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Packing picks
Moving supplies worth buying
The short list. What to buy in each category, plus the small extras that make moving week easier.
Photos show the type of item; tap any card to see the exact product on Amazon.
Boxes
Start here. Most people buy the wrong mix.
Smart Moving Kit #2 (bigger boxes)A ready-made box kit for a bigger move, so you skip guessing the mix.See it on Amazon →
Bankers Box tape-free wardrobe boxes (3-pack)Tall 24 x 24 x 40 boxes that go together without tape.See it on Amazon →
Dish packing kit with dividers (6 sets)Divider kits plus 30 foam pouches for plates, glasses and stemware.See it on Amazon →Tape & sealing
Cheap tape is the number one cause of box blowouts.
Wrapping
Protect what breaks.
Furniture
Where most moving damage happens.
Simpli-Magic padded moving blankets (12-pack)Heavy-duty 72 x 40 blankets for wrapping furniture.See it on Amazon →
International Plastics 15" stretch wrap with handlesRotating handles make wrapping furniture fast and keep drawers shut.See it on Amazon →
X-Protector felt furniture sliders (16 pcs)3.5 inch felt pads for sliding heavy furniture across hardwood.See it on Amazon →
Keeper two-person lifting strapsAdjustable straps rated for 800 lbs, for couches, dressers and appliances.See it on Amazon →
ICLOVER felt TV cover (60" to 65")A padded sleeve that slides over the TV.See it on Amazon →
Nordic Elk queen mattress bagTruck floors are dirty and a mattress can't go in the wash.See it on Amazon →Tools
The things you'll be glad you had.
3-in-1 folding hand truckWorks as a hand truck or a cart, and folds flat for storage.See it on Amazon →
NEOTRIL nitrile-coated work glovesBetter grip on boxes and furniture, in multi-pair packs.See it on Amazon →
XSTRAP ratchet straps (8-pack)1 inch x 10 ft straps that keep furniture from shifting in the truck.See it on Amazon →Moving goodies
Small buys that make move week easier.
Vacuum storage bags with electric pump (15-pack)Shrinks bedding and clothes, with a cordless pump included.See it on Amazon →
IRIS USA 32.5 qt clip boxes (6-pack)Latching lids, good for your open-first box and storage after the move.See it on Amazon →
Color-coded moving labels (20 colors)Sized for a 3 to 4 bedroom move, one color per room.See it on Amazon →
Brother P-Touch PT-N10 label makerA handheld label maker for cords, hardware bags and bins.See it on Amazon →
Large 5 mil zip bags (20-pack)Heavy 16 x 20 zip bags for furniture hardware, cords and small parts.See it on Amazon →
QR code labels (48, color-coded)Color-coded QR labels for boxes and storage bins.See it on Amazon →
Extra-large moving bags with backpack straps (6 pack)A reusable alternative to boxes for bedding, pillows and clothes.See it on Amazon →Need quantities? Use the moving box calculator. Already moved? See the first week list.
Common questions
What moving supplies are worth spending more on?
Tape, dish pack boxes and furniture blankets. Cheap tape fails in heat, thin dish boxes crush, and thin blankets don't stop dents.
What moving supplies can I skip?
Specialty boxes for lamps and TVs are often unnecessary. A large box with packing paper or a blanket-wrapped TV works for most moves.