Top 7 Things To Buy When Moving for a Smooth Transition

Relocation Can Be Pure Chaos – You Should at Least Know What Things to Buy When Moving Out

You’ve got a million things on your to-do list, half of which you’ll only remember the night before moving day. Oh, and there’s always something you forget to do – whether it’s cut tape or your sanity. But hey, that’s just part of fun, right? Right?

Try to Stay Organized as Much as Possible

When the chaos starts to creep in, a solid packing schedule and a relocation checklist to match are your first line of defense. Jotting down what to do and when to do it makes everything more manageable, including that shopping spree you’ve got to take care of before you dive into the whole ordeal. So, let’s take a look at some relocation essentials that should definitely make the cut.

#1 Boxes on Top of Boxes – Every Cross-Country Move Starts as Cardboard City

Moving cross-country without boxes is like trying to swim without water – it’s just not going to happen. Sure, it may look like they only add to the chaos at first, but without moving boxes, there’s no chance of getting from point A to point B without leaving a trail of loose socks and random knick-knacks behind. In this world, boxes are king.

How Many Boxes? More Than You Think – And Then Some

If this isn’t your first time relocating, you already know the deal with boxes – you will always need more than you think. After all, the last thing you want is to be halfway through packing and realize you’ve run out. That’s when the panic sets in, and suddenly, you’re eyeing the laundry basket like it’s about to become your next suitcase.

So, avoid the scramble by planning ahead with the right number of boxes. Here’s a rough idea of what you’ll need:

• 20-30 boxes for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment,
• 40-50 boxes for a 2-bedroom home,
• 60-80 boxes for a 3-4 bedroom house,
• 100+ boxes for a 5+ bedroom house.

Don’t Forget Box Cutters! They’re Literal Lifesavers

Technically, when it comes to things to buy when moving into a new house, box cutters and scissors don’t really make the cut. Why? Well, you probably already have them lying around somewhere in the old house. So, no need to add them to the list – unless you want an excuse to get one of those fancy retractable ones!

#2 Protective Materials – Bubble Wrap, Packing Paper, and the Rest of the Gang

First and foremost, bubble wrap is an absolute must, as it helps make every fragile item as snug as a bug in a bubble cocoon. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love popping the bubbles later on? Packing paper comes in to save the day for everything from dishes to decorations, while moving blankets handle the heavy lifting when it comes to furniture. And don’t forget foam sheets and stretch wrap – perfect for those oddly shaped items.

But here’s the real kicker – if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of gathering all these supplies, full packing services from professionals such as Cross Country Movers have you covered. Not only do they show up with their own expert material, but they also pack everything like it’s going on a first-class trip. It’s the professional touch that ensures everything arrives intact, minus the relocation stress.

#3 Packing Tape – The Stronger, the Better

Duct tape really doesn’t get enough praise. Sure, it may seem like just another roll of sticky plastic, but when you’re trying to keep your boxes from exploding in the middle of the highway, you’ll be grateful for every inch of it. The stronger the tape, the better – so opt for the heavy-duty kind, the type that can withstand a tug-of-war with gravity and still come up on top.

#4 Moving Labels – So You Don’t Have to Guess What’s in the Box

Picture this – you’ve just arrived at the new home, surrounded by a sea of identical brown boxes. Do you open 12 boxes to find your coffee maker? Or do you breathe easy because you labeled everything like a pro?

That’s the magic of moving labels. Whether you’re using a trusty marker to scribble on each box or going full fancy with color-coded, pre-printed labels from Etsy, they’re a lifesaver. Labels help you keep track of what’s where, so you won’t be tearing through “Bedroom” boxes to find your kitchen items. So, invest in some colorful stickers, or just grab a Sharpie – either way, future you will be thankful for the organization!

#5 Dollies and Other Special Equipment – Your Long-Distance Movers Got You Covered Here

Of course, not everything will be able to fit in a box, and that’s where dollies, furniture sliders, and all the other gadgets enter the picture. They’re all about making all that heavy lifting as easy as possible. You can buy or rent this equipment – but even better, you can let the pros handle it by booking cross-country moving services.

The Professionals Have Everything You Might Need for a Safe Journey

When you’ve got the experts on the task, there’s no stressing over dollies or figuring out how furniture sliders work. The movers bring everything – tools, dollies, blankets – so your prized possessions (and your muscles) are protected. All in all, they’ve got the expertise and the gear to make it all happen safely and smoothly.

#6 An Essentials Bag – Your First-Night Survival Kit

After such a long day, the last thing you’ll want to do is dig through a mountain of boxes just to find your toothbrush and a change of clothes. That’s where the first-night essentials bag comes in, packed with everything you’ll need for those initial hours at the new place.

Without it, you might end up sleeping in the same clothes and using a t-shirt as a towel – that’s far from a good start for this exciting next chapter, right? Here are the things to buy when moving into a new apartment or house that should go into your essentials bag:

#7 Your Basic Toolkit for Good Measure

Last on our list is another thing, which, if you don’t already have it, now’s the perfect time to buy it. Whether it’s assembling furniture, hanging a picture, or just tightening a few screws, having a basic toolkit with you will save you from a lot of frustration. Here’s what it should include:

• Hammer,
• Screwdrivers,
• Tape measure,
• Pliers,
• Allen wrench,
• Utility knife.

And don’t forget – this toolkit is your go-to for every unexpected challenge before and after the move. So, it would be a good idea to invest in a good one – after all, you’ll be using it for a long, long time, and you won’t have to call your dad for help every other day. Starting a new chapter is a perfect opportunity to embrace a new, handier you!

And Just Like That, You’re a Moving Pro – Sort Of

At the end of the day, no two moves are ever the same. Some will have you buying even more stuff, especially if you’re planning to redecorate and turn the new place into a Pinterest masterpiece. But now, at least you’ve got the essentials covered. From boxes to bubble wrap and that all-important toilet paper, you’re one step closer to a smooth transition.

But to truly make it your easiest relocation yet, our team at Cross Country Movers can swoop in to save the day. We’ll handle everything from moving and packing to car shipping – so you can focus on more important things, like figuring out where the heck that one missing sock went. Contact us today to find out more about how we can cut this list in half for you and take care of everything else! It’s the first step towards a completely stress-free move.