Making A Packing Kit

Ayla PR Representative with Moving Made Smooth, Inc.

If any one statement can describe moving it would be that it is a stressful time and any preparation will help alleviate some of that stress. Here at Moving Made Smooth, Inc., we do the best we can to increase your preparedness and reduce your stress by giving tips to help you pack and providing services to reduce the tasks you must perform.

Today we wanted to discuss making a packing kit so packing your belongings will go as simply and quickly as possible. A packing kit is usually composed of a basket, bucket, or box that contains anything you may need to pack your items into moving boxes. Below are listed a few items that you may want to consider putting into your packing kit.

Tape
Tape is pretty straight forward. Most people know that tape is needed for packing, but we recommend using wide clear tape to close your boxes. You may also consider getting packing tape that has fibers running through it for extra support.

Markers
​You probably know that markers are a useful tool for labeling your boxes with what is in the box and where in your new home it should go. But, you may not be aware that you can use markers in different colors to color-code where in the house you would like each box. For instance, red could be used for your bedroom and green for the bathroom. Color-coding can really speed up an unload if the movers are made aware of which color goes in what room. For more box labeling advice see our blog "Labeling Your Boxes" (http://www.movingmadesmooth.com/omaha-moving-blog/-labeling-your-boxes).

Colored Labels
​Colored labels are a nice way to color-code your moving boxes, but can also be useful for taking apart your electronics. This information about this topic can be found on our blog "Organizing and Packing Your Electronics" (​http://www.movingmadesmooth.com/omaha-moving-blog/-organizing-packing-your-electronics).

Cellophane
​Cellophane (cling-wrap) is very useful for packing a variety of items. Many items that are in a drawer, tray, rack, or stand can be packed by simply wrapping up the whole tray with the items still inside. Examples of this can be seen in our blog "Sharp Items: Packing Tools, Knives, and Silverware" (​http://www.movingmadesmooth.com/omaha-moving-blog/-sharp-items-packing-tools-knives-silverware).

Scissors, Knife, or Box Cutter
​This may be another item that is pretty straight forward. There are many reasons why you will need something to cut with during packing. I think that the box cutter is probably the most versatile and useful.

Screwdrivers & Pliers
​Screwdrivers and pliers are less straight forward. These are useful to take apart large or oddly- shaped furniture so the pieces can be packed-up and easily loaded. Our movers do take apart some items, but others will need to be disassembled by an expert. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about having furniture disassembled.

Paper-pack
​This is used to wrap-up any items that are fragile. If you don't want it scratched, chipped, cracked, shattered, or broken pad it with some paper before packing it inside your moving boxes. It also helps to fill the open spaces in the box with crumpled pieces of paper so that the fragile items don't shift around as the load is transported.

Trash Bags
​The obvious reason to have these on hand is to throw away anything you don't want to move to your new home, but they can also be used as a last-minute way to pack-up your closet. All you do is puncture a small hole in the bottom, center of the bag, roll it up like a sock, grab the hooks on your hangers, and pull the bag down over your clothing. You can also tie-off the trash bag so that the bottom isn't open during the move.

Cleaning Cloths & Supplies
This may be pretty obvious to some, but others may not realize that they need to clean before packing until they pick-up the first item that's been sitting for several months. So, it's a good idea to have your cleaning products handy in your kit.