Why You'll Want To Have A Pool Noodle On Hand When Packing For A Move

Moving can be an exciting time, but it's also a hassle, particularly packing and unpacking all your stuff. A lot of consideration is usually put into how to transport breakable items, but don't forget to plan how you're going to transport dangerous items like knives. Knives are common to every home, yet they're often overlooked in packing preparation and wind up simply loose in a box, where they can cause damage to themselves and injury to everyone else. For an easy and affordable way to keep knives and other sharp items safe and secure during a move, stock up on pool noodles. These foam cylinders are a perfect packing hack, working as a storage container for sharp objects, keeping them stable and protected as long as necessary.

Pool noodles are a favorite of DIYers everywhere, for their versatility and affordability, among other things. Pool noodles can be used in artistic creations, fun crafts, and behind the scenes in various home improvement projects. Frequently available year-round for a cost of about one dollar each, they're a great item to have on hand for whatever may arise, like packing for a move.

When packing for a move, pool noodles make effective insulation and are the ideal storage solution for packing knives and other cutting tools. For large knives, simply stick the blade into the center hole of the pool noodle, up to the hilt. The blade will cut the foam as it's inserted, just wide enough to snugly hold it in place. Once secured, cut the noodle about an inch longer than the tip of the blade. If your knife blade is too wide to easily slice into the foam noodle from its center hole, cut a slit in the noodle along its length about halfway deep. Slide the knife in from the side with the cutting edge facing the closed end. Close the noodle around the knife with duct or packing tape or a small chain — something not easily cut.

The knife and its pool noodle sheath can be packed tightly in a moving box, and the remaining noodle can be used on the next one. This will ensure not only that the blade won't slice anything in transit but that it'll be easily identifiable when unpacking. For smaller knives, cut a noodle section to fit snugly into one side of a box, then stab your knives into the side of the noodle, 1 to 2 inches apart from each other. You can fit several knives into a single noodle section this way, and they'll be easy to spot and put away once you get to your new home.