Tag: moving supplies

Post-Moving Fun: How to Build a Box Fort

Posted on by olympiamoving

Your move is finally over, and it’s time to enjoy your new home with your kids. What are you going to do with all these boxes and packing materials? Why not let the kids have some fun and help them build a box fort?

This craft is a perfect way to re-use moving supplies and let your kids’ imaginations run wild.

Supplies you’ll need include boxes (the bigger the better!), a box cutter (for adult use only), duct tape, paint or markers, and packing paper.

Start by having your kids put together a plan for the fort. The possibilities are endless!

Following are some options:

  • Stack and tape together some small (1.5 size) boxes “brick-style” to create three walls and use a disassembled box as a roof. This will give your fort a “house” like feel.
  • Flip a large box (such as a refrigerator, wardrobe, or mattress box) upside down and cut off one side for an entrance.
  • Completely disassemble some boxes and tape them together into a wide, standing cylinder, then cut a hole on one side for an entrance. This should give you a silo-style fort with some good height. Use another disassembled box or a blanket as a ceiling.
  • Disassemble only the bottoms of the boxes, then layer the boxes inside each other to create a large tunnel or crawlspace.

Once the body of the fort is assembled, it’s time to let your kids start decorating! Lay some packing paper under the fort so cleanup is easier. Give your kids markers, paints, stickers, sequins, glue, construction paper, and kid-safe scissors to work with.

When the fort is finished, help them make it a fun place to hang out. Furnish the inside with blankets, pillows, beanbag chairs, and Christmas lights.

Be sure to build the fort in a basement, playroom, or bedroom, because once your kids have their fort, they won’t want to take it down!

Here’s some examples for inspiration:

Large, tunneel-style box fortOle! A southwestern style box fort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more moving tips, tricks, and fun, check out these awesome resources.

A Quick and Easy Solution for Finding Moving Boxes

Posted on by olympiamoving

So you have contracted a mover and have a scheduled moving date…what next?

Moving Supplies Delivery

If you have not already done so, setup a moving supplies delivery through your moving company. Deliveries are free (provided you are within a certain radius of the office), and obtaining materials from a moving company is usually less expensive than one of the “big box stores”. Most moving companies will also be willing to deliver materials to your residence; even if you are moving yourself. Moving Supplies Boston MA

Ordering Moving Supplies

When ordering materials, consider the following:

1) People always underestimate the number of boxes required to complete their packing. Be conservative in your estimation.
2) Find moving supplies here to help you determine what kinds of boxes you will need. The basic rule of thumb is that heavier items (books, canned goods) should be placed in smaller boxes.
3) Order one role of tape for every 8-10 boxes.
4) Order one “ream” of paper for every 10-15 boxes (the more fragile items you have, the more paper will be required).
5) Ask whether the moving company has any used or recycled packing supplies that they could provide at a discounted rate. This is an environmentally friendly way to save money.

Organize Your Moving Boxes

Once you receive your packing supplies, keep them organized in a specific area to avoid unwanted clutter. Label each box carefully and stack the boxes in tiers against the wall so that the movers have access to all of your goods.

Now that you know where to find moving boxes, let us help you pack them. We have quite a few videos that show you how to pack common household items.

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Types of Boxes for Moving

Posted on by olympiamoving

Olympia Moving & Storage offers a professional packing and unpacking service. If you choose to pack yourself, you can order custom moving materials from Olympia. These materials can be picked up from our office, or we can arrange a free box delivery.

The following packing tips will help to ensure a smooth transition. This is also available as a packing tips PDF download here:

1. Label boxes carefully. Clearly label the top and two adjacent sides with your last name, the name of the room, and the contents of the container. If you pack a fragile item into a box, please mark the box accordingly. You should pack similar items together.

2. Use sturdy boxes. If you pack items in used boxes, select only boxes that are strong and uniform in size and shape. Cross out any old markings. Do not use any boxes that will not withstand stacking.

3. You should adhere to the following suggestions in preparing for your move:

• Book Box (small-1.5 cubic feet) – Pack books, magazines, canned goods, and records in these boxes. Heavy items such as books or canned goods should always be packed in a small box so that the weight does not jeopardize the structural integrity of the container.
• Linen Box (medium – 3.1 cubic feet) – Pack small appliances, pots and pans, shoes, lampshades, and linens in these boxes.
• Large Box (4.5 cubic feet) – Pack comforters, baskets, large pots and pans, linens, lamps, and lampshades in these boxes.
• Dish Pack (5.2 cubic feet) – Pack your china, stemware, small pictures, and any items that require extra protection in these boxes. The dish pack box has an extra layer of cardboard to make this box stronger. Make sure to use plenty of paper to wrap each item.
• Lampshade Box (6.1 cubic feet) – Pack lampshades, plastic toys, and large comforters in these boxes.
• Mirror/Picture Cartons (various sizes) – Pack all pictures and mirrors into these cartons. Place layers of paper on the bottom and top of the carton and pack paper in between each picture. It is recommended that you use bubble-craft to wrap each picture. Olympia Moving & Storage will not be responsible for unboxed pictures and mirrors.

4. Use packing paper (25 lb. bundle) to wrap dishes, cups, glasses, and misc. fragile items. Be generous in your use of paper. Paper is much less expensive than the items it is protecting. Do not use newspaper. The ink from the newsprint will rub off on your belongings.

5. Always use plastic packing tape. Tape both the top and bottom of each box with at least two strips across the seam.

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