What supplies do I need to move?

Boxes (small, medium, large), packing tape + dispenser, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, box cutter, furniture blankets, mattress bag, stretch wrap, and a dolly/hand truck. Budget: $50-150 for a 1-bedroom.

How many boxes do I need?

Studio: 15-20 boxes. 1-bedroom: 25-35 boxes. 2-bedroom: 40-55 boxes. 3-bedroom: 60-80 boxes. Mix sizes: 60% medium, 25% small (for heavy items), 15% large (for light bulky items). Better to have extras.

Where to get free moving boxes?

Liquor stores (sturdy boxes), bookstores, grocery stores (ask in the morning), Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace free section, Nextdoor, friends who recently moved, your workplace recycling area. Call ahead.

How much do moving supplies cost?

Budget: $50-150 for a 1-bedroom (buying new). Save by getting free boxes. Essential purchases: packing tape ($8-12), bubble wrap ($15-25), markers ($5), mattress bag ($10-15). Don't buy wardrobe boxes — use trash bags.

Do I need bubble wrap?

For fragile items, yes. Alternative: wrap dishes in t-shirts, towels, and socks. Packing paper works for most glassware. Bubble wrap is essential for electronics, artwork, and mirrors. Buy one roll, use clothes for the rest.

How to pack dishes without breaking them?

Wrap each plate individually in packing paper. Stack vertically (like records), NOT flat. Fill gaps with crumpled paper. Label 'FRAGILE.' Use small boxes — heavy dishes in large boxes = broken dishes. Never more than 30 lbs per box.

What size boxes for what items?

Small: books, dishes, canned goods, tools (heavy items). Medium: pots/pans, shoes, toys, small appliances. Large: pillows, comforters, lampshades, linens (light bulky items). Rule: if you can't lift it, use a smaller box.

Should I buy or rent a dolly?

Rent. Home Depot/Lowe's rent dollies for $15-25/day. You only need it for one day. A furniture dolly saves your back and cuts moving time in half. Essential for appliances, dressers, and stacked boxes.

How to protect furniture when moving?

Furniture blankets (buy or rent). Stretch wrap for drawers and doors (keeps them shut). Corner protectors for tables. Disassemble what you can. Bag all hardware in labeled ziplock bags taped to the furniture piece.

Moving Supplies Checklist — What You Need to Pack & Move (2026)

Q: When should I start packing?

3-4 weeks before: buy supplies, pack rarely-used items. 2 weeks: pack non-essentials. Final week: room by room. Last day: essentials box (toiletries, phone charger, snacks, clothes for 2 days). Don't start the night before.

💡 Pro Tips

Get free boxes first. Liquor stores have the best ones — thick cardboard, handles, uniform sizes. Call ahead and ask when they get deliveries.
Tape dispenser is non-negotiable. Hand-tearing tape on 50 boxes is torture. A $5 tape gun saves an hour and your sanity.
Use clothes as padding. T-shirts wrap dishes. Socks protect glasses. Towels cushion electronics. Free padding and fewer boxes needed.
Color-code boxes by room. Blue sticker = bedroom. Green = kitchen. Red = bathroom. Movers drop boxes in the right room = less chaos.
Heavy items in small boxes. A large box full of books = herniated disc. Small box of books = safe to carry. Big boxes for light items only.
Pack an essentials box last, unload it first. Phone charger, TP, snacks, sheets, towel. You'll need it before you unpack anything else.

🚫 Common Mistakes

Buying all boxes new. Waste of $100+. At least half your boxes can be free from stores, neighbors, or online. Save money for movers.
No tape dispenser. Hand-ripping tape off the roll for 50 boxes. Your fingers will hate you. Spend $5 on a tape gun.
Overpacking large boxes. Large box full of books = 60+ lbs = broken box and back. Large boxes are for pillows, towels, and linens ONLY.
Not labeling boxes. "Kitchen misc" on 15 boxes is useless. Write specific contents: "Pots, pans, cutting boards" and which room. Future you will be grateful.
Forgetting the essentials box. Everything else can wait to be unpacked. But you NEED your charger, toiletries, sheets, and snacks on night one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, markers, box cutter, furniture blankets, mattress bag, dolly. $50-150.

Studio: 15-20. 1-bed: 25-35. 2-bed: 40-55. 3-bed: 60-80. 60% medium, 25% small, 15% large.

Liquor stores (strongest), bookstores, grocery stores, Craigslist/Facebook free section, Nextdoor.

$50-150 for 1-bedroom. Save with free boxes. Must-buy: tape ($10), bubble wrap ($20), markers ($5).

For fragile items. Alternative: wrap dishes in t-shirts and towels. Buy one roll for electronics and art.

Wrap individually. Stack vertically like records. Small boxes only. Fill gaps. Never over 30 lbs per box.

Small: heavy (books, dishes). Medium: most items. Large: light bulky (pillows, linens). If too heavy, use smaller.

Rent. $15-25/day at Home Depot. Only need it one day. Saves your back and cuts moving time in half.

Moving blankets, stretch wrap for drawers, corner protectors. Bag hardware in labeled ziplocks taped to furniture.

3-4 weeks out: supplies + rarely-used. 2 weeks: non-essentials. Final week: room by room. Last day: essentials box.

Moving Supplies Checklist — Everything You Need

📦 Boxes

🧰 Essential Packing Supplies

🛡️ Furniture Protection

🔧 Tools & Equipment

🆓 Where to Get Free Boxes

⭐ Moving Day Essentials Box

📥 Download This Checklist

💡 Pro Tips

🚫 Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving Supplies Checklist — Everything You Need

📦 Boxes

🧰 Essential Packing Supplies

🛡️ Furniture Protection

🔧 Tools & Equipment

🆓 Where to Get Free Boxes

⭐ Moving Day Essentials Box

📥 Download This Checklist

💡 Pro Tips

🚫 Common Mistakes

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions