Moving in the near future? It’s never too early to start stocking up on all the essential moving and packing supplies you’re going to need. In the thick of the move, you’re likely to be focused on getting the job done, so why not give yourself the gift of having everything you need to pack up and get moving on hand and ready to grab?
This is by no means an exhaustive list — We have left out a few items like cleaning supplies. And while there are a few optional items, most are absolutely essential to get it done right. If you’re hiring traditional movers or hourly help, you should find out exactly what they include and what you need to get yourself. For example, if you’re just getting help with the loading, then you’ll need all your own packing supplies, plus you should ask about other items like shrink wrap and tie-down straps to protect furniture. Don’t leave anything about moving day to chance.
I’ve divided the items into two categories:
- Packing supplies you’ll need to pack up all your belongings.
- Moving supplies you’ll need on the big day.
Now let’s get rolling.
THE PACKING SUPPLIES LIST IMPRESS
Boxes
While it may be okay to score free boxes for lighter-weight items, just know that all boxes are not created equal — size, strength, and sturdiness make a difference. You want a variety of box sizes, so heavier items like books go in smaller boxes and lighter stuff like clothes go in medium and large boxes. And you definitely don’t want boxes that are going to fall apart. Also think about if you need any specialty boxes, like flat-screen TV boxes and dish set boxes.
How many boxes will you need for your move?
Here’s a quick look at the approximate number of boxes you’ll need for different-sized moves. While our table offers some general guidelines based on household size, keep in mind that the number of boxes you’d need for a 3-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot house would be vastly different from a 3-bedroom, 2,200-square-foot house. When it comes to how many of each size you’ll need, it really comes down to the specific items you own. Someone who owns a lot of trinkets or books will need a greater number of smaller boxes than someone who has a sprawling T-shirt collection. You can also consider getting a moving supply kit, which simplifies things by giving you an assortment of boxes and other essential supplies.