Essential Moving Supplies Checklist

Packing Supplies for Moving

Having the proper packing materials is key to protecting your belongings. Make sure you have the following packing supplies ready before you start boxing up your home:

• Sturdy Moving Boxes (Assorted Sizes): Stock up on a variety of box sizes—small, medium, large, and even specialty boxes. Use a moving box calculator to estimate how many you might need. Consider specialty boxes like wardrobe boxes for clothes or dish pack boxes for fragile dinnerware to give those items extra protection.

• Packing Tape: Get plenty of high-quality packing tape to seal boxes securely—you’ll almost always need more tape than expected, so stock up on quality tape with a dispenser.

• Cushioning Materials (Bubble Wrap, Paper): Prepare padding materials to wrap and cushion breakables, including bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam peanuts. You can also use soft household items like towels to pad boxes and fill in empty spaces so items don’t shift.

• Plastic Stretch Wrap: A large roll of stretch plastic wrap helps protect furniture and bundle items together. Wrap it around dressers, sofas, and other furniture to shield them from scratches, dust, or dirt.

• Furniture Pads & Covers: Use moving blankets or furniture pads to cover and protect big items like appliances, wooden furniture, and TVs—some moving truck companies may offer moving blanket rentals, or you can use your own old blankets. Don’t forget mattress bags to keep your mattress clean and dry during the move.

• Markers, Labels & Room Tags: Get a couple of thick permanent markers for labeling boxes clearly on at least two sides. Label each box with its contents and which room it belongs in (e.g., “Kitchen—pots and pans”).

Moving Equipment & Tools

In addition to boxes and tape, think about the tools and equipment that will make lifting and transporting items easier. The following items will help you move things safely and efficiently:

• Dolly or Hand Truck: A sturdy dolly lets you stack and roll multiple boxes or heavy furniture instead of carrying them, saving your back and time. If you can, use a two-wheeled upright dolly for appliances and a four-wheeled flat dolly for stacks of boxes or furniture. Dollies with straps or brake features add extra safety when navigating ramps and curbs.

• Furniture Sliders: Pick up a pack of furniture sliders, which are small pads that go under the corners or legs of heavy furniture. They allow you to slide couches, tables, and dressers across the floor easier while protecting your floors from scrapes.

• Lifting Straps: Moving straps (also known as lifting straps or shoulder dolly straps) are adjustable straps that loop under the item and around your shoulders or forearms, allowing two people to lift heavy objects using leverage.

• Rope & Bungee Cords: Keep some strong ropes, ratchet straps, or bungee cords in your moving supply kit to tie down and secure items in the moving truck so nothing shifts or topples during the drive. Use ropes/straps to anchor large pieces to the side rails in a truck, and use bungee cords to keep smaller groups of items or box stacks tightly together. Bungee cords are also useful for keeping doors or drawers closed.

• Basic Tool Kit: Make sure a basic toolkit is one of the last things you pack (or keep it separate). You may need tools for disassembling furniture before moving and reassembling it afterward. At minimum, have a screwdriver (and assorted bits), a hammer, pliers, wrench, and hex keys readily available.

• Box Cutters & Scissors: Keep a sharp pair of scissors and a utility knife within reach throughout your move. You’ll need scissors or a knife to cut packing tape, open boxes that were sealed incorrectly, or break down boxes after unpacking.

• Work Gloves: Invest in a pair of durable work gloves to protect your hands. Gloves give you a better grip on slick or heavy furniture, and they help protect your hands from blisters, cuts, and splinters.

Cleaning & Miscellaneous Supplies

Moving day isn’t just about hauling boxes—you’ll also want to leave your old home clean and make sure your new home is fresh for move-in. Here are some often-forgotten supplies that will help you clean your spaces.

• Cleaning Sprays: Set aside all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and other cleaning products for both your old and new place.

• Cleaning Equipment: Include a broom, dustpan, mop, and vacuum in your cleaning supplies kit to remove any dirt from previously hard-to-reach places.

• Cleaning Cloths: Pack paper towels, rags, and sponges to wipe down shelves, clean up spills, and tackle messes on moving day.

• Trash Bags: Keep a box of heavy-duty garbage bags on hand for last-minute throwaways and cleaning up trash as you pack and unpack.

• Plastic Baggies for Small Parts: As you disassemble furniture (beds, tables, curtain rods, etc.), you’ll end up with lots of little screws, bolts, and hardware. Put the parts for each item in its own bag, seal it, and label the bag (e.g., “Bed frame screws”). This way, nothing gets lost and reassembly is much easier.

• Door Stops: It’s frustrating to wrestle a heavy couch through a doorway that keeps moving, so pack a couple of door stoppers to prop doors open while you move in and out.

• Floor Protectors: If you want to preserve the floors in both your old and new home, have floor protection materials ready, like flattened cardboard boxes, old bedsheets, or plastic tarps.

Seasonal Moving Supplies

You might need to adjust your checklist based on the time of year you move. Moving in July is very different from moving in January, with extreme temperatures and weather conditions you need to consider to stay safe and comfortable on move-in day. Here are some seasonal items to add to the list for summer and winter moves.

Personal Essentials for Moving Day

Don’t pack away all your personal necessities! You’ll want to prepare an “open-first” box or an overnight bag with essentials items that keep you comfortable during the move and the first day in your new home. Think of this as your moving survival kit.

• Basic Toiletries: Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and toilet paper you might need for the first night in your new space.

• Linens: A towel, bedsheets, and a blanket will allow you to clean up and get a good night's rest without unpacking everything on day one.

• Clothing: Be sure you have pajamas and a change of clothes for the next day, as well as any comfort items for your morning or nighttime routine.

• Basic Kitchen Items: If you're planning to cook in your new space before unpacking, you should set aside a few plates, cups, utensils, and maybe a pot/pan so you don't have to rummage around your kitchen boxes before a meal.

• Important Documents & Valuables: Gather important paperwork (e.g., IDs, passports, birth certificates, financial documents, lease/purchase papers, moving contracts) and keep them in a secure folder or lockbox by your side, as well as small valuables like jewelry, heirlooms, or electronics—do not pack these in the moving truck.

• Snacks & Drinks: Moving is hard work, so have some refreshments on hand. Pack a small cooler with water bottles and quick snacks like granola bars, fruit, or sandwiches. Staying fueled and hydrated will keep morale and energy up, especially during a long moving day.

• Electronics & Chargers: Make sure you know where your important electronics are. Keep a phone charger (and possibly a power strip) in your essentials kit so you can quickly plug in devices at the new house. If you have laptops or tablets you’ll need, carry them in a secure case with you.

• Small First Aid Kit: Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s smart to have a basic first aid kit within reach. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, any prescription medicines, and hand sanitizer. With all the lifting and moving, minor scrapes or headaches can happen, and you’ll be glad you can patch it up on the spot.

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