Quick Guide to self-packing: packing materials needed

Must-have materials for self-packing and moving:

by Fatima Calderon

·       Tape: The most common tape used for carton sealing is a plastic tape called "PVC".

·       "Newsprint" paper: NEVER USE NEWSPAPERS as wrapping material. 

Newspaper ink has a tendency to rub off on items it touches and it very difficult to remove it from items such as fine china.

·       Use newspaper as cushioning material only, for example, when it rubs against your items. This is especially useful when unpacking as you will not have to unwrap newspaper, only the newsprint paper.

     ·       Tissue paper: This can be used to pack up delicate or easily broken items (like paintings) by layering over and over again.

     ·       Bubble wrap: This is another material used as cushioning material.

     ·       Styrofoam peanuts: Packing material used to protect fragile items. This material is lightweight, clean, lint-free and dustless and safe.

     ·       Ziploc bags: These can be used for an assortment of things including small bits and pieces you may have lying about in containers and drawers.

     ·       Permanent Markers: You will need markers to label the boxes with the contents.

Previously on Guide to Self-Packing:

   ü General tips on cushioning and protection.

   ü Quick guide to packing electronics.

   ü Quick guide to packing dishes and glassware.

   ü Quick guide to packing clothes and shoes.

   ü Quick guide to moving and packing furniture.

Download the list of Prohibited Items.

Next week is our final entry in the series: a quick overview of the boxes you’ll need for packing!