Moving can be one of the most daunting, yet rewarding tasks you will ever do.
Most people cringe at the thought of moving because of the stress and hassle that comes with it. For others, a move signifies a new beginning and chapter in their lives.
No matter if you're moving to the other side of the building or across the country, moving to a new place can bring joy once the hard part is over.
To help get you ready for your next move, here are 10 office products you will want to have.
1) Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are probably the most common item that gets associated with moving. Not only are they simple to use, but they are an affordable solution for organizing all your things. They truly are a key element in a successful move.
When it comes to cardboard boxes, you have two options. You can either purchase starter kits from companies like Life Storage and U-Haul, or you can pick up free ones at your local supermarket. We suggest the first option as these are typically designed for heavy-duty moving and often come in various sizes with packaging tape included!
If you need to specifically pack paper documents, we recommend our SJ Paper File Boxes or the popular Bankers Box. Both boxes will keep everything neatly organized and allow you to establish a new filing system for your paperwork.
2) Packaging Tape
Aside from boxes, packaging tape is probably the second most important moving essential. If you purchased moving boxes you will most likely need to assemble the boxes since they arrive flat. To assemble your box, start off with taping the side you plan on using as the bottom. A good method is to fold the two smaller flaps in first, followed by the larger ones. Then tape and seal the box where the flap edges meet using the letter H technique.
We found that Scotch Heavy-Duty Packaging Tape is one of the strongest packaging tapes available and adheres to all box types. An added bonus is it comes in a plastic dispenser with a tape cutter for easy tearing. However, if you're still on the fence about what tape you should use, Home Depot has a useful buying guide for choosing the right tape based on your project.
3) Labels
Labeling your boxes will be a life saver, trust us. If you don't use labels you won't remember what you have in each box nor what room they belong in. We all like to believe we have the world's greatest memory, but don't underestimate the simplicity of marking your boxes with a good old-fashioned Sharpie.
Colored labels are another great resource to help you identify your cardboard boxes. You can designate a different color for each box so you know what type of content is inside when moving and unpacking at your new location. For example, if you're changing offices you might use the color Red for fragile items and Orange for things that go into storage. Use whatever colors that make sense to you. Uline offers a variety of blank colored label rolls that work great for referencing.
If handwriting label titles isn't your thing, try printing your own with our SJ Paper labels. Although not intended for labeling boxes, these labels are a cost efficient way to print and customize labels using a laser or inkjet printer.
4) Colored Markers
No we are not talking about the Crayola markers you used to play with from your childhood. Sure they might be economical, but most of them are washable and tend to fade when applied on certain surfaces. Permanent markers are the way to go when searching for a marker pen with long staying power and vibrant colors.
We recommend Sharpie Fine Tip Permanent Markers. They are water resistant and will work on most surfaces including paper, plastic and metal. Depending on where you go, you can typically purchase a set of 12 in assorted colors for less than 10 dollars.
5) Folders
Where else are you supposed to put all that paperwork? Folders are an easy way to transfer all your files while keeping everything organized. Whether you have letter or legal-size documents, there are many folder styles to choose from.
You might be quick to reach for a basic folder with fasteners or binder with pockets, but we have a better option. File pockets are an excellent alternative because they can store paper whether its hole punched or not. In this case, our Medical Arts Press Match File Pockets are worth considering. They contain preprinted, colored borders on them which will help you distinguish and organize items by category. You can even apply your own labels or write directly on the front panel to further segment.
If you need more space, expanding file pocket folders are ideal. Much like the Medical Arts Press Match File Pockets, these provide a convenient pocket for holding your documents. The major difference is it has more storage capacity for bulk size paperwork and other small items.
6) Bubble Wrap
To pack valuable or breakable items, bubble wrap is your best friend. It is usually really cheap and can be bought online or at your local Dollar Store. Bubble wrap is pretty much a guarantee to protect your goods from getting damaged while in transit.
Most bargain shoppers prefer the Duck brand bubble wrap for its affordability and consistent cushioning. If bubble wrap doesn't strike your fancy, you can always take a chance with newspaper, shower curtains or towels to pack fragile items. But we still recommend bubble wrap if you want the best protection for your most prized possessions.
7) Trash Bags
Although moving can be stressful, it gives you a chance to purge old things. With National Pack Rat Day coming up on May 17th, it's a perfect time to do some spring cleaning and make room for more useful things. Grab a garbage bag and start tossing unneeded items away.
The beauty of garbage bags is they can be utilized for packing as well as getting rid of trash. Products like tissues, paper towels, lunch boxes, folders, and any other non-breakable items can be safely transported in a garbage bag. We suggest going with large trash bags like Hefty Ultra Strong or Husky Drawstring.
8) Ziploc Bags
For all your small items, Ziploc bags will do the trick. They offer a quick storage solution for miscellaneous items such as pens, paper clips, hand sanitizers, pencil sharpeners, post-it notes and wite-out.
Similar to Ziploc bags, our resealable poly bags include a closable seal and were designed to store small objects. An advantage to these types of bags are they have a writable area on front of the bag so you can label what's inside.
9) Journal
Albert Einstein once said “Paper is to write things down that we need to remember. Our brains are used to think.” His quote couldn't be truer! Science has showed that when you write something down you have a much greater chance of remembering.
Get yourself a good writing journal to help you prepare for a move. Inside the journal write down the number of boxes you have and the items you have in each box. Creating a master list of your inventory ahead of time will help you know whether something got lost during the move.
10) Cleaning Solution
Before you settle into your new space, be sure to give it a nice cleaning. It will be much easier to access and clean the area before it gets cluttered with all your belongings. When choosing your cleaning solution, consider the type of surface you will be working with.
We like using the ECOS All Purpose Cleaner. It works great on all types of surfaces and can be used indoors or outdoors. If you're looking for a natural cleaning agent free of chemicals, this is a solid choice.
For those who don't like cleaning sprays, Clorox or Lysol disinfecting cleaning wipes will work just as well. The only issue with wipes is sometimes you have to go over the surface more than once because the dirt and dust collects in one spot.