The Ultimate Moving Supplies Checklist
Moving is an exciting time but it can also be a stressful and overwhelming one. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be. If you gather the right moving supplies ahead of time and make a plan, it can make the process much more streamlined and efficient.
Whether you’re hiring professional movers to tackle the job or plan to put your best boxes forward and DIY it, read on for the ultimate moving supplies checklist to make your move a breeze.
Essential Moving Supplies
No move can begin without the basic supplies. There are some must-have items that you’ll need to gather so you can organize, protect, and pack your belongings. Here are the essentials:
- Boxes: You can’t move without boxes! Boxes are one of the most critical supplies. It’s important to plan out your move so that you know what sizes and how many boxes to grab.
- Packing Tape: High-quality packing tape is vital to making sure your boxes stay sealed during transport. If you want to be fancy, grab a tape dispenser. It makes taping boxes move a lot faster.
- Markers & Labels: Clearly marking your boxes is a key component to organization. Use markers or stickers to mark the content of a box and notate which room you’d like them to be placed in.
- Packing Paper & Bubble Wrap: It’s important to protect fragile items like dishes, glassware, and expensive electronics with bubble wrap or packing paper. An inexpensive alternative is newspaper but be careful of the ink! It can stain!
- Plastic Wrap: Using plastic wrap can help secure items together that you don’t want to misplace or keep drawers from opening when in the moving truck.
- Furniture Pads & Blankets: Furniture, just like any other item, can sustain damage during a move so it’s important to give them a little buffer to keep them from getting dented or scratched.
Specialty Packing Supplies
For certain household items, standard boxes and packing tape may not cut it. You can find speciality boxes specifically for fragile or high-value items that make them well-protected during your move.
- Dish Pack Kits: These sturdy boxes come with dividers specifically designed to keep dishes, glasses, and other breakable kitchen items safe.
- Wardrobe Boxes: Folding clothes can be a daunting task, especially if you know you’ll have to iron them later on. Wardrobe boxes allow you to hang items directly from your closet to the box.
- Mattress Bags: Mattress bags are a convenient way to avoid dirt, moistures, and damage to your mattress.
- TV/Art Boxes: Electronics and artwork may require extra care during a move. Use specialty boxes made specifically for fragile items to minimize damage.
Cleaning Supplies
If you’re renting, some contracts state you must leave the area the way you found it. If you’re a seller, you may want to leave a good impression by leaving a clean home to the new buyers. Regardless of the situation, you will need some basic cleaning supplies:
-
- All-Purpose Cleaner
- Broom & Dustpan
- Mop
- Sponges & Rags
- Garbage Bag
- Vacuum
Tools for Furniture Disassembly & Assembly
To make your move easier, consider the tools you’ll need to disassemble furniture pieces for easier transport. Make sure you have these items so you’re well prepared:
- Screwdrivers/Drills: Screwdrivers and drills are important for taking apart furniture like bed frames, desks, and bookshelves.
- Allen Wrenches: Many modern furniture pieces require Allen wrenches for assembly or disassembly.
- Ziplock Bags: Store screws, bolts, and small hardware from disassembled items in labeled Ziplock bags so you don’t lose any essential parts. You can attach them to the furniture so you don’t lose them.
Additional Equipment If You’re Not Hiring Movers
We always recommend hiring the professionals for a streamlined process but you’ll need some extra items if you’re going to DIY your move.
- Moving Straps: These can help you carry heavy or awkwardly shaped furniture safely and efficiently.
- Furniture Dollies: Essential for moving heavy boxes, appliances, or furniture without hurting your back.
- Furniture Sliders: Help to move large items across the floor without damaging surfaces.
- Ramps: If you’re renting a moving truck, a ramp will make loading and unloading much easier.
- Gloves: Protect your hands when handling heavy or sharp objects.
First-Night Essentials Box
The first-night essentials box is almost always forgotten but possibly one of the most important parts of a move.
After a long day, you will likely be too tired to begin unpacking things. That’s why you need a first-night essentials box with items that will get you through your first 24 hours without unpacking.
This includes:
- Toiletries
- Bedding
- Basic Kitchenware (paper plates, snacks, etc)
- Phone Chargers
- Medications
- First-Aid Kit
Prepare, Plan, and Move with Confidence
Most people don’t enjoy the moving process, but if done properly, you can streamline the entire ordeal. Whether you’re hiring professional movers or doing the job yourself, a properly organized move will make the process more enjoyable.
Make sure you gather all your supplies so you can transition smoothly to your new home.
If the list above overwhelms you or you’re experiencing doubts about the process, give us a call. We are reliable movers and are happy to help you move so you don’t have to.
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