Moving Supplies Checklist for a Smooth and Easy Move

If you’re planning to move, getting moving supplies is essential, whether hiring full-service movers or doing it yourself to save money. Packing your belongings without the necessary supplies is not an option. Even if you hire someone to fill in for you, you still need to consolidate personal essentials for moving day.

Using the appropriate moving supplies and packing materials will ensure that your belongings are organized and protected during the move, making the process stress-free. Some supplies are essential, while others are optional but helpful. 

How to choose the suitable packing material and moving supplies

Packing materials and moving supplies are crucial for a successful move. They can help protect your belongings, incredibly fragile items, during transportation. Hand trucks and dollies can make moving heavy items more accessible and prevent injuries. Labeling tools and markers are essential for staying organized. Additionally, everyday household items like garbage bags and small resealable bags can be helpful during packing.

When selecting your packing and moving supplies, consider the following steps:

Figure out your moving budget

To pack for a move, start early rather than wait until the last minute. You should calculate your relocation budget at least two months before your move date, regardless of whether you plan to hire a moving company or do it yourself. For long-distance moves, the estimated budget should be around $5,000, while local moves may cost approximately $1,000. If moving for work, consider inquiring about possible expense coverage with your employer.

Although the budget amount may vary as you adjust, starting with a rough estimate is beneficial. 

Create an inventory

When hiring professionals for a move, they usually conduct an inventory in person or via a virtual survey. However, creating your list is essential to determine the required moving supplies and their quantities. First, assess your belongings room by room, including cabinets and drawers. Make a note of what you can discard and take inventory of furniture that isn’t worth moving. It’s also crucial to declutter your closets and shelves, removing items that don’t fit, is out of style, or were last used over a year ago. This also applies to your children’s closets, linen closets, and bathroom shelves. Consider selling items that are still in good condition but unwanted. While it may seem daunting, assessing how much you need to move and reduce the load is necessary.

Strategize your packing process

A timeline for packing your belongings is crucial five weeks before the move. Begin by filling all non-essential items, such as books, electronics, and home decor, that you will only require in the weeks leading up to the move. The last items to pack should be the essentials, including kitchen items, dinnerware, clothing, toiletries, and anything else you’ll need in the days before the move.

Plan out your Moving supplies

Input the number of bedrooms in your home, the number of adults relocating, your preferred packing style (primary, average, professional), and your lifestyle (minimalist, modest, pack rat). The calculator will provide a comprehensive list of the boxes you’ll need based on their size and type and an estimated cost for your moving supplies. It’s essential to note that the calculator’s estimate may differ from your actual needs, and you don’t have to purchase all of the supplies as some may be obtained for free (further details below).

Order moving supplies

Ordering all necessary moving supplies is essential to ensure the safe transportation of your belongings to your new home, especially if you’re packing up your entire household. It is recommended to do so six weeks before the move to give ample time for the supplies to arrive. These materials include boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and packing paper.

Begin packing!

In the month leading up to the move, start packing by prioritizing non-essential and seasonal items. Begin with winter coats, off-season sports gear, books, and other belongings that will only be needed after the move. Remember to handle all fragile items with extra care and label boxes. Additionally, separate valuable items and important documents from the rest of your belongings.

Essential moving supplies

You’ll need more than cardboard boxes and packing tape to ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Consider the following comprehensive list of moving supplies and equipment when preparing for your move:

Packing Supplies:

• Boxes: Purchase or rent cardboard or plastic moving boxes for packing.
• Packing tape: Use durable packing tape to seal boxes securely.
• Packing paper: Use ink-free packing paper to wrap fragile or sharp items and to provide extra cushioning in boxes.
• Plastic wrap: Use sturdy plastic wrap to cover certain items.
• Bubble cushioning: Use bubble cushioning to wrap up extra fragile items, such as glass or porcelain, and provide padding in boxes.
• Plastic baggies: Store small items, like furniture screws, in little plastic sandwich bags.
• Labels and markers: Label boxes with a permanent headstone or label and marker for plastic bins.
• Scissors or box cutter: Use scissors and a box cutter for cutting packing paper and bubble cushioning, unpacking, and opening boxes.

Cleaning Supplies:

• Cleaning supplies: Have cleaning supplies on hand before and after the move.

Additional Moving Supplies:

• Plastic stretch wrap: Purchase plastic stretch wrap to protect large, bulky items like furniture and couch cushions if you’re moving.

How to save money on packing supplies

To save money on packing supplies, consider renting instead of buying. It’s also essential to avoid over-purchasing by figuring out precisely what supplies you need and sticking to that list. Additionally, try to source free boxes and other supplies by calling up local businesses or asking friends and family if they have any extra materials. You can also get creative with what you already have in your home, like using suitcases and duffle bags for packing or using linens and clothing as packing material. Finally, consider lightening your load by selling, donating, or tossing items you no longer need or storing them if you’re not ready to say goodbye. 

Packing: expert tips

To ensure a smoother move, we suggest some packing tips to help you save time while keeping your belongings safe. First, begin sourcing moving and packing supplies as soon as you’ve done the inventory and know approximately what you need for packing. We recommend starting at least six weeks before the move and beginning to pack a month in advance.

Set up a packing station to avoid wasting time looking for supplies. You can use a folding table or guest bedroom for this purpose. Set up boxes as you’re ready to fill them to keep your space clear and manageable. Label every box with the name of the destination room or color-code them to ensure that the movers know where to put them. Mark boxes as fragile, especially if you’ve hired movers.

When you disassemble furniture, put small hardware in a sealable bag and label it. Lastly, keep the packing supplies unpacked and at the packing station until moving day since you may need some, such as tape and markers.

Moving soon?

Our moving company is licensed and insured, so you can trust that we will handle your move with care and professionalism. So start planning your upcoming move with us and experience a stress-free relocation. 

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