A room full of supplies for packing and moving.
A room full of supplies for packing and moving.

From planning and packing to unloading and settling in, a long-distance move takes a lot of time and energy. Much of that time is spent putting things in boxes and ensuring they arrive in one piece. The last thing you want is for a box to collapse as you haul it up a few flights of stairs or for your dishes to shatter in transit because potholes jostle them.

It doesn’t matter if you’re hiring long-distance moving services to get your stuff across the country or transporting it across town yourself. The right moving supplies make a world of difference.

Let’s dig into the best moving supplies to look for when preparing for your move. We’ll explore the size and types of moving boxes that make sense for various situations. We’ll cover why there’s no such thing as too much tape and even touch on the importance of a good, thick, black Sharpie.

Whether you’re a packing novice or a seasoned mover looking for a few hacks to improve the packing process, read on to learn more about the best moving supplies you should have on hand.

Essential Packing Supplies for a Successful Move

The moving supplies you pick largely depend on what you’re moving, as will the amount you need to buy or borrow. Most of the time, you’ll want to grab the following items as you plan your move:

  • Sturdy boxes in multiple sizes
  • A tape gun and several rolls of packing tape
  • Bubble wrap and packing paper
  • Labels and markers
  • Furniture blankets and other padding supplies

Moving Boxes: Choosing the Right Type and Size

Choosing the wrong box is one of the most common moving mistakes to avoid. You can’t simply buy large boxes, pile everything into them, and hope they won’t break or fall apart. You can’t buy a dozen small boxes and place one item into each, either. There won’t be enough room in the truck if you do this.

Using a variety of box sizes is key.

  • Small boxes (16” x 10” x 10”): Small boxes are best for heavy items, like books or speakers. They’re also great for vinyl records and small kitchen appliances.  
  • Medium boxes (18” x 14” x 12”): Medium boxes and box dividers work great for dishes or framed photos that have been protected with packing paper or bubble wrap.
  • Large boxes (20” x 20” x 15”): Many people use large boxes for bulky (but relatively light) items, like clothing, linens, curtains, and more.
  • Specialty boxes: In some cases, you may need to buy items for specialty items. Static-proof boxes exist for televisions, laptops, and other electronics. There are specialty moving boxes for glass. You can even purchase wardrobe boxes with bars to keep your hanging clothing items upright.

Tip: Buy more packing and moving boxes than you think you might need! It’s better to have too much than too little when it comes to moving supplies.

Packing Tape to Secure Your Belongings

High-quality packing tape is at the top of our list for best moving supplies. Using cheap or improper tape could allow the bottom of your box to fall out. Duck’s EZ Start tape and 3M are trusted options for DIY movers who buy their moving supplies at the hardware store. These brands are easy to tear off the roll and adhere well to boxes.

In addition to plenty of rolls of tape, a good tape gun will save your fingers (and your sanity).

Bubble Wrap and Cushioning Materials for Fragile Items

Another mistake people sometimes make is failing to pack fragile items properly. The right cushioning material is essential. But which supplies for packing offer the best protection?

Generally speaking, bubble wrap — with its air-filled pockets — is ideal for small, lightweight items that need shock absorption. Packing peanuts of foam or biodegradable materials can fill empty spaces in boxes and reduce the movement of their contents during transit. Packing peanuts are perfect for irregularly shaped objects. Foam sheets prevent surface damage to dishes and picture frames. Simply wrap the item and secure the sheet with tape. Crumpled paper prevents damage by filling voids in items like glassware and mugs.

While each packing material serves a purpose, the best protection usually comes from a combination of tools and techniques. There aren’t hard and fast rules when it comes to methods of protecting fragile items. Base your strategy on your item’s shape, weight, value, fragility, and distance you’re moving.

Organizational Supplies to Track Your Belongings

Packing your items securely and safely is one thing but organizing them — and the boxes — is just as important. Knowing which boxes belong in different parts of your new home is critical to a smooth unpacking process. That’s why labels and markers are must-have moving supplies.

Labels and Markers: The Key to an Organized Move

The type of labels and markers you buy aren’t necessarily important, although they should be easy to see from a distance. Black markers and white labels often work best. Some people, however, choose to color-code boxes by room or contents instead.

The specific organizational method you choose isn’t important as long as each box has a clear label. Write the room and general contents of the box on at least one side and the top. You should also clearly mark any boxes with fragile contents so movers know to be extra careful with them.

Creating a Moving Inventory Checklist

A typical part of any move is creating an inventory checklist in a notebook or spreadsheet. Checklists usually include the number of boxes per room and the contents of each box. Documentation like this is especially important if you are moving expensive items.

Are you tackling a corporate move? Make sure to build a comprehensive office relocation checklist. Checklists for office moves might contain dozens of desks’ worth of electronics, hundreds of pieces of furniture, and important documents locked inside filing cabinets.

Safeguarding Your Furniture During the Move

Your clothes, lamps, photos, appliances, and dishes aren’t the only things to pack and protect during your move. You’ll also want to think about moving supplies that safeguard your furniture. Keeping these items free of scratches and breaks is just as vital.

Furniture Pads and Moving Blankets for Large Items

Furniture pads are thick, cushioned covers that protect heavy, bulky furniture from scratches and dents during a move. Moving blankets are lighter and more flexible, offering similar protection for appliances, furniture, and other large items that are easier to wrap and secure.

Most movers provide access to these supplies for packing as part of your move. If you’re moving without professional help, you’ll likely have to purchase or rent them separately when renting a moving truck.

Versatile Protection with Plastic Wrap

Plastic wrap is versatile. It offers protection and stability for many different items. It’s one of the best moving supplies to secure furniture drawers, keep items bundled, and safeguard fabric or wood surfaces from dirt, scratches, or rips and tears. Many movers use plastic wrap to keep bubble wrap or other cushioning materials in place and protect items during transit. It’s also good for keeping small screws or cords attached to larger items.

Specialty Equipment for Heavy Lifting

Moving heavy objects with your bare hands isn’t easy. Luckily for movers, special equipment simplifies the process and reduces the wear and tear on the body. Just as boxes, labels, and tape are must-have moving supplies, the following items are essential for heavy lifting.

Using a Moving Dolly Effectively

Dollies make transporting items easier and safer. Most moving companies use two kinds of dollies: utility dollies and furniture dollies. Utility dollies have two wheels and a vertical handle. They’re perfect for stacked boxes or appliances. Flat, four-wheeled furniture dollies are ideal for bulky items like sofas or dressers.

For either dolly, balance the load and secure items with straps to prevent shifting. Leverage the wheels by tilting the dolly back. Dollies reduce strain and make heavy objects easier to move without damage.

Furniture Sliders for Effortless Moving

Add furniture sliders to the list of best moving supplies to have on hand. Sliders make moving heavy furniture effortless. Plus, they protect the floors of both the house you’re moving out of and the one you’re moving into! These small, flat discs fit under furniture legs so you can slide heavy items like sofas, tables, and dressers across the floor easily. To use, simply lift each corner of the furniture and place a slider under a leg. Thanks to reduced friction, you can then slide the furniture across the floor without damaging it.

Tip: Different floors call for different kinds of sliders. Consider having multiple types on hand when moving into a new home.

Personal Safety Gear for Moving Day

Dollies and furniture sliders aren’t the only ways to reduce the risk of injury during a move. Buying protection for your hands and back is another great way to stay safe on moving day.

Protecting Your Hands with Work Gloves

Work gloves provide hand protection during your move, but some work better than others. Seek out gloves made from durable materials. Leather gloves work, but synthetic, breathable fabrics provide comfort during long days. Gloves should offer a good grip and cushioning against sharp edges. If you’re on the fence about getting gloves, consider the type of items you’re moving. If you move items with glass, metal, or uneven surfaces sturdy gloves are a must-have moving supply.

Preventing Strain with Back Support Belts

Back support belts are essential supplies for packing when heavy lifting is involved. These belts help stabilize your lower back, which helps with posture and reduces the risk of strain or injury. Look for adjustable designs that offer firm lumbar support and are breathable.

To use a back support belt, wear it snugly around your lower back and abdomen. The belt should provide compression without restricting your movement. Always use proper lifting techniques — bend your knees, not your back — to avoid overloading your spine.

Ensuring a Successful Long-Distance Move

Quality moving supplies can simplify your move. Good boxes keep your belongings intact. Dollies and moving straps can ease the process of loading heavy items. And the importance of sturdy tape can’t be understated!

Whether your plans involve hiring a trusted moving services provider, such as a broker, to facilitate your move or a DIY approach, our advice is the same: Spending money on the best moving supplies can make a world of difference.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are boxes or bags better for moving?

Boxes and bags each have their place when moving. Clothes, blankets, towels, and other soft items might work well in bags, but boxes are generally easier to load into trucks. Their even shapes allow for more effective stacking. You can label boxes more clearly. This makes sorting and unloading easy.

You can pack miscellaneous items in one box. Just don’t overload it. Choose smaller boxes for heavy items. Larger boxes are great for clothes or other soft goods. Label the box clearly with its contents no matter what items you’re packing.

Bubble wrap and packing paper are excellent moving supplies to keep fragile items in one piece, but they have different applications. Packing paper works well for items like dishes and cups, while bubble wrap can work well for photo frames, candles, and electronics.

The most common moving mistakes to avoid are failing to make an appropriate plan and budget for your move. That includes failure to declutter your home beforehand and not measuring furniture to ensure it will fit in your new home. Buying the right kinds and amount of packing materials is important, too. Stay organized and go room by room to avoid making mistakes when moving.