Getting ready for a move can feel overwhelming, but a good checklist can help. Move.org assists over 20,000 movers every month, drawing on 156 years of expert knowledge. Having the right boxes, packing materials, and wraps will keep your items safe and reduce stress on moving day.
We’ve studied 24 moving companies to give you the best planning advice. You’ll need different sizes of boxes – small, medium, and large. For example, a studio might need 20 boxes, but a 4-bedroom house could use up to 126. Knowing what you need for your move makes everything smoother.
Don’t forget essentials like strong tape and clear labels to stay organized. Good planning can save you money, with DIY moving supplies starting around $50. We’re here to help make your move easy and worry-free.
With smart planning and the right supplies, you can handle your move without trouble. Let’s dive in!
Boxes: The Foundation of Your Move
Choosing the right moving boxes is key for a smooth move. They are the base of your packing process. Knowing about different boxes and what they’re for helps make packing easier. This way, you can keep your stuff safe during the move.
Begin with small boxes (16 x 10 x 10). They’re great for heavy things like books and cans. These boxes help avoid making them too heavy to lift.
Then, use medium boxes (18 x 14 x 12) for different items. You can pack kitchen tools, small machines, and toys in them. They’re good for breakable things if you add dividers.
Use large boxes (20 x 20 x 15) for light, bulky items. Things like bedding and towels fit well in these. They help you use space well without making the box too heavy.
There are also special boxes like wardrobe boxes for clothes. They let you keep clothes on hangers. Dish pack boxes have dividers for fragile things like dishes and glasses. They protect them from breaking while you move.
New, strong boxes are the best choice because they’re reliable. But you can also reuse boxes from stores if they’re in good shape. Just make sure these boxes can safely hold your items needed for moving.
Sealing your boxes well with heavy-duty packing tape is important. A tape dispenser makes packing faster and easier. For heavy items, dollies help a lot. Use two-wheeled ones for stacking boxes and four-wheeled ones for furniture.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of box uses:
| Box Type | Dimensions | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Small Box | 16 x 10 x 10 | Books, Tools, Canned Goods |
| Medium Box | 18 x 14 x 12 | Kitchen Items, Small Appliances, Toys |
| Large Box | 20 x 20 x 15 | Bedding, Pillows, Towels |
| Wardrobe Box | Various Sizes | Clothing on Hangers |
| Dish Pack Box | Various Sizes with Dividers | Glasses, Plates, Fragile Items |
| Flat-Screen TV Box | Various Sizes | Televisions, Large Electronics |
Having a full moving supplies checklist is very important. It makes sure you have everything you need. This makes moving day less stressful and much smoother.
Protective Materials
Keeping your items safe during a move is very important. Using the right protective materials is essential. Bubble wrap works well for large and odd-shaped items, providing a cushion that absorbs impacts.
Packing paper is great for smaller items, like dishes. It helps fill empty spaces in boxes, reducing movement and the chance of breaking.
For bigger items like furniture, using pads or blankets is a smart choice. They protect surfaces from getting scratched or dented. It’s important to have both bubble wrap and packing paper, as well as strong boxes and tape.
Also, you might want to use these for extra protection:
- Small bubble wrap – Perfect for delicate or light items.
- Large bubble wrap – Great for heavier or bigger items.
- Furniture pads – Known as moving blankets, they add more cushion for large furniture and appliances.
Using the right packing materials helps ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new place. This makes moving smoother and more efficient.
| Material | Usage |
|---|---|
| Bubble Wrap | Wrapping large or oddly shaped items |
| Packing Paper | Filling gaps in boxes |
| Furniture Pads | Protecting furniture from scratches and dents |
Moving Supplies Checklist: Tape and Labeling Supplies
When you’re moving, high-quality packing tape is key. This tape sticks strongly to boxes and can be torn by hand without scissors. A tape gun makes the job quicker and easier.
Labeling is just as important for a tidy move. With the right labeling supplies like sharpies and colored stickers, you can mark each box. This lets you see what’s inside and where it goes. Putting labels on every side of the box makes moving into your new place smoother.
| Item | Description | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Packing Tape | Strong adhesion, easy hand tearing | Sealing boxes securely |
| Labeling Supplies | Colored labels, permanent markers | Identifying box contents and destination room |
| Tape Gun | Tool for dispensing tape quickly | Speeding up the taping process |
A smart moving supplies checklist always has these items. Using strong tape and clear labels makes your move easy and organized. Adding these essentials to your packing list boosts both organization and efficiency during your move.
Tools and Equipment for Heavy Lifting
When you need to move heavy things, getting the right equipment is key. Dollies, hand trucks, and moving straps make the job easier. They also cut down on the chance of getting hurt when lifting heavy items.
Renting moving materials list these tools from a trusted moving company can save money compared to buying them. Renting a dolly costs between $10 to $25 each day. This option makes moving big items safer and more budget-friendly.
Using dollies or hand trucks can cut down on injuries from lifting by up to 75%. Plus, using four-wheel dollies can let movers carry 60% more stuff. Not using sliders can damage the floor in about 25% of moves. This shows why it’s important to have the right tools.
For moving really big or heavy things, hydraulic dollies are becoming more popular. They’ve been in demand 20% more over the last five years. These tools reduce the effort needed, making the move smoother and safer. Taking apart large items helps make them easier to move. Having a full set of tools helps movers quickly take apart and put furniture back together. Over 60% of movers say this speeds up the process. Using E-track straps in trucks can also keep things from moving around during the trip, making it 90% more secure.
Here’s a helpful comparison of essential moving equipment:
| Equipment | Purpose | Average Rental Cost | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Trucks | Transporting large boxes and appliances | $10-$20/day | Reduces injury risk by up to 75% |
| Dollies | Moving heavy furniture and stacks of boxes | $10-$25/day | Increases load capacity by around 60% |
| Moving Straps | Safely lifting heavy items with reduced back strain | $10-$30 for purchase | Effective for balancing weight distribution |
| E-Track Straps | Securing cargo during transit | $5-$15 per strap | Reduces cargo shifting by up to 90% |
Having the right tools, like dollies and hand trucks, makes moving safer and faster. Renting these tools is cost-effective. It moving items checklist ensures a smoother move and prevents problems from not having enough moving supplies.
Cleaning and Trash Management Supplies
Keeping your space clean during a move is key. This means both your old spot and your new place. You’ll need the right cleaning supplies. Surprisingly, 75% of folks forget about these supplies until it’s almost too late. This can lead to not being ready. It’s smart to have things like cleaners, brooms, and wipes ready to go.
Things needed for moving: Don’t forget to add trash bags to your moving supplies checklist. They’re super handy. They help with trash but also protect things like pillows during the move. Remember, 20% of people skip an essential cleaning item when moving. This means another store run, so double-check your supplies.
- All-purpose cleaners
- Brooms and dustpans
- Disinfecting wipes
- Trash bags
- Sponges and scrubbers
- Toilet paper
- Glass cleaner
Some 65% of folks think they don’t need cleaning supplies if the last person cleaned up. But cleaning well yourself means you know it’s done right. It gets rid of dust and smells.
Handling trash right is also key. Have lots of trash bags and use five-gallon buckets to make things easier. About half of all new homeowners deep clean their place right after moving in. They use products like Magic Erasers and glass cleaner. By preparing, we make moving smoother and our new homes cleaner.
Moving Supplies Checklist for a Stress-Free Move
Getting ready for a move without stress means making a detailed checklist. You should start six to eight weeks before your move. This way, you can organize your moving supplies early and cut down on stress.
Things you need for packing to move: When you’re three to four weeks from moving, it’s time to clean out and pack things you don’t use every day. Look through places like attics and closets for items you’ve forgotten about. Then, about two weeks out, get all your moving supplies like boxes, tape, and labels. Make sure to take apart bigger furniture so it’s easier to move.
One week before the move, double-check your arrangements for storage pickup. Pack up things you’ll need right away in clearly marked boxes. On moving day, keep a box of essentials for the last load. This makes it easy to find what you need quickly.
After you move, be quick to organize your new place to avoid losing stuff. If you’ve used any storage solutions, arrange to return their containers within a few days. Following a moving checklist can make moving 30% less stressful for you.
Many people move for new jobs, family reasons, or financial changes. A solid plan and a checklist can ease your move. Let’s make moving simpler with good planning and organization.