Packing without a proper plan is how you end up wrapping your grandmother's china in a bath towel. A solid moving supplies checklist saves you money, prevents last-minute hardware store panic runs, and keeps your belongings intact from door to door. Here's exactly what you need to gather before the first box gets sealed.
The Core Boxes You Actually Need
Not all boxes are created equal. Using the wrong size is one of the most common moving mistakes — heavy items in oversized boxes destroy backs and bottoms alike.
Small boxes (1.5 cu ft): Best for books, canned goods, tools, and anything dense. These should top out around 30–50 lbs.
Medium boxes (3 cu ft): Your workhorse. Use them for kitchen items, toys, small appliances, and folded clothes.
Large boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Pillows, linens, lampshades, and bulky but lightweight items only. Never pack heavy items in large boxes.
Specialty boxes to consider:
- Wardrobe boxes (24"x24"x48") for hanging clothes
- Dish pack boxes with interior cell dividers
- Mirror and picture boxes for flat framed items
- TV boxes sized to your specific screen
A rough estimate for a 2-bedroom home: 20–25 small, 15–20 medium, and 8–12 large boxes. Add 15% as a buffer — you'll almost always need more than you think.
Packing Materials Checklist
Boxes alone won't protect your stuff. The wrapping and cushioning materials are just as critical.
- Packing paper (newsprint): 2–3 reams for a standard move. Use it for wrapping dishes, filling void space, and bundling small items together
- Bubble wrap: At least one medium roll. Reserve it for truly fragile items — mirrors, stemware, electronics
- Packing peanuts or foam sheets: Useful for box-within-a-box packing for valuables
- Stretch wrap/shrink wrap: Great for bundling drawers, protecting upholstered furniture, and keeping cables organized
- Furniture pads/moving blankets: Rent these from your moving truck company or buy 4–6 for a typical household
- Mattress bags: One per mattress — non-negotiable if you want to keep them clean during transport
- Plastic bins: For items you'll need immediately on arrival (toiletries, coffee maker, chargers)
Tape, Labels, and Markers
Tape is not interchangeable. Regular scotch tape will fail. You need 2-inch heavy-duty packing tape — budget for at least 6–8 rolls for a 2-bedroom move. A tape gun dispenser is worth every penny; it cuts your packing time significantly.
For labeling:
- Use bold permanent markers (Sharpie-style, not ballpoint)
- Label all four sides of each box, not just the top
- Include the destination room AND a brief contents note ("Kitchen – spices, small appliances")
- Use color-coded labels per room — you can find pre-printed sticker sets for under $10
This system pays off during unloading when you or your movers need to make quick decisions under time pressure.
Tools and Extras Often Forgotten
These items don't go inside boxes but you absolutely need them on hand:
- Box cutter or utility knife for breaking down boxes on arrival
- Measuring tape for navigating doorways and stairwells
- Ziploc bags in multiple sizes for hardware, screws, remote controls
- Cable ties or twist ties for bundling cords
- Furniture sliders to move heavy pieces without scratching floors
- Rope or ratchet straps if you're renting your own truck
- Rubber bands for keeping drawers from opening during transport
Where to Source Moving Supplies
You have several options, each with trade-offs:
Buy new: U-Haul, Home Depot, and moving supply retailers offer full kits. Convenient, but costs can add up quickly — a basic kit for a 2-bedroom can run $80–$150+.
Buy used: Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and local buy-nothing groups regularly have free or cheap boxes from recent movers.
Order online: Amazon and specialty moving supply companies often have better bulk pricing than in-store retail.
Rent plastic bins: Services like Frogbox or local rental companies offer reusable plastic bins that eliminate the need to break down cardboard afterward.
If you want to compare options quickly without bouncing between a dozen websites, Mercoly lets you find and compare trusted Moving Supplies & Boxes providers in one place, saving you the legwork.
One Final Tip Before You Start Packing
Don't start packing without completing this checklist first. It sounds obvious, but most moving stress comes from running out of tape on day two or realizing you have nowhere to put your hanging clothes. Estimate your supplies, add your buffer, and source everything at least one week before moving day.
Start building your moving supplies list today and get your boxes sorted before the chaos begins.