Choosing Packing Materials
If you choose to move on your own, you'll need to obtain packing supplies. Boxes are simple to obtain “on the cheap” from liquor stores, grocery stores, or bookstores. While scrounging for an assortment of boxes can save you some money, it can also cost you in terms of efficiency, because these types of boxes often won't fit together as neatly in your truck as boxes purchased from a professional moving company.
Moving Kits
Inquire about moving kits from these companies, as these kits can contain everything you need to pack up specific rooms of your house or specific belongings. These kits range from starter kits that include several boxes, rolls of tape, bubble wrap, markers, and a utility box, to a protection kit that includes a large variety of bubble wrap, foam cushion, and wraps for dishes and glasses.
When you purchase tape, try to purchase a good amount — more than you think you'll need. You don't want to have to break the flow of your work because you run out of supplies and have to rush to the store. Also, with tape it pays to purchase the clear “tear-by-hand” type. That way, you don't need to waste time losing, recovering, and losing your scissors.
One way to increase your efficiency is to purchase an apron with large pockets or a front pack. You can store tape, scissors, and colored markers in your pockets, and you'll be less likely to lose them amidst the half-packed boxes.
The FlyLady also recommends that you purchase colored markers and ribbons. This way, you can color-code your boxes, as well as write the room where they are supposed to end up on the exterior of the box. If your boxes are color-coded, you'll be able to immediately identify where each box goes. The more quickly you can sort these boxes into rooms, the less overwhelming the task will feel.
You'll also need garbage bags. If possible, purchase sturdy clear ones so that you don't have to break them open to see the contents. Color-coded ribbons can also increase the efficiency of your move.
The Newspaper Question
Although most people do use newspaper when they pack — it is cheap and readily available — newspaper can be a hassle because it will leave an inky residue all over your hands and belongings. Newspaper is also dusty and dirty. If newspapers are torn, the small fragments can get into the air and irritate your eyes and throat. If possible, purchase plain newsprint instead. The last thing you need after a long day of moving is filthy hands, inky fingerprints on the new white walls, and black streaks on your fine china.
