Residential Moving Essentials are the things that can’t be packed away but are needed on a moving day and in those first days in your new home. Having them readily available ensures you can get back to regular life quickly. Keep a tool kit on hand to fix minor issues with your new home. Add this basic set that includes a hammer, screwdriver, and wrench to your moving supplies checklist.
Alien Tape
Whether you’re trying to defy gravity by hanging a large sign on your wall or just keeping some party decorations in place, alien tape might help you do the trick. It’s a kind of super-sticky double-sided tape that’s marketed as reusable and residue-free. It’s supposed to use advanced grip nanotechnology that makes it tough enough for indoor and outdoor use so you can mount everything from photo frames to kitchen tools or even stop furniture or rugs from sliding.
Like other duct tape, it is supposed to hold up to 17 pounds and be durable and versatile enough for indoor and outdoor use. It is also claimed to be resistant to heat and moisture, which could make it an effective and safe solution for a variety of situations.
It also has the added bonus of being washable, which means you can reuse it. This makes it an environmentally friendly option, which many renters appreciate. Just be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area before using it on any surface that’s delicate or permanent.
It’s a good idea to keep this in your arsenal of residential moving essentials, along with other items like packing paper and bubble wrap. You never know when you might need to secure or protect a fragile item during transit. Plus, it’s a handy item to have on hand for a number of DIY projects around the home, such as hanging pictures or mounting shelves. In addition, it’s ideal for keeping decorations or furniture in place and can be used to make sure your phone is secured while driving.
Ratchet Straps
When packing boxes for your move, you’ll want to have ratchet straps on hand to secure and seal your boxes. They’re especially useful when securing heavy items such as furniture, beds, or construction materials in the back of a truck or trailer during transport.
Ratchet straps come in various lengths, widths and fitting options to accommodate any type of cargo or load size that needs to be secured. They are made from webbing that’s connected to a ratchet buckle or other hardware end. They are commonly used in the flatbed industry and have several hardware hook varieties including flat hook, wire hook, delta hook, and chain ends.
Moving straps can make your move safer and easier by distributing the weight of your load more evenly, creating leverage, lowering the center of gravity and making it much easier to lift or drag items. They are also essential for securing items in the back of a truck or trailer to reduce the chances of damage and loss during transportation.
Using the right fittings on your ratchet straps will help extend their life and performance. Keep them out of direct sunlight or heat to avoid them fading due to harmful UV rays and make sure they are never used beyond their working load limit.
When securing your load, make sure the ratchet strap is placed underneath or above the item and that the hooked hardware end is at the back of the piece so it can be tightened securely around it. Once the strap is in place, ratchet the ratchet buckle down or up until you reach your desired pressure point. Then, if needed, attach another ratchet strap to the other hooked hardware end on the opposite side of the cargo.
Mattress Bag
Mattresses are often overlooked when it comes to protecting your belongings during a move. However, they are one of the most important adult purchases you will make for your home and deserve to be well taken care of during a move. To keep your mattress in tip-top shape, invest in a plastic mattress bag to cover it during transit.
Mattress bags are thick, durable plastic covers that fit snugly over your mattress to protect it from dirt, stains and rips. They are made from high-quality materials and available in sizes ranging from twin to California king. Some are designed to accommodate box springs as well. The plastic also keeps out bugs and pests while you’re moving or storing your mattress in a new place. Some even have handles for easy transport.
Before you can successfully slip your mattress into a mattress bag, you will want to prepare it first by removing all the extra bedding like sheets, pillows and blankets. This will allow you to inspect your mattress for any signs of mold and make sure it is completely dry before packing it into the bag. Once your mattress is inside, you can secure it with some tape such as duct or shipping tape to ensure it stays in place during transit and storage.
Whether you are storing your mattress in a garage or a climate controlled warehouse, a mattress bag is an essential piece of protection to safeguard against moisture damage. It’s especially important for those who live in an area that experiences a lot of rain and snow, as a wet mattress can develop a smelly odor and start growing mold. If your mattress is exposed to water during transit, it can also cause the springs to rust and break. Using a mattress bag prevents this from happening and allows you to enjoy your bed in its full glory when unpacking.
Cushion Foam Pouches & Sheets
Whether you’re packing fragile china, glassware or computer accessories, these cushion foam pouches and sheets are the best way to protect your items from damage during a move. These foam packaging solutions are thicker than bubble wrap but thinner than foam blocks, making them more space-efficient and easy to use for packing delicate items. Foam is also shock-resistant, absorbing bumps and shocks that can occur during shipping or a move.
This set of 12 x 12-inch foam wrap sheets is pre-cut to make packing your breakables much easier. It’s ideal for interleaving plates, glassware and Chinaware before stacking them in boxes or for wrapping furniture legs to prevent scratches during transport. It’s also a great way to store your dishes, glassware and china after the move.
Another item you’ll want on moving day is a dolly, a portable four-wheeled device that makes heavy objects like furniture and tables much easier to transport. Unlike traditional hand carts, the dolly moves in any direction without needing to be pulled, so you can easily move furniture around corners or across carpets.
Finally, a standard tool kit is a must for any homeowner or apartment tenant getting ready to move. This set includes a 16-ounce hammer, basic screwdrivers and a variety of wrenches, all packed in a convenient carry case. It’s a cheap investment that will save you time and money by allowing you to avoid hiring expensive movers or renting a truck.
You can find these essentials and more at your local home improvement or hardware store. For instance, Walmart offers a wide range of padded furniture pads and blankets at different price points to suit every budget.
