When moving to a new home in Birmingham, Alabama, it’s important to have the right supplies and materials on hand. Having the right packing supplies can help you save money by preventing broken or damaged items during the move.

This article will provide a comprehensive list of 10 essential packing supplies to ensure your belongings are protected from damage as you transition into your new home.

Moving Boxes

The bread-and-butter of moving supplies, packing boxes are the main way to protect your belongings. These boxes come in all shapes and sizes and can help make the moving process easier. One can use different types of boxes for different items, such as books, dishes, clothing, or fragile items.

You can use heavy-duty boxes for items like books that could easily get damaged during transit. Moving boxes with handles are recommended to make it easier to lift the box without it breaking or tearing apart. Smaller moving boxes may be beneficial for storing smaller odds and ends like jewelry or office supplies such as pens and paper clips.

Packing Paper

People often use newspapers instead of packing paper, but they are far from the same. Packing paper offers several advantages over the newspaper, such as its ability to absorb moisture and prevent staining.

Many say that items remain clean even after multiple uses of the same packing paper. It also helps keep your things dust-free (particularly useful if you’re storing items for an extended period).

Bubble Wrap

One of the frontline soldiers of any moving and storage operation is bubble wrap. This translucent and inexpensive item provides ample protection for fragile and delicate items as they reach their destination.

Its cushioning power can save you a lot of money on broken glassware and other delicate materials that need extra protection during transport. Bubble wraps are also incredibly lightweight, making them easy to store.

A Standard Toolkit

A basic toolkit should include scissors, tape, pliers, screwdrivers, and a hammer. All these tools can help with minor repairs or adjustments while you are on the go.

Pliers are great for turning nuts and bolts and gripping metal objects. A standard hammer will be handy for pounding nails into place, and a rubber one (to prevent dents) for disassembling furniture. Screwdrivers will be handy when you’re reassembling furniture or working on other projects around the house.

A multi-tool or Swiss Army knife is also a must-have for your kit; you can use it to open bottles (energy drinks for the moving staff, maybe), cut the string, and perform various tasks that may come in handy as you travel from place to place.

Labels and Markers

The key to a successful relocation is preparation and organization; this is where labels and markers gain significance. Without them, chaos soon ensues when trying to keep track of all your belongings.

By labeling boxes according to their room, you can quickly unpack and avoid having dishes mixed with books or towels mixed up with clothing. For instance, consider a family of four moving into their new home in Birmingham – if an item isn’t labeled correctly, it could end up in the wrong bedroom or living area, causing further confusion down the line.

Trust Us: The last thing you want is to sort through an endless pile of cardboard boxes to find that one little object.

Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap is a great way to keep boxes securely closed during the move. It comes in different sizes and thicknesses, and the thinner ones work well on lightweight items, while thicker gauges are apt for heavier items such as furniture or electronics.

Pro Tip: If you’re wrapping oversized items, use multiple stretch wrap layers to protect them against dust and dirt.

Moving Blankets

Moving blankets provide a layer of protection between your items and the walls or floors, preventing scratches, dents, and scuffs that can occur during transport. These materials are usually made from heavy-duty cotton or polyester fabric and come in multiple sizes to suit all types of furniture.

Pro Tip: Use silicone corner guards or foam edging strips for extra protection of your furniture. You will find them in most hardware and DIY shops, such as Homebase and B&Q in Birmingham, Alabama.

Bungee Cords

Bungee cords can secure items, such as boxes and furniture. When using these cords, it is important not to over-stretch so that it does not become weak or snap during transport. To ensure maximum protection of your items, use two bungee cords crisscrossed for greater stability.

Dolly Carts

Dolly carts make it easy to transport large or bulky items like refrigerators, mattresses, and boxes of books. Some dollies come with straps to secure the items, and some have folding platforms that can be easily stored when not in use. Use one that suits your needs. Also, consider features like rubber wheels that won’t leave scuff marks on floors.

Plastic Bags

The unsung heroes of moving day, plastic bags can be used for many purposes. They’re great for wrapping up items prone to getting wet or dirty, like pillows and blankets. They also come in handy to store small items like CDs (we are genuinely intrigued if you use them in 2023!), clothing accessories, and even tableware.