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PSA/Minor rant....Moving

Nodakplowboy

Going Forward
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Minuteman
  • Mar 4, 2017
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    In the last 3 years, starting 6/16, The child Bride and I have moved/re-located 4 times. Let me repeat that; 4 (four) times. I have gained some valuable insights into packing possessions and would like to share them. Considering some of the more recent threads concerning re-locating to different states, it seems to be appropriate.

    First and foremost, when considering which packing containers, DO NOT BUY THESE OR ANYTHING LIKE THEM!!

    Plastic storage tubs

    Unless one purchases all in one style and size, you will end up with a mismash of lids and tubs that don't match. They can't take any weight without getting crushed, and are not a good value. Indeed, a terrible value.

    Rather, get these:

    HD boxes

    Them come with built in lids, handles and can take a lot of stacking. When empty, they politely fold flat again and can be stored out of the way. Use painters tape and a Sharpie to mark the contents, both top and one side. Use 3M HD strapping tape for tops and bottoms (trust me on this).

    For long term storage, heavy items and weather proof moving, these work great (think reloading/shooting stuff);

    Tuff Tub

    A cable tie in each corner will keep the lids on in a open truck bed and the rain out. I currently have 7 of these sitting in storage waiting for the new reloading room. Special note; if the stack of shooting tubs does not equal the stack of kitchen/wife's shoe tubs, you may be a pussy. Ammo does not count in this equation.

    Last item, no need for a link; 5 gal. buckets with lids. Liquids, 1# powder bottles, bullets, primers, cooking sprays, silverware, etc., etc. They stack, pack almost as good as a square box and can be reused. Again, label with tape and sharpie.

    I used the Home Depot only because it was easy to access and the prices were good.

    All done , if you plan on moving, don't call me.
     
    I have split 3 of the stuff tubs down the side. They don't take more weight than one person can carry. If it takes 2 guys to lift, they will split down the side.
     
    I've been using this for a while now for all of my supplies etc and worked out quite well.
    10074302-Stacker-Tote_19gal-Black_Al.jpg
     
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    For moving and long term storage, USPS large flat rate boxes (free)work well.
    They hold very well when packed full of bullets.
    McDonald's frozen product boxes are free and are waxed so they keep moisture out.

    From there, the Home Depot boxes are great too.

    I fuggin hate moving
     
    Boxes that you get from a meat packing place are also strong and stack well and have handle holes in them.
    Either buy new or ones that are fresh used that you can wash out as there may be blood in them.
    I have no idea as to cost but get them when I take an animal in for processing.
    If the slaughter house is worth a shit everything is already frozen when they pack the boxes so no blood.
    Strong as hell.
     
    I used the home depot cardboard boxes in my last move, they worked great

    I also used the 27 gallon totes, agree they work well and zip ties keep the lids on no matter what, they are stacked nicely in my attic waiting for the next move


    but, I also bought a bunch of these


    with the weathertight seal and they worked well too, a little more heavy duty than the HD totes, but more expensive (i got them on sale much less than the link shows, just have to watch the deals)

    What I would like to know is what you all put ammo in to move? Ammo seems too heavy to put into any large containers.
     
    For moving and permanent storage I use these Akro Mils distribution center totes with the folding lid attached. General Motors and many auto parts places use these for their distribution needs, they are damn durable. I loaded a couple of them up with reloading supplies to where I almost couldn’t lift it myself and they were solid. Although more expensive than the HD yellow top totes (about $17 each) they come in multiple sizes. The smaller sizes linked below mean that they are not as heavy loaded so my wife can still carry them. One issue is that they are not water resistant with the split tops, but I moved with an enclosed trailer, not an open pickup. There are holes for zip ties or locks to keep them closed. With the lids flipped all the way open they nest well for storage when empty.

    I have probably 36 of the 21.5x15x12.5, 4 of the 21.5x15x17 for automotive fluids, and probably 25 of the 27 x 15 x 12.5 black ones in the third link. My last move 3 years ago was supposed to be temporary, we were planning on moving again and leaving lots of stuff packed, we ended up buying the rental house and not moving again. I am using these for long term storage, they stack great in the bottom of a closet or on the 6’x6’x2’ black racking from Costco that I have along one wall of my garage. Worth the extra money to have good looking matching totes rather than cruddy looking cardboard boxes.

    21.5 x 15 x 12.5 inches - general purpose, could routinely find a 6 pack for $99 shipped on Amazon.

    21.5 x 15 x 17 inches - taller fluid bottles

    27 x 16.5 x 12.5 inches - longer items, my Dillon 550 is in one of these currently. My local Ace Hardware carries these for $17. I first discovered these when looking for a way to transport and store RC trucks.
     
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    I have a lot of these in several sizes;

    MTM

    Ammo, both boxed and loose, primers, misc. small tools, etc. Carried them to the bed of the Ranger, drove away, re-stacked in the shop. Lots of hauling. After the moving dust settles, going to build a shelving system to store it all.

    Going to have to big a big ass system.
     
    These are the best garage shelving units I’ve found, sold at Costco or similar units at other retailers for as low as $120 on sale. Two sets creates a 19’ unit for the garage wall, well worth the $ compared to building something from wood. If one wanted nothing but shelves you would need a third one, but I left one section with just a top shelf with my 80 gallon compressor and drill press underneath, and the middle section with no lower shelf to store my jacks and jack stands.

     
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    These are the best garage shelving units I’ve found, sold at Costco or similar units at other retailers for as low as $120 on sale. Two sets creates a 19’ unit for the garage wall, well worth the $ compared to building something from wood.

    I use these as well. Easy to break down as well and move if you need to