\n\u00a0Medium boxes<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$1.49 each \/ $1.33 per box for 20 or more boxes
\n\u00a0Large boxes <\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>$1.99 each \/ $1.63 per box for 15 or more boxes
\n\u00a0Tall wardrobe boxes <\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>$13.95 each
\n\u00a0TV boxes<\/strong><\/a> – 2 pack for $41.95 or 1 for $19.95<\/a>
\n\u00a0Large picture moving boxes<\/strong><\/a> – $6.95 each
\n\u00a0Clear plastic bins <\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>12 for $22.99.
\n\u00a0Glass pack kits<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$10.20 for one kit \/ $8.45 per box for 5 or more<\/a>
\n\u00a0Large stretch wrap<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$21.96 for 1,000 feet
\n\u00a0Packing paper or newspaper<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$9.95 for 200 24\u201d x 30\u201d sheets
\n\u00a0Bubble wrap<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$37.51 for 65 feet
\n\u00a0Furniture pads-<\/strong><\/a> $5 (and up) for 6
\n\u00a0Quilted blankets<\/strong><\/a> –<\/strong>$7.19 each
\n\u00a0Mattress bag <\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>$4.95 for king size
\n\u00a0Furniture sliders<\/strong><\/a> 8 for $11.81
\n\u00a0Trash bags<\/strong><\/a> – 15.98 for 100 count box
\n\u00a0Markers<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$2.79 for 2 markers and one knife
\n\u00a0Post-It notes<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$13.99 for 12 multi-color pads
\n\u00a0Masking tape <\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>$7.99 for a pack of 3
\n\u00a0Packing tape<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$8.99 for pack of 3
\n\u00a0Duct tape<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$14.99 for a pack of 3
\n\u00a0Box cutter<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$7.97 each
\n\u00a0Measuring tape<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$9.98 each
\n\u00a0Hand truck\/dolly rental<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>Starting at $7
\n\u00a0Ratchet strap<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$9.97 each<\/p>\n
Moving Supplies: The Basics<\/h2>\n1. Boxes<\/h3>\n
Boxes, boxes and more boxes. You\u2019ll need a lot of \u2018em. In fact, some estimates<\/a> show that packing up a three-bedroom house will require 80 to 100 boxes.<\/p>\n You can find boxes at a local office supply store, but they may be more affordable from a moving supplier. U-Haul and UPack also sell moving kits<\/a>, which will provide the supplies you need for the specific size of your home. Plus U-Haul gives you a refund (with receipt) for unused boxes. Uboxes.com<\/a> and other online retailers also sell boxes that are more affordable than the office supply big boxes.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll want to get a good mix of sizes. Wardrobe boxes, large boxes, medium boxes and small boxes. We also love the Home Depot “heavy duty” line of boxes<\/a>, which are perfect for heavy loads.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a quick and handy packing calculator<\/a> to learn just how many of each you will need. It only asks you a few questions\u2014number of bedrooms, whether you\u2019re a minimalist or pack rat, and the number of people in house household\u2014to provide a rough estimate of the number of boxes you need.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for more precision, this packing calculator from Home Depot<\/a> drills down into whether you have a garage, dining room and basement; how many closets you have; and your TV count.<\/p>\n Also pay attention to specialty box options, which you can find for everything from flat screen TVs<\/a> to mattresses<\/a>.<\/p>\n Of course you will require fewer boxes if you have a collection of plastic bins. They are great for hauling and storing items you don\u2019t use all the time. We like the clear bins<\/a> ($17.99) from the Container Store, because they are super sturdy and good for heavy loads. For a cheaper option, check out the best-selling bins on Amazon<\/a>, where you can get a pack of 12 for $22.99<\/a>.<\/p>\n Concerned about packing your beautiful Bordeaux glasses in a decade\u2019s old box smuggled from the alley behind a liquor store? We hear you. Ensure your stemware is safe with the help of a glass pack kit<\/a> or cell kits<\/a> you insert into boxes. (U-haul sells both.) Uline<\/a> sells tons of packing kits for glasses and other dishes.<\/p>\n You never know when plastic, shrink or stretch wrap is gonna come in handy during a move. Wrap your dressers to keep the drawers in place (if you\u2019re hiring movers, check to see if they do this for you as part of their service package). Wrap your sofa to keep it clean during the loading and unloading. Wrap that awkward piece of furniture that may or may not fall apart during transit.<\/p>\n U-Pack has two stretch wrap sizes<\/a>\u20145\u201d mini ($12.95) and 20\u201d large ($24.99). Home Depot has more stretch wrap options<\/a> than you will ever want or need. U-Haul has one<\/a> with a handy dispenser.<\/p>\n Note that there are different ways to use<\/a> plastic wrap: Wide is best for protecting large items and appliances (along with blankets, pads or cardboard) and narrow is good for covering long and thin items like curtain rods.<\/p>\n Do you kick it old school and get the newspaper delivered every morning? You are in luck! You probably have a recycling bin full of packing paper. Just be warned that yesterday\u2019s news can become tomorrow\u2019s dirty dishware. Use newsprint as a second or third layer<\/a> along with white paper or bubble wrap or crumple it up to provide cushioning around all-ready wrapped breakables or fragile items.<\/p>\n If you get your news online, well, you may need to find packing paper a different way. You can find packs and rolls at Home Depot<\/a> or U-Haul<\/a>, or you can even order from Amazon<\/a>, which would get to your home in two days if you have a Prime account. Or try out this recycled packing paper <\/a>for extra cushion.<\/p>\n Many a mover has contemplated their preferred form of wrapping material. This blog even analyzed<\/a> the battle between packing paper and bubble wrap (spoiler alert: They each work for different situations). If you are a bubble lover, you will be happy to know that you can find bubble cushioning in every form these days: wrap, bags, pouches, corners, etc. If you want it cheap, you can head on down to the local Walmart<\/a>. Or try Home Depot<\/a> and U-Haul<\/a>.<\/p>\n Paired with plastic wrap, furniture pads can help you protect your most prized pieces. Basically, if you have nice stuff, you need them<\/a>. If you rarely move, you might want to consider renting blankets from U-Haul<\/a>, Budget (only available with a truck reservation<\/a>), Penske<\/a> or any other moving company. You can also buy quilted blanket moving pads<\/a> of all varieties. If you don\u2019t want to spend cash on these items, see the Penny Pincher section below. If you\u2019re hiring movers, be sure to ask if they will provide you with moving blankets\/furniture pads on moving day.<\/p>\n You may be thinking to yourself, \u201cMattress bags are a racket!\u201d Nope, this is one item you do not want to skip. U-haul moving product and service expert Sperry Hutchinson says, \u201cA clean bed is something you take for granted. But you realize when you are loading your nice clean mattress outside and onto a truck that you should probably have a mattress bag<\/a> to keep it clean.\u201d<\/p>\n Framed photos or art, mirrors or glass table tops are often the easiest victims of the moving process. If you\u2019ve kept the original packaging, put it to good use here. Or you can always purchase boxes<\/a> or picture packer kits<\/a>. There are also tons of videos and blogs you can reference that tell you how to pack your most breakable items.<\/p>\n In the midst of moving, the floor is probably the last thing you are thinking about\u2026 until your freshly redone hardwood has several new scratches. Use rugs or runners you already own to protect your hardwood. Or try out furniture sliders<\/a>, which defend your floors as well as your back while moving heavy furniture. If anything else, lay cardboard across the heavy traffic areas.<\/p>\n Trust us. Giant, sturdy trash bags will come in handy during a move. Not just for trash (obviously), but for items that don\u2019t really require boxes. Think stuffed animals, beach towels, pillows and your collection of old college sweatshirts.<\/p>\n For labeling boxes. Use whatever you have lying around the house, or get a two-pack of these permanent, non-toxic box markers<\/a> from U-Haul (bonus box knife included).<\/p>\n Use Post-it Notes to label rooms in your new home, so movers know where to place the boxes. This will help them know things like which bedroom is the office, and where the family room is versus the living room. Don\u2019t forget to make sure the box labels match the Post-it Notes.<\/p>\n Use the Post-its from your home office, or this variety of sticky notes comes in six different bright colors<\/a> for a consistent labeling system.<\/p>\n Another handy labeling system uses sticky colored dots<\/a>. You can color code your dots and rooms, or use the dots to help the movers know what goes in the truck and what you plan to take separately.<\/p>\n Masking tape, packing tape and Duct tape \u2014 you will need it all (skip the Scotch and electrical tape). Depending on the size of your house or the number of boxes you have, purchase a few rolls of masking tape and at least three to four rolls each of packing tape and duct tape.<\/p>\n Use the masking tape for labeling (it\u2019s not strong enough for packing purposes), use packing tape for sealing most boxes, and use Duct tape for sealing heavy boxes and securing your possessions in place. Show your skills with a tape gun dispenser.<\/a><\/p>\n You can find all of these at your local grocery store, moving supply retailer, home improvement store and so on. If you like to order online, check out Amazon\u2019s best-seller list for different tape varieties<\/a>.<\/p>\n Break out your trusty utility knife and purchase a second; sharing will just slow down the process. We like this Dewalt snap-off knife <\/a>because it\u2019s well made, small enough to fit in your pocket and easier to use than bigger box cutters.<\/p>\n Never fail, every move includes a realization that at least one piece of furniture will not fit through a doorway, up a staircase or around a corner. Before your couch is lodged in some impossibly tight spot, ensure you have measuring tape<\/a> on hand. You are welcome.<\/p>\n Moving-related injuries are no joke. If you\u2019re planning to lift heavy items without the help of movers, spare yourself aches and pains and rent dollies, carts and hand trucks from your local moving supplies store<\/a> or home improvement store<\/a>.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t want your great grandmother\u2019s armoire or your new curved 4K TV sliding around the back of a moving truck. Invest in ratchet straps<\/a> and bungee cords<\/a> (get them all at home improvement stores or moving supply stores). Especially if you\u2019re relying on your buddy with a truck (don\u2019t we all have a buddy with a truck?) for moving help, you\u2019ll need plenty of options to keep all your belongings from flying into traffic. Skip the nylon rope this time. As Hutchinson from U-haul says, \u201cMost people are not skilled in the art of knot tying.\u201d<\/p>\n Moving is dirty work, and the dirt usually ends up all over your white sofa and your good china. Make sure you have a solid collection of cleaning supplies, from all-purpose cleaners to dish soap to wood cleaners. Rags and bucket included.<\/p>\n Check out our deep cleaning supplies checklist<\/a> for everything you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n Round it up all in one or two bins for easy access.<\/p>\n Moms everywhere have lectured their children with phrases similar to, \u201cOrganization is the key to success.\u201d Make your mom proud and start the moving process with a home inventory list<\/a>. Take stock of what you own, ensure nothing goes missing and get an understanding of what you may no longer need. For example, your inventory says you have three toasters and a toaster oven\u2026 You may have an idea of what\u2019s going on Craigslist.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The number 1 tip we can offer you is to start early. As soon as you know you are planning to move, book a moving company or a moving truck. \u201cLocally, (buyers and sellers) don\u2019t think they need to book a moving company two months in advance,\u201d says Deb Parker<\/a>, owner and broker at Parker & Co. Real Estate Services and a real estate agent ranking in the top 3% in Billings, Montana<\/a>. \u201cEven though you are just moving across town, prepare now.\u201d<\/p>\n Parker acknowledges that moving isn\u2019t easy, but it helps to be mentally prepared. One of the most challenging parts of the move, she says, is the mindset.<\/p>\n \u201cOften you think of the move being from the time you start packing up to when you arrive at your new home, but when you make that decision, you are mentally starting to move out,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s a lot longer of a process than people realize.\u201d<\/p>\n Part of that mental preparation comes down to being organized, making plans and having the right supplies and know-how for every situation.<\/p>\n Additional supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n Spare car key – <\/strong>If you can\u2019t find your spare have one made before the big move, costing you anywhere from $120 to $200<\/a> Additional supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing<\/i><\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>$9.69 in hardcover Additional supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0Tape measure<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>This Stanley PowerLock 25-foot measuring tape ($9.88) should do the trick Additional supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0Multi-use hand truck<\/strong><\/a> ($249.69) – Instead of taking 50 trips from house to truck, use a multi-use dolly to make the moving process easier and more efficient. Plus, it\u2019s great for moving your kids to college\u2014and then back home again. Additional supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n Kids boxes – <\/strong>Make your kiddos smile and engage them in the moving process with these silly boxes from U-Haul. Boys<\/a> and girls<\/a>, $1.95 Additional supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0Foam pouches<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>25 packs for $11.50 to pack your dishes2. Clear Plastic Bins<\/h3>\n
3. Cells For Boxes Or Glass Pack Kits<\/h3>\n
4. Plastic Wrap<\/h3>\n
5. Packing Paper or Newspaper<\/h3>\n
6. Bubble Wrap, Bubble Corners & Bubble Bags<\/h3>\n
7. Furniture Pads and Quilted Blankets<\/h3>\n
8. Mattress Bag<\/h3>\n
9. Boxes or Protectors for Frames<\/h3>\n
10. Floor Protection<\/h3>\n
11. Trash Bags<\/h3>\n
12. Markers<\/h3>\n
13. Post-it Notes<\/h3>\n
14. Tape<\/h3>\n
15. Utility Knife or Box Cutters<\/h3>\n
16. Measuring Tape<\/h3>\n
17. Dolly & Hand Trucks<\/h3>\n
18. Ratchet Straps and Bungee Cords<\/h3>\n
19. Cleaning Supplies<\/h3>\n
20. Your Home’s Inventory List<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/moving-supplies-checklist-suitcases.jpg\")
<\/a>Tips and Tools for Different Types of Movers<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/moving-supplies-checklist-distance.jpg\")
<\/a>The Cross-Country Mover<\/h3>\n
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\n\u00a0Lock<\/strong><\/a> – $13.95 will keep your belongings safe while you are luxuriating in America\u2019s finest motels and truck stops
\n\u00a0Toilet paper<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>paper towels<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>wet wipes<\/strong><\/a> – $6.97, $4.99 and $2.39
\n\u00a0Flashlight<\/strong><\/a> ($12.97) – Whether you get a flat tire in the middle of the night or you arrive at your new home without electricity, you will need something brighter than your phone<\/p>\n![\"downsize](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/moving-supplies-checklist-downsize.jpg\")
<\/a>The Downsizer<\/h3>\n
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\n\u00a0Square<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>Make your garage sale a success with the help of this little device, which will help you accept credit card payments. 2.9% and 30 cents per transaction
\n\u00a0Efficient storage ideas<\/strong><\/a> – <\/strong>Focus on creative ways to transport and store your stuff, such as underbed storage from $9.99 and up<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/moving-supplies-checklist-upsize.jpg\")
<\/a>The Upsizer<\/h3>\n
\n
\n Floor plan mapper – <\/strong>Need help envisioning how you will lay out your much bigger new home? Work on your home layout before you even move in. Use MagicPlan<\/a> to create a digital floor plan, add furnishings and even get cost estimates on materials you might need for a project. $2.99 per plan
\n Overstock.com app <\/strong>– You\u2019re probably going to need new furniture, art, rugs, etc. to fill up all those empty rooms. The free Overstock.com app<\/a> available on the iPad and iPhone offers augmented reality to see how items would look in your home. Now get shopping!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/moving-supplies-checklist-moving.jpg\")
<\/a>The Frequent Mover<\/h3>\n
\n
\n\u00a0Moving straps <\/strong><\/a>($30.99)– <\/strong>If you are a DIY-type of person, moving straps will allow you to lift big, heavy appliances and furniture without the need for hired muscle.
\n Home inventory software – <\/strong>Keep track of your stuff during, before and after moves with home inventory software like Moving Van, $1.99<\/a>. Check out our technology section below for more ideas.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/moving-supplies-checklist-family.jpg\")
<\/a>The Family Move<\/h3>\n
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\n\u00a0Moving With Kids: 25 Ways to Ease Your Family’s Transition to a New Home <\/i><\/strong><\/a>– $5.86 in hardcover
\n\u00a0Camera<\/strong><\/a> ($69.99) Prepare for emotional challenges by letting your child to take photos of their old house and room, their neighborhood, friends they may be leaving and their school.
\n Snacks, snacks and more snacks\u2026 also water – <\/strong>Prices vary, but pack these types of foods for extra energy<\/a><\/p>\nThe Collector<\/h3>\n
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\n\u00a0Adhesive rolling tape that reads \u201cFragile\u201d<\/strong><\/a> ($7.99) so your hand doesn\u2019t cramp up writing it over and over
\n\u00a0Heavy duty and double- or triple-walled boxes<\/strong><\/a> (From $25 and up) – A stronger box with reinforced walls can ensure that nothing is squashed and no collectable is devalued.<\/p>\n![\"moving](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/moving-supplies-checklist-closet.jpg\")
<\/a>The Clothes Horse<\/h3>\n
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