Whether you’re moving into a new home or shipping products to customers, proper packing is essential. Find a wide variety of packing supplies from U-Haul, including roof bags, furniture covers and box cutters.
Use packing paper to line boxes and fill empty spaces. Wrap items like action figures and dolls in towels or bubble wrap for extra cushioning.
Boxes
Boxes are essential for packing items and ensuring that they stay safe and secure during transportation. They are made of corrugated paperboard and can be found in many different sizes. They are created by scoring and folding the paperboard and then gluing or stitching it together. Some boxes are printed with information or advertising.
When selecting a box, remember to pick a size suited for the item you’re packaging. For example, dish boxes are designed to store plates and glasses. Books should be packed in small boxes and placed upright to avoid damaging the pages. Larger, heavier items can be packaged in gaylord boxes, which are stacked on a pallet to transport goods and produce. These boxes can be found at many places, including Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Tape
A tape is a strip of fabric or paper with an adhesive surface that can be used for sealing, binding or attaching. There are many kinds of tapes, including clear packaging tape, paper parcel tape, and specialty tape for arts and crafts or bookmaking.
If you’re packing boxes to move or put into storage, your tape needs to keep the box sealed for a long time and be able to withstand different handling conditions like hot and cold weather. Look for a heavier-duty shipping and moving tape that is at least 3mil thick, 2 inches wide, 60 yards long, and uses water-based adhesives.
Color-coded tape is useful for indicating room contents in warehouses or other commercial environments, and it can help prevent mistakes during shipping. Labeled tape incorporates the room’s name into each color, so it’s easy to identify at a glance where your boxes should go.
Bubble Wrap
The bubble wrap we all know and love is a staple of packing supplies, especially for protecting delicate items during shipping. It’s lightweight and easy to use. It prevents scratches and breaks, absorbs shocks and vibrations during transit and keeps out dirt, dust or moisture.
When packing fragile items like vases or dishes, it’s important to wrap them carefully. Ensure that you have enough bubble wrap to fully cover each item and tape securely. Then place the wrapped item in a box. Heavier items should go at the bottom of the box, lighter items on top.
It’s also helpful to keep in mind that those tiny bubbles of air have insulating properties. You can use them to line drafty windows in the winter. Or you can even upcycle it to make a kite or car door cover.
Paper
Blank, inkless sheets of paper provide a soft protective layer for delicate items like fine china and glassware. Use them to wrap plates, bowls and glasses or to fill loose voids in moving boxes. They’re also useful for keeping dust, dirt and moisture from reaching your prized books during a move.
You can purchase packing paper in bundles by the pound with most containing 20 sheets or more per pound. Look for acid-free or archival options if you need to pack sensitive items such as photos and paintings.
Markers
Whether you’re writing on a whiteboard for your kids or labeling boxes for your move, markers are a staple. But did you know that they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, too? Today’s WONDER takes a look at the fascinating history behind this popular art supply.
Markers are enigmatic double-helix-shaped obelisks of extraterrestrial origin. They’re used to spread the Necromorph infection, gathering biomass for a Convergence Event and creating a Brethren Moon. They’re also found on the CMS Brusilov, in Karrie Norton’s hallucinations, and in Isaac Clarke’s apartment in Dead Space 3. They were later destroyed by John Carver on Tau Volantis. This packing supply helps protect fragile items from bumps and vibrations during transit, and it’s an easy alternative to paper wrapping. You’ll also want some bubble wrap, a roll of which provides cushioning in boxes for dishes, frames and other decor.
Scissors
A pair of scissors is one of the most important packing supplies. You might need them to reopen a box (packing mistakes happen), snip tape or cut other materials.
There are many types of scissors to choose from, including basic household scissors that have straight blades and a one-size-fits-all handle; kitchen scissors that can cut twine and plastic; and poultry snips that snap through bone with ease. You can also find specialty scissors that have features like a bottle opener or can-opener built into the handles, or retractable craft knives that make them easy to pack in carry-on luggage.
Other useful packing tools include permanent markers to label boxes and organize them by room; and a tape dispenser to speed up the process. Add gloves to protect your hands, and a notebook or notepad for writing down notes as you work.
Box Cutter
A box cutter is a handy tool used by stockers in warehouses and retail stores. These handheld cutters open packages and tackle other cutting tasks that scissors can’t handle. They’re also an important tool for construction workers who lay carpet, linoleum and roofing materials.
Some styles of box cutter knives have a blade that’s retractable into the sheath, which protects the blade and helps prevent accidental cuts. Others have an adjustable sleeve that moves up and down to expose or hide the blade when needed. Spare or used blades can be stored inside the sheath.
Preventing box cutter injuries is essential, so proper training is vital for anyone using this type of knife. This includes demonstrating how to cut safely by keeping fingers away from the blade, maintaining focus and constantly checking blade conditions.