TOOLS

Purchase the proper tools to make packing a success. Gather all of the tools that you will need before you begin packing. This prevents you from losing motivation by having to make a trip to the store midway through packing the kitchen. Many stores will "buy-back" unused packing materials.

Items to buy for moving (most items available for purchase at our storage facilities):

1. Strong tape- not masking tape, cellophane or duct tape. These types of tape do not have the strength needed to keep a box sealed. Use professional packing tape, a plastic tape that is at least 2" wide. Each roll of 110 yard tape will seal about 10 - 15 boxes.
2. A dark colored Magic Marker / Marking Pen with a thick writing point.
3. Shrink wrap to secure cabinet doors, drawers, file drawers, end table doors to prevent them from opening during moving. This prevents pinched hands and doors from flopping open and striking the walls during movement and from coming open during transit and being rubbed or broken by other items in the load. Wrap a couch that has a recliner in it and you can confidently lift and tip the couch without the recliner 'opening' unexpectedly.
4. Clean newsprint for breakables. Very fragile items will require bubble wrap.
5. Invest in good quality sturdy boxes. Humidity and prior usage will reduce the strength of a box. A weak box may split open unexpectedly. Boxes obtained from grocery or liquor stores are not always clean, and may not withstand the weight of the items that you'll be putting in them. Also, their odd sizes tend to make loading more difficult resulting in wasted space in the truck or storage room. Clean, strong boxes designed for moving in a variety of consistent sizes will ensure a good packing job and safe move. You will need small boxes for books and DVDs. Larger boxes for large items. Wardrobe boxes for your "Dry Clean Only" clothing and things that you don't want to iron or rewash when you remove from storage. If you buy boxes of similar sizes it'll be easier to stack them securely in the self-storage facility and will save you space.
6. Furniture covers and mattress covers to protect your valuable furniture while it is in storage.
7. Plastic bags to put nuts, bolts and screws from items that need to be disassembled. Attach these bags to the item the contents belong to.
8. Labels to identify boxes. The labels can be color coded identifying which room the box belongs in.
9. Clean newsprint for general use cushioning. Do not use printed newspaper to pack. Newspaper will make your hands dirty and the ink may smudge off on your items.
10. Box Knife
11. Tape Gun/Dispenser