Lets Get Packing

Materials Required to Move

The Packing Supplies

You spend $600 to $800 per year insuring your valuables against fire, water, wind and theft. Your insurance only pays out if the items were packed properly to move and probably nothing for those annoying little scratches and broken knobs. Or the items from the tool shed that became spread out over the driveway when the banana box bottom fell out. Or the garbage bag of underwear that broke in the elevator. They are your valuables, they cost money, pack them securely.

You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 or more on packing supplies needed to move the belongings of a couple or a small family. Purchase supplies early and start packing early. Last-minute box-gathering trips to grocery or liqueur store only add to the stress of your move.

For a family of four, you will need:

• 6 – 8 Wardrobe Boxes (24×24×40) Use to pack your hanging clothes straight from your closet onto the metal hanging bar. Makes unpacking easier and clothes stay virtually wrinkle free. These boxes are also excellent for storage of seasonal clothing in the attic or basement after the move.
• 3 – 5 Lay down Wardrobe Boxes Use to pack small rugs, towels, shoes, longer objects and accessories.
• 20 – 30 2.0 Cube Box (18" x 15"x 12 ½") Use for all your books, files, tools, records and other heavy items. Work well for small kitchen appliances, dishes and glassware.
• 15 – 25 4.0 Cube Box (18"x18"x21") Use for lightweight, bulky items such as linens, blankets, clothing, plastic kitchenware, lampshades, toys.
• 15 – 255 6.0 Cube Box (20"x20"x26") Use for large, bulky items such as pillows, comforters, coats, towels, sofa cushions.
• 3 – 4 China Box Double walled boxes for packing china and other more breakable items.
• 10 – 15 Mirror/Picture Cartons – 2 piece box protects mirrors, artwork, glass shelves & doors. One piece fits into the other and “telescopes” to adjust to the size you need. For maximum protection wrap each item in unprinted news wrap or bubble wrap.
• 12 moving pads, (48"x60") Use to protect smaller furniture and appliances, tall lamps, bikes.
• 12 moving blankets (72"x80") Use to protect larger furniture and appliances, and as padding in the truck.
• 40 Edge & Corner Protectors Use to protect the corners of furniture and protect other items from the furniture corners.
• 2 Tape Dispensers with 400 yards of Packing Tape Use to seal the boxes closed.
• 300 ft of 5/16" Bubble Wrap Use to wrap valuables before boxing.
• 35 – 45 lbs Newsprint Sheets Use for wrapping china and glassware before boxing. Printed newspaper can stain china and glass.
• Stretch Wrap (20" x 1000') Clear Plastic Stretchable Wrap Use to keep your furniture and mattresses dust free and dry.

Never use masking tape or duct tape; neither sticks well to cardboard.

• 2 Red Box Markers, 2 Black Box Markers
• Box cutter
• Moving Dolly and Hand Truck. Save your backs.
• Carpet and floor protectors, long mats.

Transport Canada classifies the following items as dangerous or hazardous goods and cannot be transported by your mover.

Here's a highly recommended, handy resource Smart Moves From the Federal Government.