Essential Small Tools for a Smooth Move
Must-Have Basic Tools for Moving Day
You have probably seen a lot of articles on what larger tools you need for your move. For example, most of us know that you will need a hand truck that will help you get heavy items from one location to another.
If you have hired a moving company, they will have larger tools, but once they are gone, you will need tools to help you get your home completely set up! This blog focuses on the small tools that will make your move easier.
Adam Savage, an American special effects designer and Discovery Channel host, said: “I’m obsessed with the form of a toolbox. The idea of a portable kit that has everything you might need ignites something inside of me. It’s like Batman’s utility belt!”
Whether you are taking things apart at your previous home or putting things together at your new residence, if you have your toolbox with you, you are well on your way to a successful transition from one location to a new one.
Organize and Assemble with Ease
Stop for a moment and think: What are some of the things that I use on a regular basis to hang pictures, fix furniture, or make sure something is level and straight? For the most part, your best tools, your favorite tools, will be very ordinary. That’s because they are needed every day!
- Hammer – This is as basic as you get! Everyone needs a hammer, but you don’t need a super-expensive one. A basic claw hammer is all you’ll need to drive nails into walls and furniture.
- Scissors – This is a basic essential. Box cutters are dangerous, but scissors are used for a number of projects from opening boxes to cutting heavy duty cord and cloth. You need a good pair of scissors to do the work that is required during a move.
- Drop cords These are included because there are times when you can’t find an electrical outlet. Make sure the drop cord you use is what is best. Lamps require ones that are not heavy duty. However, using an electric tool means having an extension cord that can handle the extra voltage demand.
- Electric drill – Make sure you buy a good quality cordless electric drill and keep it charged! You will use it to drill holes in the wall, assemble furniture, and install door knobs, pulls, and other household hardware.
- Multi-bit screwdriver – For quick jobs, make sure you have a multi-bit screwdriver in your toolbox. Be sure that it is not one of the cheap ones that people pick up to buy as they check out at a hardware store. In this case, you get what you buy! You want to buy a strong multiple bit screwdriver that has interchangeable tips and can be used for any number of tasks.
- Step ladder – A step ladder will not fit in your toolbox, but your toolbox can set on top of one of these. You’ll need a ladder to do just about anything—access high cabinets, hang pictures, dust light fixtures and shelves. You will also need a ladder to hang curtains. A strong utility ladder is a moving basic.
- Tape measure – From measuring for rugs and measuring for curtains to measuring doorways and measuring furniture, tape measures are essential. Even if you are not in the middle of a move, you need a tape measure to do the basics—measure for a new rug, hang pictures side-by-side. Make sure to get a durable tape measure that extends to at least 12 feet.
- Laser level – You should be able to find a hand-held laser level for around $20. These handy tools are useful when hanging pictures and art on the wall. They’re also useful for any other leveling and alignment tasks. For instance, if you need to hang bookshelves on a wall, this laser level will help ensure that all shelves are perfectly straight and in alignment with one another.
- Stud finder – For many, there’s an art to finding a wall stud. Your father probably tapped, tapped the wall in various locations to find the stud. But we have the technology today. Fortunately, a stud finder tool is easy to use. These tools help homeowners detect studs behind the drywall in their houses.
- Allen wrench – Believe it or not, you will need one of these! Most furniture that you will put together has to be done with an Allen wrench. Allen wrenches are designed to screw in bolts and screws with hexagonal heads.
- Command Strips – You don’t have to use a hammer and a nail for everything you hang. When you hang simple, lightweight artwork, you can avoid adding unnecessary holes in the wall by using Command Hanging Strips. Renters will find these super easy to use and remove without damaging walls.
- Label maker – This is an easy must have for a move. Use a label maker to label boxes as you pack and then later as you organize storage areas after your move.
- Tape – During a move, how many of us have asked: “Where’s the tape?!” We almost always need tape even after the movers are loading the truck. Packing tape and also duct tape (in colors) are necessary items. Duct tape can be used for temporary repairs.
Beyond the Basics: Extra Essentials
- Furniture sliders – After the movers leave, you might decide to move furniture to a different location. Furniture sliders make moving so much easier, and they won’t damage your hardwood floors. Use them with heavier pieces of furniture. Just make sure you get the ones that have carpet on one side. There are also ones to use on the carpet. Attaching them to the feet of your furniture will help prevent scratches on your floor and make the moving process easier.
- Nails, screws, and other things – Most of us grew up with mom or dad keeping a jar of extra nails along with other things like bolts or screws in a jar or a box! When something was needed, we would search through the jar to find it. During your moving, keep extra nails and screws on hand. You’ll need these!
- Strong picture anchors – Remember, heavy artwork and mirrors require a drywall anchor. “These anchors are designed to provide a strong attachment between the wall and the hanging item – even without the support of a stud!” (Moving.com)
- Box cutter – These work great! Just make sure you keep them out of the hands of your children and away from your animals. They cut packing tape easily helping you to open boxes quickly.
- Touch up paint and a brush – Find out where the previous homeowner or contractor has stored the extra paint (typically in a storage area or garage). More than likely you will need it for touch ups after your move.
- Putty knife and spackling – Do you think you won’t need a putty knife? Think again! Some holes cannot simply be painted over. Deep holes need to be patched with spackle and then painted. Keep a small container of spackle with you, and you can touch up areas quickly. Your putty knife helps you smooth over the holes.
- Hand truck – Once the movers are gone, the hand truck is too! Purchase a small one (or a large one) from your local hardware store, and you will use it for a lifetime! Hand trucks make lifting and carrying heavy items easier.
One of the many factors that set Lambert Moving Systems apart is its partnership with North American Van Lines. As an authorized agent of this renowned moving network, Lambert offers award-winning services coast to coast. Call or Schedule an Appointment to get started with your moving journey!
Are you in the market for a mover in Alabama? Lambert Moving Systems is one of the top companies for moving in Alabama. We’ve been around for 90 years. Find your location below to get in touch now!
Photo by Alex Kosev on Shutterstock.com
