Relocating, whether across the country or down the street, is an incredibly complex process, especially when you don’t have all the essential moving tools at your disposal. If you’re planning a move but aren’t sure what to get, we’ll break down all the moving tools and equipment needed to make the moving experience easier.
A Moving Tool for Every Need
With dozens of relocation tools available, many find it hard to pinpoint the key pieces. If we were to name every single tool that can be used during a relocation, we would be here for hours. Certain tools and supplies share similar use cases, though, so we’ve broken down the moving tools list into several categories to simplify your search.
Essential Moving Tools for Packing and Organization
Most would agree that packing is the most time-consuming part of any relocation. Without professional packing services, it falls on you to organize everything and get all the necessary packing supplies. Here’s a list of the most essential packing tools for moving.
Checklist
A well-organized checklist provides a clear roadmap for the entire relocation process. Whether it’s creating a moving inventory or anything else regarding your move, it makes keeping track of things significantly easier. This is particularly important for last-minute moves, where you can easily overlook certain items or tasks.
Boxes
Cardboard boxes are one of the most obvious essential moving supplies. They are commonly used to pack a large variety of items, both big and small. To cover all the bases, make sure to get a few different sizes. Note how much each box can carry. Larger boxes should only be used for lighter objects, as cramming them with heavy items makes them harder to lift and can even cause them to collapse.
Packing Tape
Whether securing a box or taping the item you’ve just wrapped, strong packing tape is one of the most indispensable tools for moving. Don’t try to save and use a generous amount.
Packing Paper
Paper is one of the more versatile packaging materials. It can be used for anything from wrapping fragile items like plates to padding the bottom of each box.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap’s shock-absorbing properties make it one of the best tools for moving fragile and valuable belongings. The bubbles come in a few sizes, so make sure to get the one that fits your needs.
Markers
Labeling your boxes with markers allows you to easily track and identify all the items you’ve packed. Markers also allow you to leave instructions on item handling, which is crucial when hiring movers.
The Best Moving Tools for Heavy Lifting and Transport
One of the main reasons people get professional long-distance moving services from movers like Zip Moving and Storage is to avoid all the heavy lifting. Attempting to move furniture and other heavy items without proper tools and moving gadgets may not only cause damage to your belongings, but it may also lead to injury. Let’s review the heavy-lifting and moving equipment you’ll need.
Dollies and Hand Trucks
While there is a difference between a dolly and a hand truck, both are some of the best moving equipment for relocating large and heavy items. Depending on the type, you can also use them to move stacked boxes and other belongings, significantly reducing the workload and manual labor.
Moving Straps
If you are looking for tools to make moving easier, moving straps are an excellent option. They allow you to distribute an item’s weight evenly, which makes relocating large, bulky belongings easier. This makes them particularly useful for stairs or uneven terrain that’s not accessible for dollies.
Furniture Sliders
Dragging furniture across the floor unprotected can cause significant damage. Luckily, the furniture sliders are designed to do just that. As one of the best furniture moving tools, they not only protect the floors, but also make moving your furniture easier.
Protection and Safety
With all the hassle and chaos of relocation preparations, mistakes happen, which can lead to damaged belongings or even injury. Let’s explore some of the most important movers’ tools that will help you stay safe throughout the process, as well as protect your furniture and larger items.
Moving Blankets
Moving blankets are for furniture what packing paper and bubble wrap are for smaller and fragile belongings. They keep these items protected from scuffs, dents, and scratches.
Ropes
Furniture that is not properly tied down during transportation can wreak havoc on your other belongings as it starts to shift. Ropes (along with hooks inside moving trucks) ensure that all the larger items are anchored, which prevents them from shifting during transit.
Protective Gloves
When moving things around, like loading and unloading the relocation truck, you can very easily get injured in all the commotion. Bruises, scratches, and scrapes are a common occurrence, making protective gear, such as gloves, necessary for your own safety.
Stretch Wrap
Don’t let the weather surprise you on your relocation day, and get some stretch wrap. Not only does it keep your things dry during heavy rainfall, but it also prevents contamination from pests. It can also be used to secure moving parts of your furniture, like doors and drawers.
Mattress Covers
Having to wash your mattress after the relocation can be a real hassle. Use mattress covers to keep your mattresses clean, dry, and protected during transportation.
Common Equipment and Tools for Moving
While we’ve already mentioned a lot of different moving tools and supplies, we also need to underscore the importance of having a traditional toolkit. There are quite a few tools you’ll need throughout your relocation preparations, but some of the most common include:
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Allen keys
- Scissors
- Box cutter
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Ladder
- Electric drill
Zip Moving and Storage Has All the Moving Tools Necessary for a Smooth Move
As you can see, there are quite a few things you’ll need to acquire in order to successfully prepare for a relocation. This list is not exhaustive, though, and certain cases, like commercial relocation, may require additional supplies and equipment. Unless you frequently relocate on your own, acquiring everything we’ve included here may cost you more than hiring a professional crew.
If you wish to avoid a large shopping spree but still move with confidence, the Zip Moving and Storage team is here to help. We use a wide range of movers’ tools that go even beyond this list, ensuring every single item reaches your destination unscathed. Use our moving calculator to estimate your relocation cost or contact us to request a free quote on our moving services today.
