The Ultimate Moving Supplies Checklist: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Move

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of moving? A well-prepared checklist can transform chaos into a smooth, organized process. Forget the stress of remembering every little detail or overbuying supplies. Let’s dive into the essentials that will keep you in control and make your move a breeze.

Smart Shopping for Moving Supplies

Skip the hassle of running from store to store. While local moving retailers, mail service stores, and office supply outlets carry packing supplies, the best selection is online. Surfing the web allows you to compare prices and find specialty items that might be hard to locate locally. Amazon Prime members enjoy the added bonus of free two-day shipping!

For the ultimate convenience, order your supplies through our Packing Supplies Center. All orders ship directly to your door, and orders over $25 ship for free. Save your time and money by avoiding last-minute, overpriced purchases.

Your Comprehensive Packing Checklist

Packing Containers

Professional-Quality Boxes

To save money, ask grocery stores and liquor shops for boxes. Inquire with store managers a few weeks in advance and check when big shipments arrive. You can also find free boxes on Craigslist and Freecycle. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Dish Boxes/Barrels: Heavy-duty boxes for fragile items.
• Mirror/Picture Frame Boxes: Perfect for safely moving pictures and mirrors.
• Wardrobe Boxes: Sturdy, portable closets for suits, dresses, jackets, and coats. These can double as storage boxes post-move.
• 15-20 Small Boxes: Ideal for heavy items like books.
• 10-15 Medium Boxes: Versatile boxes for kitchen gadgets, toys, and knick-knacks.
• 10-15 Large Boxes: Great for lightweight, bulky items like down jackets and bedding.

Consider purchasing a moving kit that includes a set number of boxes and supplies tailored to your move.

Padding and Protection

• 12″ Stack Wrapping Paper: Avoid newspaper ink stains by using plain wrapping paper to keep items clean and cushioned.
• 1 Roll of Trash Bags: Perfect for packing soft, lightweight items like pillows and stuffed animals. Label them as “NOT TRASH.”
• Furniture Pads/Blankets: Protect hard, bulky items like tables and chairs. Blankets are a budget-friendly alternative to furniture pads.
• 9 Cubic Feet of Packing Peanuts: Ensure your items stay secure in boxes during transit.
• 2-3 Large Pieces of Cardboard: Use as padding between fragile goods or to protect floors. Cut leftover boxes for flat use.
• Carpet Protector: Commonly used by moving companies to protect carpets from damage. Ideal for high-traffic areas.
• 1-3 Furniture Covers: Shield upholstered furniture from dust, moisture, and dirt.
• 250 ft. of 12″ Wide Bubble Wrap or Foam Wrap: Protect delicate belongings. Bubble wrap is a cost-effective alternative to replacing heirloom china.
• Gloves: Protect your hands with heavy-duty gripper gloves. Remove when handling slippery items like glass tabletops.

Bundling, Securing, and Marking

• 4-5 Rolls of Packing Tape: Buy in bulk for sealing boxes securely. It’s handy for various tasks around the house.
• Tape Gun/Dispenser: Save time and avoid losing the tape end with this clever tool.
• 4-5 Sets of Rubber Bands/Straps: Secure doors on armoires or cabinets. Wrap items in a blanket first to avoid damage.
• Padlock: Lock your moving truck securely if you need to stop along the way.
• 125 ft. of 12″ Shrink/Stretch Wrap:
  • Wide: Great for repackaging large items like appliances. Use with cardboard or moving blankets to prevent scratches.
  • Narrow: Ideal for bundling long, skinny items like curtain rods and shovels.
• 4-6 Thick Markers/Sharpies: Clearly label box contents and destination rooms.
• Utility Knife/Box Cutter: Essential for cutting tape, rope, and cardboard during packing and unpacking.
• Rope/Bungee Cords: Keep items together and secure on moving day.

Additional Tools

• Back Band/Brace: If you’re lifting heavy items yourself, a back band/brace provides extra support. Remember to lift with your knees, not your back.
• Forearm Lifts: These heavy straps wrap around your forearms, enabling you and a partner to carry heavy, awkward items more easily.
• Toolkit: Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and sockets will help you disassemble furniture. Have a selection of Phillips, flat-head, Allen, Torx, and nut driver bits on hand to speed up the process.

With this comprehensive checklist and the right tools, you’re well on your way to a stress-free moving experience. Happy packing!