When you move into a new house, there’s an adjustment period. Sure, it may be all the same furniture, but it’s arranged in a different formation. Knick-knacks and other random clutter end up in the wrong spot. Sudden weather changes leave you scrambling to find where you packed your winter clothes. Thankfully, there are tools to help you resume everyday life quickly after moving. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but these are our favorites.
Utility Knives
Sometimes called boxcutters, these are knives with retractable blades. They’re perfect for cutting through thick packing tape and even cardboard itself. These are clutch during unpacking and packing. Just mind the blade! Not only can it potentially cut skin, but it can also damage your boxed-up belongings.
Garbage Bags
Moving large pieces of furniture will inevitably unearth scraps of garbage that were tucked away and long forgotten. Having trash bags handy will allow for quick cleanup, leaving your old home spotless when you leave. They can hold softer belongings during the move, like stuffed animals or clothes. You might also take the opportunity to clear out unwanted objects — another perfect time to put those bags to work.
Checklists
If you want to stay on top of your moving process, you need to create a moving checklist. You might even want to go above and beyond and create multiple lists. What needs to be packed or unpacked and in what order, people you need to contact, important dates to remember — these can be listed and prepared for.
This may feel like an odd inclusion, as most of this list includes physical, purchasable items. Yet a good checklist will do more to make a move painless than any tool. If you haven’t taken the time to construct one already, prepare one ASAP. If you’re worried about losing a piece of paper, there are apps for creating checklists.
Stretch Wrap
This is essentially a larger, more durable version of the plastic wrap used to store leftover food. Stretch wrap keeps items protected and secured. One of the more popular uses is on dressers or desks to keep the drawers from falling out. The wrap itself protects against minor damage like scrapes and bumps.
Boxes
This is the one you were waiting for. Cardboard boxes are practically synonymous with moving and are instrumental in ensuring your move goes without a hitch. Basically, any belonging can be safely stored within a box. They come in a variety of sizes, and odds are, you’ll already have some lying around. Even a shoebox can function as a storage unit in a pinch!
You’ll need cushioning — another must-have for any move. Bubble wrap and packing peanuts are popular options and can easily be found at any moving supplies store. If you’re looking to save money or recycle, you probably already have some alternatives. Try using empty plastic bags or bunched-up newspapers to keep your belongings secure.
Labels
Boxes are only so helpful when you don’t know what’s in them! For a smooth unpacking process, make sure you clearly label each box. The room name and a general description of what items are inside will usually suffice. There’s no need to run out and buy a labeler (although you can if you want). Any permanent marker, such as a Sharpie, will be visible and legible on the average cardboard box.
Tool Set
As much as we’d like to snap our fingers and have our furniture set up, it just doesn’t work that way. When you move, you may have to take apart larger pieces of furniture and reassemble them in your new home. Items like bedside tables may be moved without disassembly. Beds, dining room tables, and couches, on the other hand — those are next to impossible.
That’s why a comprehensive tool set is a lifesaver in these scenarios. These tool sets should include a screwdriver, wrenches, pliers, a hammer, and extra nails and screws. You also might want to invest in a level and tape measure. This comes in handy for emergency DIY projects or installations well after you’ve finished the move. It doesn’t need to be expensive either.
Buckets
Never underestimate the value of a sturdy bucket. It can act as an impromptu carrying case. Need to get some items out of the way? A bucket can work as a storage space. That’s not even getting into its uses for actual cleaning. You likely already have a bucket or two, so you might as well put them to good use!
Your Phone
Your phone can prove instrumental in keeping the moving process smooth. Countless apps can help streamline the process or keep track of important information. It’s also a connection to other members of your household to keep track of their process. It can act as a GPS on moving days and lead you to your new home. Unpacking? Use your favorite music app to supply the tunes and make the process more enjoyable. It may not be a “supply” traditionally, but its value can’t be understated.
Plastic Bags
If there’s one thing you should take away from this list, it’s that storage options are essential for any move. Plastic bags, such as those from the Ziploc brand, are another staple of any moving process. If you’re concerned about losing small parts to a display, store them in a plastic bag and label them with a permanent marker. Don’t want the contents of your bedside drawer to get lost with other, larger objects? Put them in a bag.
Perhaps the biggest selling point for these bags is the sheer number of sizes they’re available in. Small, snack-size bags are perfect for holding screws and bolts. Gallon-size bags can hold cables, cords, and chargers. They’re also perfect for storing food before you unpack any Tupperware — that was their original purpose, after all!
Gloves
The final entry on our list is a pair of sturdy work gloves — not necessarily rubber gloves, although they are quite helpful in their own right. They allow you to handle large pieces of furniture without the risk of splinters or chafing. The same goes for lifting heavy boxes. Just remember to take them off every now and again to wipe off sweat and allow your skin to breathe.