How to Choose the Right Packing Material and Moving Supplies

The products featured here are independently selected based on thorough research from our editorial team. If you buy something through links on our site, we may receive a commission.

One of the most stressful parts of moving is wondering whether your prized possessions will make it to your new home in one piece. Fortunately, with the right packing material and proper techniques, even your most fragile items will survive the moving process. Here’s everything you’ll need for a successful move.

Gather all of your must-have items with MYMOVE’s printable Essential Moving Supplies Checklist!

Jump to:

Packing supplies

Moving supplies

What you’ll need for heavy lifting

What you’ll need for you

How to choose the right packing supplies

How to save money on packing supplies

Packing supplies

• Moving boxes of all sizes (learn more about how many boxes you’ll need)
• Wardrobe boxes
• Packing tape
• Multi-color permanent markers
• Packing paper
• Mover’s stretch wrap
• Bubble wrap
• Mattress cover

MYMOVE pro tip

Use sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor to find free moving boxes and packing supplies.

Moving supplies

• Bungee cords
• Furniture pads
• Box cutter
• Contractor trash bags
• Paper towels
• Broom and dustpan
• Door stoppers

MYMOVE pro tip

Before you disconnect electronics at your old home, take a photograph to document where all of the plugs go. This will make it much easier to set up when you unpack.

What you’ll need for heavy lifting

• Hand truck
• Shoulder dolly moving straps
• Mover’s dolly
• Furniture sliders
• Furniture lifter
• Back brace
• Work gloves

MYMOVE pro tip

Lift heavy items the right way: Lift with your legs, while keeping your back straight and shoulders back. Keep a wide base, with your legs shoulder-length apart.

What you’ll need for you

• Toilet paper
• Cooler for snacks and beverages
• Cooling towel
• Luggage
• Toiletries bag
• Household tool kit
• Moving planner

MYMOVE pro tip

Set aside a designated room to unwind in as you unpack, with comforts like books, candles, and a comfortable place to sit.

How to choose the right packing supplies

Step 1: Make an inventory of all of the items you’ll be moving.

This will give you a complete picture of all the packing supplies you need. Take note of fragile and valuable items that will require additional packing materials.

Step 2: Create a list of supplies.

Knowing everything that you have to transport to your new house will allow you to estimate the number of moving supplies you’ll need for fragile items.

Step 3: Buy quality boxes.

Not all boxes are created equal. Check to make sure that any boxes you buy have a box maker’s certificate (BMC) that verifies that the box has been tested to carry a certain amount of weight. Otherwise, there’s no guarantee that the box won’t fall apart during your move. Also, make sure to think through all of the different types of boxes you have at your disposal, like regular cardboard boxes, plastic bins, wardrobe boxes, and more.

Step 4: Shop smart.

When it comes to the rest of the supplies on your list, be sure to read reviews and buy from reputable suppliers. Read product information carefully. For example, check the weight rating for any hand trucks or dollies you might buy to make sure it can support your heavy furniture.

How to save money on packing supplies

The cost of packing supplies can add up quickly, especially if you have a lot of stuff to move. If you’re on a budget, there are a few tried-and-true ways that you can save money. For example, you can often score used boxes in good condition at storage facilities or truck rental locations. Liquor stores, too, can be a good source for free boxes. 

You can cut back on items like tissue paper and bubble wrap by packing creatively. For example, wrap fragile items in bath towels to provide similar protection. Use pillows and comforters to fill in extra space inside of large moving boxes instead of using packing peanuts — which are messy, eco-unfriendly, and a pain to dispose of.

When it comes to moving supplies like hand trucks and furniture pads, you can rent these items for a small fee compared to the cost of buying them new. Or if you’re lucky, you can borrow them from a friend or relative for free.