5 Packing Supplies and Tools to Make Your Next Move Easier

Packing is one of the biggest and most overwhelming tasks on your moving to-do list. You want to pack everything right, but in the easiest way possible.

That’s when having the right packing supplies makes all the difference. When you have the tools you need, you can speed through the packing process knowing your stuff is safe and secure.

To help get you started, let’s look at five packing supply essentials you’ll need to get the job done.

1. Sturdy Boxes of All Sizes

Using boxes to move may seem like a no-brainer, but there’s more to it than that. When packing, it’s essential to have the right box to keep your valuables safe.

Pack heavier objects in small boxes to keep the load from weighing too much. Large boxes are great for light items such as clothing and bedding. Plus, boxes with dividers will keep breakables from crashing into each other.

Always make sure your boxes are clean and dry. You don’t want anything to compromise the cardboard construction and have your things fall out the bottom.

2. Packing Tape and Scissors

Not all tape is created equal. You want something that is strong and will hold up to the abuse moving will put it through.

Don’t use packing tape you can easily tear with your bare hands. Buy tape with nylon fibers embedded in it. Using scissors will be the only way to cut it.

Reinforce the bottom of your boxes with strong tape. Plus, to make packing easy on everyone, give each member of the family their own roll and scissors.

3. Wrapping Material

Fragile items need extra protection when moving. That’s why having various wrapping material on hand will ensure your things make it to your new place in one piece.

Bubble wrap and Styrofoam peanuts are great for adding a soft cushion between items. Wrapping dishes and glassware in newspaper or packing paper will keep them from getting scratched and damaged.

You can even use things you already have as wrapping material. Towels and blankets make excellent protection as box lining or to help cushion breakables.

4. Permanent Markers

You’ll make unpacking so much easier on yourself by labeling each moving box with what’s inside. To do this, you’ll need permanent markets.

With a marker, write what room the box belongs in and a general description of the box contents. This will keep things organized by location instead of having everything piled up together.

Colored markers are great if you like color-coding your boxes instead. This way, no one needs to know what’s inside, and a simple colored dot indicates the room it belongs in.

5. Blankets or Furniture Pads

Once you finish packing, it’s time to load the moving truck. That means items will get stacked on up of each other, increasing the risk of scratches and dings to furniture.

Use furniture pads or blankets to cover exposed furniture surfaces. A densely woven fabric works best. Not only will it protect against scratches, but you can also save your upholstery from getting dirty.

If you need to secure the furniture pads around an item, use packing tape, rope, or rubber bands.

Make Moving Day a Breeze with the Right Packing Supplies

Take the stress out of moving! By using the right packing supplies, you can stop worrying about your things and start enjoying your new place.

Need help with your move? Contact us today for a free quote!

5 Outdoor Tampa Activities You Won’t Want to Miss

It’s no wonder why nearly 400,000 people call the city of Tampa home. There are many Tampa activities for the nature lover and the city fanatic alike.

We are going to focus on activities you can do outdoors in the Tampa area. These activities are for all different levels of mobility. Continue reading this article to learn about outdoor activities in Tampa that you won’t want to miss.

Embrace These Fun Tampa Activities

Be warned — you won’t be bored in Tampa. There’s plenty to do in the outdoors, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

1. Fishing Charters

There are fishing charters available whether you want to go for a few hours or you want to go out on the water for multiple days. 

You’ll find fish like Snook, Trout, and Redfish, or go out into deeper water to find Grouper and Snapper. All you have to do is tell the fishing charter what you want, and they can help you book the right trip.

2. Dolphin Watching

These beautiful creatures are a lot of fun because of their playful nature. Take a boat out, and enjoy the show as dolphins hop out of the water and frolic with their friends.

Even if you don’t go on a boat to see dolphins, you may spot some having some fun when you’re out on the beach. Dolphins don’t usually shy away from humans, so you have an excellent chance to see them if you’re on the lookout.

Whether in the inlets around the Bay or out on open water, dolphins are everywhere. 

3. Biking Around the Bay

Get some exercise and see the Bay while you’re at it. Whether you have your own bike or you need to rent a bike — biking is the best in Tampa Bay.

There are tons of waterfront bike trails. The city has large bike lanes on all of its inner roads. Biking is a super fun way to enjoy the Tampa sunshine.

4. University of South Florida Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a quiet stroll among orchids, begonias, tropicals, palms, carnivorous plants, birds, butterflies, and more.

The USF Botanical Gardens is part of the university’s Department of Geography, Environment and Planning in the College of Arts and Sciences. With 16 acres of gardens and greenbelt on the USF Tampa campus, the Gardens provide visitors with a living collection of more than 3,000 plants, animals, and natural habitats. 

5. Tampa Zoo at Lowry Park

If you have kids on board, the Tampa Zoo is a great place to spend time outdoors. With more than 1,300 animals, you won’t get bored with the wildlife here.

Different events are happening at the zoo depending on when you go so make sure to check the calendar before you decide what day you’re going to visit.

Remember to bring your swimsuit to enjoy the excellent splash pad and water rides to help keep you cool while you explore the zoo.

Ready to Make the Move to Tampa?

If you have decided that you need to go beyond visiting for Tampa activities, it might be time to move. We understand that moving on your own can be a lot of trouble.

You should use a quality Tampa based moving company to make it to your dream life here by the Bay. One like us here at Community Movers and Storage.

We make sure to help you through the entire moving process.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

How to Choose a Moving Company

Did you know that the average person will move 11.4 times? That’s a whole lot of packing and unpacking!

No matter how many times you have relocated in the past, getting ready for your new adventure can be tough to do alone. By hiring a moving company, you can take some of the pressure off and focus on other things.

When it comes to how to choose a moving company, what should you look for? Should the price come first? How much stock should you put in a company’s online reviews?

We’re detailing the answers to these questions and more below, so keep reading to find out how you can hire the perfect movers!

Identify Your Needs

While there are plenty of moving companies to choose from, it doesn’t mean they all offer the same service or quality of service. Before contacting moving companies, consider what type of move you’re preparing for.

An international move? A move down the block? Are you moving a studio apartment or whole house?

Some moving companies specialize in certain types of moves; others offer a variety of services.

Read Reviews

Online reviews are an excellent way to learn more about a company before giving them a call. They’re easy to find and don’t take long to read.

Likewise, take note of the company’s responses to any reviews.

If the review was negative, did the company address the problem? If the review was positive, did they seem to value the customer’s business?

How a company responds online can tell you a lot about their business practices.

Verify Credentials

It is essential to check a professional moving company’s history and credentials before hiring them.

If a relocation includes crossing state lines, the mover must be certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and follow its rules and regulations. These rules include the required registration of a USDOT Number. 

Always work with a certified moving company. Confirm the credentials of your potential movers here

Ask Questions

Reading reviews should help you narrow down your list of potential moving partners. Once you’ve found at least three that you trust, it’s time to reach out and learn about their offerings firsthand.

When you call, you’ll need to give a few important details:

  • The date of your move
  • Where you’re moving from and to
  • What services you’ll need

The more specific you can be during your correspondence, the better your moving company can help you.

Also ask about storage options, moving insurance, and any special rates they currently offer. 

Collect Quotes

Your initial conversations should help you whittle down your list even further. Now it’s time to get serious.

Moving can come with some hidden costs that sneak up on you if you’re not careful. One way to avoid these hidden fees is by directly asking for a quote.

Again, the more details you can give, the better. The size of your current/new home and how much you’re taking with you will affect the price.

Don’t Choose on Price Alone

You want to save money during your move, but you shouldn’t have to do so at the cost of quality and care.

You get what you pay for, so it isn’t always a good idea to choose the company with the lowest quote.

Instead, find a company that offers reliable service as well as a competitive rate.

How to Choose a Moving Company

Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about how to choose a moving company. Start early to give yourself plenty of time to find the most reputable moving service.

Speaking of reputable service, we’d love to help you move. Reach out today for a free quote.