How do I get packing materials?
Most of the main storage companies sell packing material even if you are not storing with them. Typically they stock a range of sizes of cartons, tape, bubblewrap and padlocks. Bubblewrap will cost about 80p per meter in small amounts or about £30 for a roll of 100 metres (30p a metre).
tape
Tape can cost anything from £1 to £2 for a roll. These rolls are pretty standard in length (about 66 metres) but they vary a lot in quality. The very thin tape is inclined to tear so you should be careful in your buying. The branded/labelled tape is often better quality. If you are doing more than half a dozen boxes a tape gun is well worthwhile investing in.
cartons
Cartons depend a lot on size but smaller cartons are about £1 each. In our experience you shoudl be careful about buying large cartons as these quickly become too heavy to handle easily. Labelling the cartons is all-important. Don't just write what is in it but write down which room the stuff came from or is going to.
padlocks
Padlocks are often supplied so that you can add your own as well as the storage company's lock. A typical lock costs between £7 and £10. Combination locks, where you set the lock to a memorable number, may be best value and save the need for extra keys.
cheaper packing
The easiest way to save costs in packaging (and to save the planet at the same time!) is to go to a supermarket and get a free supply of cartons from there. However, you should try to pick out stronger boxes which won't break easily such as banana boxes. If you can get lots of the same size it will make stacking and organising your stuff much easier.
