Purchasing Boxes If you are moving house, you will almost certainly do your own packing. This has two benefits: firstly, it is cheaper and secondly, you will have a better notion of what is in which boxes when you want to unpack. The disadvantages are that it takes lots of time and you are accountable for any breakages. Most people who do their own packing use free boxes from the local supermarkets, but if you are able to run to the extra expense, it is better to purchase suitable packing cases. In fact, the ones made from corrugated cardboard are not so expensive, but they are made to take the weight that people moving home require and so will provide more protection for your belongings. If you want to go halfway down this path, you could pack most of your clothing in plastic bin bags and your heavier or more valuable objects in special corrugated cardboard boxes. You will also require lots of newspapers or bubble wrap for padding and tape to seal the bags and boxes. Duct tape is not ideal for this task, it is better to use equally wide (3"-4") transparent Sellotape. Rubbish bags are helpful if you do not overfill them; otherwise you could use the bags at double thickness (put one inside another). You could also use supermarket boxes for lighter, bulkier objects. If you are having trouble acquiring hold of suitable boxes at sensible prices, removal businesses may sell off their secondhand boxes or you may be lucky enough to find some on eBay, Amazon or Craig's List. Strive to think outside the box, so to speak. If there is a local fair ground, they will have boxes left over from the prizes they buy. A hospital may have spare boxes too as might a restaurant or pub (wine boxes). If you have to put some of your belongings into storage, it is a decent idea to use boxes of a similar size. This will permit you to make maximum use of your rented room, which will keep your costs down to a minimum. Be certain to mark all your boxes with a unique symbol or mark on all vertical surfaces, because this will reduce loss. It is worth taking these safety measures even if you are being lent some space in a friend's garage because they might have children who tend to get into everything when they are left unattended. Make certain you have an address label and a number on every box. Use the number to reference the contents of the boxes, in case you want to quickly find some device or other. This is even more vital if your goods are going a long distance or abroad. Customs may want to inspect some items, if they are perceived as being contraband or proscribed. Occasionally, customs will not allow items in that are worth more than a certain amount too.
If you are having misgivings about getting in a removal company in your region, go to the web site of the regulating body of removal firms and if you are worried about storage facilities enquire at your removal firm for a recommendation. Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on a number of subjects, but is now concerned with boxes and shipping supplies. If you want to know more go to Where Can I Buy Shipping Boxes?