Getting ready for a move might seem overwhelming, but with some smart planning, you can make it a breeze. Packing is a big part of the process, so having the right supplies needed to move is key. By getting your moving supplies organized well in advance, you'll save yourself time, money, and stress when moving day arrives. We suggest stocking up on these essential moving materials a few months ahead so you're fully prepared.
Check out our list of must-have moving supplies to make your packing experience smooth and stress-free. Happy packing!
When it comes to moving, having the right packing materials and supplies is crucial. Packing paper and bubble wrap are essential for protecting fragile items during transportation. Using a dolly or hand truck can help prevent injuries when moving heavy items. Don't forget markers and labeling tools to stay organized throughout the process. And simple items like garbage bags and resealable bags can be surprisingly useful for packing smaller items. These supplies may seem basic, but they can make a big difference in ensuring a smooth and successful move.
Here are few tips to help you when it’s time to choose your packing and supplies needed for moving:
Starting the packing process early is key to a successful move. Our moving checklist recommends establishing your moving budget at least two months before your moving date. Whether you're considering hiring a professional moving company or opting for a DIY move, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your relocation budget. For long-distance moves, budgeting around $5,000 for moving expenses is typical, while local moves may cost around $1,000. If your move is job-related, check with your employer to see if they offer any financial assistance. While your budget may evolve as you plan, having a rough estimate from the outset can help you make informed decisions throughout the moving process.
Creating an inventory is a crucial step in the moving process, even if you're hiring professionals who conduct their own inventory. Start by going through every room, closet, cabinet, and drawer in your home to assess your belongings. Take note of what items you'll be moving and what can be discarded or donated. Consider doing a closet purge to get rid of items that no longer fit or haven't been used in a while. This includes your children's closets, linen closets, and bathroom shelves. Selling unwanted items is also a great way to lighten your load. While it may seem daunting, taking inventory is essential for determining your moving needs and streamlining the process.
About six weeks before your move, it's a good idea to order all the necessary moving supplies. This includes boxes, bubble wrap, tape, packing paper, and any other materials you'll need to safely pack up your belongings for the move. Having these supplies on hand early will help streamline the packing process and ensure that everything is well-protected during transportation.
About five weeks before your move, it's time to start planning your packing timeline. Begin by prioritizing the packing of non-essential items first. These are things you won't need in the weeks leading up to the move, such as books, home decor, and electronics. Save essentials for last, like kitchen items, dinnerware, clothing, and toiletries—items you'll need right up until moving day. This systematic approach ensures that you're packing efficiently and staying organized throughout the process.
About a month before your move, it's time to kick off the packing process. Start by boxing up non-essential and seasonal items first, such as winter coats, off-season sports gear, books, and other belongings you won't need right away. Take extra care when packing fragile items, ensuring they're well-protected, and label boxes clearly for easy identification later on. Keep valuables and important documents separate for added security and peace of mind during the move.
Make sure to stock up on boxes for your move, as they're essential for packing your belongings securely. You can find them at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, or you may opt to rent plastic moving tubs from some moving companies. If weather conditions are a concern, go for boxes with lids to protect your items from moisture and dirt. When choosing boxes, consider the size of your items to ensure they fit comfortably. It's best not to overfill boxes, as this can make them difficult to carry and increase the risk of damage to your belongings. Invest in boxes of various sizes — small, medium, large, and extra-large — to accommodate different items effectively.
How many boxes will you need for your move? Unfortunately, there’s not a master formula to calculate how many boxes you’ll need. However, you can guesstimate, but chances are, you’ll have to make a few trips to the store. A general rule of thumb is 70 to 150 boxes for a standard three-bedroom residence.
Here’s a rough estimate of the number of boxes you might need based on the size of your home. Keep in mind that these numbers are general guidelines and can vary depending on the specific items you own. For example, if you have a lot of small items like trinkets or books, you may need more small boxes. Conversely, if you have larger items like clothing or bedding, you may need fewer boxes overall.
Home Size
Number of Boxes Needed
Studio/1-bedroom
10-20 small, 5-10 medium, 3-5 large
2-bedroom
20-30 small, 10-15 medium, 5-10 large
3-bedroom
30-40 small, 15-20 medium, 10-15 large
4-bedroom
40-50 small, 20-25 medium, 15-20 large
5+ bedrooms
50+ small, 25+ medium, 20+ large
Consider your unique belongings and adjust these estimates accordingly. If you prefer a simpler approach, you can opt for a moving supply kit, which provides a variety of box sizes and other essential packing materials.
Pro Tip: Consider that there are certain items you should avoid putting in boxes altogether. This includes obvious items like ammunition, explosives, flammables, and pets. However, there are also other valuables and irreplaceable items that you should keep with you to ensure they don't get lost or damaged during the move. Additionally, it's best to avoid packing anything perishable, regardless of the distance of your move. Even if you think these items can withstand the journey to your new home, they can attract pests and cause unwanted issues. So, it's better to play it safe and transport perishable items separately.
Certainly, you'll want to take care when packing fragile items. Foam wrap sheets are excellent for protecting delicate items like dishes, while bubble wrap is great for larger or oddly shaped breakables. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, newspaper can also do the trick. You can save up newspapers over a few weeks or ask your neighbors for theirs once they're done reading. However, keep in mind that newspaper doesn't offer as much cushioning as proper packing supplies, so it's best to avoid using it for extremely delicate items.
Investing in high-quality packing tape is crucial for a smooth moving experience. Skip the dollar store options and opt for tape that's durable and reliable. Remember, you'll likely need more tape than you anticipate, so it's better to stock up in advance. While cheaper tape may seem like a bargain, you'll end up using more of it and it may not hold up as well. It's worth spending a bit more for peace of mind during your move.
Pro Tip: Maintain a clear and manageable space by setting up boxes only when you're ready to fill them. Once a box is packed, take it to the packing station for sealing and labeling. This method keeps your space organized and ensures a smooth packing process.
Using labels and colored stickers or dots can be a game-changer for those who like to stay ultra-organized during a move. While not essential, color-coding can simplify the process, especially for larger households. By assigning colors to different rooms or categories, you can easily identify where each item belongs. This system is particularly handy if you're using multiple moving containers or getting assistance with the heavy lifting. With color-coding, everyone involved in the move can quickly determine where to place items, saving time and reducing confusion.
Make sure to include permanent markers in your labeling arsenal. Planning ahead for potential bad weather on moving day is always a wise move. Using waterproof marker pens to label your boxes ensures that your markings remain intact even in rainy conditions, preventing smudging and keeping your labeling system clear and organized.
Having a reliable pair of scissors on hand during packing and moving is essential. Not only are they necessary for cutting tape, but they'll also come in handy for various tasks like reopening boxes (packing mistakes do occur!), resizing blankets, or crafting custom boxes for oddly shaped items. In addition to scissors, don't overlook the utility of a box cutter or utility knife. While some may consider it redundant with scissors around, having both tools is actually quite beneficial. Box cutters are particularly efficient for swiftly slicing through boxes, making the process feel like cutting through butter. This is especially helpful when you're exhausted at the end of your move and need to break down boxes quickly. Moreover, they excel at cutting through thick plastic zip ties, a task that could easily damage scissors. So, having both scissors and a box cutter ensures you're equipped for any packing or moving situation that arises.
Pro Tip: Staying organized during packing is key to avoiding misplaced tools like scissors and markers. To keep everything in check, tackle one room at a time. It's all too easy to lose track of items even within a single room! When you set down your tools, make a habit of placing them in a designated spot or somewhere visible, like a window ledge. Alternatively, keep all your packing tools together in a small, clear box, bowl, or another convenient container. This simple strategy can save you a lot of time and frustration while packing.
Covering your furniture with pads is a smart move to prevent scratches and damage during the furniture moving. Placing a pad over your dresser, for instance, can safeguard it from unsightly gouges or scratches. While you can purchase furniture pads, renting them is often a more cost-effective option. Many moving companies offer rentals at a reasonable price, typically ranging from $10 to $20 for a dozen pads, which is comparable to the cost of buying just one pad. If you're looking for a thrifty alternative, blankets can also be used as makeshift pads, although they may not hold up as well after the move.
Read more: How to move heavy furniture
Moving blankets are versatile tools that can be used in multiple ways during your move. Firstly, you can use them to protect your furniture or delicate items like bicycles from scuffs or damage by wrapping them securely. Secondly, they can also be utilized to assist in moving heavy items. As a clever hack, you can place a heavy object such as a dresser, a bulky box, or a mattress onto a moving blanket and then slide it across the floor. This method helps protect both your furniture and your floors, while also sparing your back from unnecessary strain.
For DIY loading, having a roll of large shrink wrap is essential for safeguarding upholstered, wood, and metal furniture. It prevents scratches and dirt accumulation while also minimizing damage to the walls of both your old and new residence. If you're hiring hourly moving assistance for loading, inquire whether they provide shrink wrap and their associated fees.
Renting dollies and hand trucks from a moving company is a smart move, especially if you don't anticipate needing them frequently or have limited storage space. Renting typically costs less than $20, making it a more economical choice compared to purchasing. For navigating stairs with bulky items, wearable moving straps can be a lifesaver. These straps facilitate easier lifting and moving when used correctly by you and a helper. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any risk of injury.
Securing all boxes and furniture inside the moving truck is crucial to prevent them from shifting during transit and causing damage. Bungee cords are handy for this task, but if you don't have them on hand, cargo straps or rope can serve as effective alternatives. The goal is to keep everything in place and prevent any unnecessary movement that could lead to chaos and damage during the journey.
While you may not initially plan to dismantle your dining table, you might reconsider when it comes time to load everything into the moving truck. Having a simple tool set on hand can make it a breeze to disassemble your table or any other furniture you need to break down for easier transportation. Be sure to keep your tools accessible for smooth reassembly at your new home.
A standard tool kit typically includes essentials like a 16-ounce hammer, 12-ounce hammer, four-way screwdriver, basic screwdriver set, utility knife, putty knife, handheld drill, measuring tape, saw, pliers, wrench, hooks, wire, goggles, work gloves, and an assortment of nails and screws. These tools come in handy throughout the moving process, whether you're taking down wall hangings or disassembling furniture.
Invest in heavy-duty or reinforced flexible trash bags – and don't skimp on quantity! You'll find these bags incredibly versatile, serving as makeshift containers for items when boxes run low or you need a quick solution for packing clothes, linens, cushions, or pillows. Plus, with the inevitable accumulation of trash during the move, having an ample supply of sturdy bags ensures you're prepared for any cleanup. Opting for heavy-duty options means you can avoid the hassle of double-bagging and the risk of bags tearing under the weight of your belongings.
Don't forget the essentials for cleaning! A sturdy bucket is a must-have for deep cleaning tasks. You can find affordable five-gallon buckets at most hardware stores. Opt for one with a lid; not only can you use it for cleaning, but it also doubles as storage space once you're done. Keep your trusty broom nearby throughout the moving process. It's handy for tidying up both your old and new homes. Plus, don't overlook its usefulness for sweeping out your rental truck post-move to ensure you receive your deposit back.
To ensure a smooth moving experience, it's crucial to gather all the necessary supplies beforehand. Use our moving supplies checklist to assess what you already have and what you still need to acquire. Getting your moving supplies in advance will allow you to be fully prepared for the moving day, ensuring a safe and well-organized relocation. And for a flawless and stress-free moving experience, consider opting for Move4U labor & moving services.
Would you like to choose a date?
Please rate us:
Please select platform:
