pair the item size—use the big bubbles for lining around the entire box. Touch the wrap before you purchase it, and see how strong it is when you squeeze and pull it. If it's weak or does not like the bubbles hold, try another brand.

If you have not moved for a while, and you go looking for boxes, prepare to be surprised at the options you have. When your parents moved, they probably bought their tape and boxes and had the whole neighborhood saving newspapers for a long time. Today, there are a lot of specialty moving supplies you will find when you go shopping—several are really worth the extra money, some are just reinventing the wheel—it is up to you to discern what's going to be best for you situation. Just remember, be sure you're buying good quality--you do not want your mattresses in cheap plastic sheeting.

• Dish packs are durable boxes meant for dishes. They might have pieces of corrugated paper to keep between the dishes so you do not have to wrap each piece.
• Glass packs are like the dish boxes, except they include the lightweight cardboard insert that goes inbetween the glass.
• Wardrobe boxes are also sturdy, tall, and include a bar for hanging clothes.
• Specialty boxes for mirrors and TVs can be shallow and large.

Now that you've got the boxes under control, make a plan for how you are going to get the big stuff out the door--the furniture, the lawn mower, the grill--but do not be anxious, help is right around the corner. For some of these items renting equipment is the easiest way to go.

Your furniture is more fragile than you might realize--surface dents and scratches are entirely too common when things come off the truck. You can sidestep these with some key protection; again, be sure you're getting acceptable quality materials that hold up to a lot of wear and tear.

• Moving blankets are essential. You can buy or rent them. Most moving companies in Tulsa and Oklahoma City and storage facilities will be able to help you with them. Although buying is inexpensive, renting could be better. The pads you buy are most of the time a synthetic fabric with padding and are okay for some items, but if you're moving wood furniture of a lot of value you will want to go with a thick cotton pad with more batting in between the layers, which can be rented (you can pick them up and return them with the truck). If you think you need ten, rent twenty—especially if you decide to buy the lower quality ones--double wrap.
• Shrink wrap that is sold on a large, double handled roll keeps the blankets in place on the large pieces, and protects just about anything. Buy an almost opaque plastic that is going to hold up against boxes and corners--get the most puncture-proof plastic you can find.
• Foam padding is excellent for corners, you should plan on buying a roll of heavy foam, but be careful that it's decent quality and won't rip easily.

The last items you will need are for the really heavy and bulky stuff. Unless you happen to have these items already, it would be best.

• The best hand trucks are the heavy-duty ones that are appliance weight, and have straps to secure the item you are moving. They also tilt, to give you better leverage against the weight of the couch or dryer or whatever you have strapped on.
• Dollies are flat pallets on rollers that work best if there are not any stairs in the moving path. They're perfect for smaller dressers or anything that's heavy and flat on the bottom; make sure the dolly you get is carpeted on the slats.
• Body straps help you to evenly distribute the weight of extremely bulky items on your body. They are usually utilized in pairs as to takes two people to move the big things, especially downstairs. If you obtain these, be sure the straps and buckles are in good working order.

Whatever method you are moving your residence, your local moving company in Tulsa and Oklahoma City will be able to help you with all of the supplies you will require to move. Just remember that you are putting your whole life in these boxes, so take care that your moving supplies are sufficient for the job.