Moving Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need for Moving Day

Which moving boxes and packing materials do you actually need?

Some moving supplies are more useful than others, so it helps to know what each one is for before you stock up.

Choose box sizes based on what you’re packing

Professional movers often recommend putting heavier belongings in smaller boxes and saving larger boxes for lighter items. That makes boxes easier to carry and less likely to break under too much weight.

• Small boxes: Books, canned goods, tools, and other heavy items
• Medium boxes: Kitchenware, toys, small appliances, and everyday household items
• Large boxes: Bedding, pillows, towels, and other bulky but lightweight belongings
• Specialty boxes: Hanging clothes, dishes and glassware, TVs, electronics, mirrors, or artwork

Resist the urge to fill a large box with heavy items just because they fit. An overloaded box can be difficult to lift and more likely to tear or open at the bottom.

Pick the right protection for fragile items

Different packing materials serve different purposes. Packing paper is useful for wrapping dishes and filling gaps inside boxes, while bubble wrap adds more cushioning around fragile or oddly shaped belongings. Moving blankets or furniture pads can protect larger pieces from scratches and bumps.

Stretch wrap is handy for keeping drawers, cords, or other loose pieces together while packing. If you’re loading a moving truck, use appropriate straps or tie-downs to keep furniture and boxes secure during transit.

Before buying extra padding, look around your house. Towels, sheets, blankets, and clothing can protect many less-fragile items while using things you already own (and plan to take with you anyway).

Moving tools and equipment that are worth having

If you’re handling some or all of the move yourself, a few basic tools can make the physical work easier. A dolly or hand truck is useful for moving stacks of boxes or heavier items, while furniture sliders can help you move bulky pieces across the floor without dragging them.

Keep a basic toolkit handy instead of packing it away. Screwdrivers, wrenches, and hex keys can come in handy for taking furniture apart and putting it back together. Put screws, bolts, and other small hardware in labeled resealable bags so nothing gets lost along the way. A pair of work gloves can also give you a better grip while protecting your hands.

Hiring movers? Ask what equipment they provide before renting or buying your own.

Where to get moving supplies for free or cheap

Expenses can add up quickly when you relocate, especially for a larger home or long-distance move. Packing supplies are one area where you may be able to cut costs without sacrificing protection.

Start at home. Suitcases, storage bins, laundry baskets, and other containers can hold belongings. If you’ve held onto the original packaging for electronics such as gaming consoles, speakers, or headphones, use it instead of buying specialty boxes. Towels, blankets, and clothing can also serve as padding.

For boxes, ask friends, family, or neighbors who recently moved, or check local neighborhood groups and online marketplaces. You can also ask retailers or your workplace whether they have sturdy, clean boxes they’re willing to give away.

Just be selective with used boxes. Avoid anything damp, crushed, stained, or showing signs of pests. For fragile or valuable belongings, a sturdy new box may be worth the extra cost.

You can save on equipment, too. Rather than buying a dolly, hand truck, or stack of moving blankets you may only use once, check whether a moving or truck rental company rents them by the day.

What should stay out of the moving truck?

Before you pack up everything, set aside an “open-me-first” box or overnight bag with anything you’ll want during the move or as soon as you arrive. That might include:

• Medications, contacts, and glasses
• IDs and important documents
• Phone or other device chargers
• Toiletries and toilet paper
• A change of clothes
• Bedding and towels
• Water and snacks
• Pet or child essentials
• Basic cleaning supplies
• A small first-aid kit
• A few basic tools

Keep medications, IDs, important paperwork, and small valuables with you during the move. Pack anything you’ll need right away separately so you’re not scrambling to find something important amid a room full of identical boxes.

Also, if you’re hiring professional movers, ask for their list of prohibited items before packing. Movers may not transport certain flammable, hazardous, or perishable items.

Common moving supply and packing mistakes

Having the right supplies helps, but how you use them matters, too. Watch out for these common packing mistakes:

• Buying boxes too soon: Declutter your home first so you don’t spend money and effort packing things you won’t take with you. If you’re selling, decluttering can also make it easier to prepare your home for photos and showings.
• Putting heavy items in large boxes: Oversized boxes filled with books, dishes, or other heavy belongings can be difficult to carry and are more likely to break.
• Leaving empty space in boxes: Items can shift and get damaged in transit; fill gaps with packing paper, towels, or other cushioning.
• Using worn-out boxes: Avoid boxes that are crushed, torn, damp, or no longer sturdy enough to hold their shape.
• Running short on tape: Packing often takes more tape than expected, so having an extra roll or two can save a last-minute store run.
• Packing tools too early: Keep basic tools handy for taking apart furniture and handling last-minute tasks.
• Skipping labels: Mark each box with its contents and destination room as you pack, rather than trying to remember what’s inside later.

Yes, You Can Buy Before You Sell. Why Move Twice?

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.

Buy Before You Sell

How to prepare for a move before you start packing

If you’re preparing to sell and move, decluttering first can mean fewer things to pack and fewer supplies to buy. Use the moving supplies checklist above to get organized, then keep these basics in mind as you get ready to pack:

• Declutter first: Declutter first, especially if you’re downsizing or moving to a smaller home, so you don’t spend money and effort packing things you won’t take with you.
• Start with the basics: Gather boxes, tape, padding, labels, and other everyday supplies.
• Buy specialty supplies as needed: Save wardrobe, dish, TV, and other specialty boxes for items that actually require them.
• Pack an open-first box: Set aside the essentials you’ll need before unpacking the rest of your boxes.
• Keep valuables with you: Carry medications, IDs, important documents, and small valuables rather than loading them onto the truck.

If your move depends on selling your current home, knowing roughly what it’s worth can also help as you budget for your move and next purchase. HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator can give you a starting point.

And if you’re also buying your next home, think about the timing of both moves. Modern bridge-loan-style programs, including HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell, can help eligible sellers move into their next home before selling their current one, potentially avoiding temporary housing and the hassle of moving twice.

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