Moving Supplies for a Move in Washington D.C.
The Right Moving Supplies Makes All the Difference
Moving with the wrong materials—like plastic bags or newspapers—rarely goes smoothly. Chances are, you ended up with a mess. When you use proper supplies, your belongings stay safe and your move is much smoother. Shoreview Moving and Storage has been providing professional moves since 1920 and our team understands the right tools for every situation!
What are Essential Moving Supplies?
Boxes That Actually Hold Up
Not all boxes are created equal! Choose strong boxes in a range of dimensions, such as:
- Small boxes (perfect for books and heavy items) This is typically a 1”x1”x24” box.
- Medium boxes (ideal for most household goods) This is 2’x2’.
- Large boxes (great for linens, pillows, and light items)
- Wardrobe boxes (move clothes on their hangers)
- Dish packs (specially designed for kitchenware)
It’s totally fine to reuse boxes if you want to save money, simply suggesting that they meet the specifications above.
Protective Packing Materials
Keep your items secure with:
- Bubble wrap (for fragile items)
- Packing paper (won’t stain like newsprint)
- Furniture pads (moving blankets) (prevent scratches and dings)
- Mattress bags (keep your bed clean during the move)
- Stretch wrap (secure drawers and bundle items together)
- Bungee, ratchet, and/or tie-down straps for things you might move yourself
It’s way too easy to attempt to skimp on proper packing material only to regret it later.
Sealing & Labeling Products & Tools
Leave the duct tape for duct work, you want to use packing tape, which is for, ahem, packing.
- Heavy-duty packing tape (don't skimp here!)
- Tape dispensers (trust us, your teeth and sanity will be grateful)
- Permanent markers (for labeling boxes)
- Pre-printed labels or stickers (for room identification)
- Pre-printed fragile labels or big red markers!
Moving Tools & Helpful Accessories
Here are a few things that just make moving much easier.
- A dolly cart will save a lot of back aches and hassle
- Furniture sliders can be very helpful
- Bungies and ratchet straps often come in handy
- Visqueen or tarps are important if you’re DIY moving with pickup trucks or open trailers
- Box cutters will be important to have when you start unpacking
Tips for Money-Saving Packing in Washington D.C.
Looking to cut costs for your move, consider:
- Pick up sturdy used boxes from local retailers
- Use towels, stuffed animals, toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, and clothing as padding for fragile items
- Collect old papers ahead of time for extra padding
- See if neighbors or coworkers have materials you can reuse
No Time to Track Down Supplies for Your Upcoming Move?
Get A Free Packing Quote for Washington D.C. from Shoreview Moving and Storage, Including supplies to make your move easy.