The Definitive List of Moving Supplies

When it comes to moving supplies, cardboard boxes and packing tape are just the tip of the iceberg.

There are a lot of things that you need when you’re packing up to move, as well as on moving day itself, and not all of them are super obvious. To help you out, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of all the moving supplies and moving equipment you’ll want to consider getting for your next move—some that are essential, some that are just great to have.

Packing supplies

Boxes. Purchase cardboard boxes or rent plastic moving boxes for stowing all of your items in. If you’re going with cardboard, factor in that you will need a variety of sizes, including small, medium, large, extra large, and wardrobe boxes. (Use our packing calculator for an estimate of just how many boxes you’ll need.) If you’re going to be renting plastic bins for packing, provide as thorough of an inventory as you can to your rental company so you can be sure you get enough.

Packing tape. Purchase quality packing tape, and plenty of it. You’ll need it for both building boxes and sealing them up once they’re full, so skip the dollar store packing tape and splurge a bit on tape that’s more durable. You’ll likely need more than you think, too, so buy an extra roll or two just to be safe.

Packing paper. You’re going to want plenty of packing paper for wrapping fragile and/or sharp items in, as well as to provide extra cushioning and stability in boxes. Only purchase packing paper that is ink-free, since that ink can bleed on to your belongings.

Plastic wrap. You don’t need to buy plastic wrap that is moving-specific, but you should have at least one roll of sturdy plastic wrap that you can use to wrap around certain items. It’s specifically helpful for keeping like items together (wrap up that stack of plates so they don’t all shift around) and for preventing bottle leaks (take the caps off of bottles with liquids in them, apply a layer of plastic wrap, and screw the cap back on).

Bubble cushioning. Use this to wrap up extra fragile items like those made of glass, ceramic, and porcelain. You can also use it to provide some much needed padding around items once they’re placed into boxes.

Plastic baggies. Little plastic sandwich bags are fantastic for storing small items that might otherwise get lost. Use them to hold screws that you remove as you disassemble your furniture, as well as any other tiny pieces around your home that are easy to misplace. Be sure to label each bag of parts so you know what the pieces go to.

Tool set. Speaking of disassembling furniture, you’ll want to acquire the basic tools you need to do so (if you don’t have them already). A screwdriver and wrench with a range of heads should be sufficient. Keep your tools handy, too, since you might need them on moving day.

Labels and/or markers. When it comes to labeling supplies, you can simply label right on boxes with a permanent marker or use labels and a marker (if you’re using plastic bins, go with the latter option). You can also opt to apply color-coded stickers that give you instant insight into what room a box should go into.

Moving day supplies

Rental truck. If you’re not hiring movers, you’re probably going to need to rent a truck. Make sure to choose the right size moving truck and get quotes from a few different rental companies so that you can be sure you get the best possible price.

Dollies. There are a few different types of dollies that can make your move a whole lot easier: appliance dollies, furniture dollies, and utility dollies (sometimes called hand trucks). They’re ideal for helping you move heavy boxes and bulky furniture from home to truck and back again.

Furniture pads/moving blankets. These will help cushion your items as they make the journey to your new home. Consider what items would benefit from this extra padding before you rent or buy them so that you can get the right amount.

Lifting straps. DIY movers will want to invest in a couple sets of lifting straps, which distribute weight more evenly so that you can lift unruly items like big pieces of furniture and large appliances.

Cargo straps. Cargo straps, also called safety straps, help secure items in the truck so that they don’t shift around.

Trailers. Moving truck not enough? Get a trailer so that you can safely tow belongings on the back of your car.

Ramp. Most rental trucks come with ramps, but the same can’t be said if you’re borrowing a friend’s truck or using your own. It’s much safer to push something heavy up and down a surface than to try to lift it, so a ramp is a good thing to have.

Common questions about getting moving supplies

You know what you need to put on your shopping list, but what about best practices for getting everything you need? Here are some of the most common questions we see about acquiring moving supplies.

Can I rent moving supplies?

You bet! Big ticket items like hand trucks, moving blankets, trailers, and more are available for rent at many locations, including home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, truck rental companies, storage companies, and moving companies. We go over where and how to rent moving supplies here.

How do I save money on supplies?

In addition to saving money by renting instead of buying certain items, you can also save money by making strategic choices when it comes to packing equipment. Read up on how to save money on packing necessities so that you don’t end up spending more than you have to.

What moving supplies can I do without?

Good news: if you’re hiring professional movers then you’re not going to have to worry about any of the moving day items listed above. Movers will have everything on hand to make sure your items stay protected, and they’ll have what they need to lift and carry items as well. As for packing supplies, you can skip some of the items if you get creative—for example, use towels, bedding, and other linens to cushion items in boxes instead of extra packing paper.

What about unpacking supplies?

You won’t need much when it comes to unpacking beyond a box cutter or scissors for cutting through packing tape. Keep a roll of garbage bags with you too for tackling all of those packing materials as you start to open and go through your boxes.