Saturday, July 2, 2011

On Packing Tape and Box Cutters

To be sure, there have been up sides. But moving is a lot of work.

One plus: I will never have to buy packing tape again. The movers left at least a case of it behind. This is very convenient for me as a Zappos shopper. I end up with a fair amount of returns and you have to tape those half-sheet paper USPS/UPS labels onto the box. I used to think I liked internet shopping because I lived in a remote place (when Telluride was my home). I'm a city dweller now but my love for online shopping abides, owing to the hefty surcharges of city tax and downtown parking fees. I troll the web and shop almost exclusively at retailers who offer free shipping and returns. Hence the need for packing tape.

Unpacking has been way more work than packing. It's kind of the reverse of packing for vacation. Outbound preparation demands attention to selecting and packing with great care so your travel clothes arrive in suitable condition. On the way home you can just shove everything in your bag and let the wrinkles come out in the laundry.

Packing our house was the opposite. We did not move far - just 300 yards - and we moved the kitchen ourselves to save time and bubble wrap. Everything else was boxed up over a scant few days. We've been in our new pad for a month now and I still have several large boxes skulking on the periphery of most rooms, like a dog that wet the floor. The problem with these last few boxes is there it's not obvious where I'm meant to store their contents. My office accoutrements, for example, will remain boxed until my star-crossed desk finds me.

Unpacking the boxes that were packed earliest took the most physical effort as we were much more liberal with the tape when packing the first dew dozen boxes. Afterwards it was, like, one strip per box, then on to the next, because there were a lot of boxes -a fact that was obscured in the early hours of packing when we had more time and energy.  Once it came to the unpacking it was a huge relief to be able to use a box cutter again. I'm certain that I did not once touch a box-cutter since the Towers crumbled. But with Bin Laden out of the picture it felt ok to use the tool for its sole, intended purpose. Other sharp tools aren't adequate or even really available when one first arrives in a new home. Scissors and Swiss army knives are packed themselves. But our box cutter, which makes its home in a bright yellow tool box, was readily available. My long-suffering box cutter, stained by the 9/11 hijackings, could rejoice at having its status restored as Useful Tool.

The dust has begun to settle and I'm very much enjoying the new Pinch kitchen and the patio garden that feeds it. More on those things soon.

Have a lovely Independence Day!

16 comments:

Cutting Edge Packaging Products said...

I read your post and got it quite informative. I couldn't find any knowledge on this matter prior to. I would like to thank you for sharing this article here. where to buy lp mailers

Muge Packaging said...

It’s actually a great and helpful piece of info. I’m happy that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing! Best cheap custom boxes service provider.

Yashtech Trading LLC said...

I'm very impressed with your innovative ideas that are really amazing. You have good knowledge on this topic. Keep sharing your amazing article with us. Thanks for sharing your article. Food packaging UAE

JLS Automation said...

Thanks for publishing such great information. You are doing such a great job. This information is very helpful for everyone. Keep it up. Thanks. case packers

Laura Bush said...

Great information, this information is necessary and essential for everyone. I am thankful for you for providing this kind of good information. Modified Atmosphere Packaging Machines

Teresa said...

You can use the Polypropylene film supplier to get the tight-fitting tape for proper binding. You should keep your things intact while moving to other places.

Triangle Package Machinery said...

Great job, I really appreciate you work. I need some information like bag in box and you provided this in you blog. Well done and always keep sharing best knowledge with us.

Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery, Inc. said...

Great job, I really appreciate you work. I need some information like auger fillers and you provided this in you blog. Well done and always keep sharing best knowledge with us.

Charlotte27 said...

Packaging is honestly vital a part of the general process. You may have a guarantee of the way length your product will live right and tasteful. You want to get the polyester film manufacturer for the appropriate movies for wrapping up.

Rent A Helper Moving said...

At this time, if you can use good medicinal materials and ingredients to strengthen hormones,Moving Companies Caldwell NJ will be able to retain your youth and enjoy masculine power.

Dwayne said...

Nice info, I am very thankful to you for sharing this important knowledge. This information is helpful for everyone. Read more info about Pabrik Box Jakarta So please always share this kind of information. Thanks.

benstoke said...

As technology advances and new business models evolve, the real estate industry has begun to transform itself from providing traditional, carefully controlled "agent-centric" transactions to new "consumer-centric" practices. This article examines some of the recent industry trends of movrup and how buyers, sellers and investors can expect to benefit. The "Five Ds" that are driving change in real estate are: 1. Disruption 2. Displacement 3. Demanding consumers 4. Downward pressure on commissions 5. Developing alternatives

Hero Packaging said...

I generally check this kind of article and I found your article which is related to my interest.Australia Post Postage Bags Genuinely it is good and instructive information. Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.

Cutting Edge Packaging Products said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
AFA Systems Ltd said...

I appreciate the efforts which you have put into this blog. This post provides a good idea about packaging automation systems Genuinely, it is a useful blog to increase our knowledge. Thanks for sharing such a blog here.

Nancy said...

Tapes for packaging must match the products. Because of this, heavier containers need stronger adhesives and tape materials. And the marketing message must be appropriate for the chosen tape. PVC Cling Film