Moving Supplies You Actually Need (and What You Can Skip)

Walk into the moving-supplies section of a store and you might start wondering how humans ever moved before specialty mattress bags, color-coded tape, foam pouches, stretch wrap, dish dividers, corner protectors, and 14 different sizes of cardboard boxes existed.

Do you actually need all of that?

Probably not.

Some moving supplies are absolutely worth buying. They protect your belongings, keep you organized, and make moving day significantly easier.

Others are convenient but optional.

And some can easily be replaced with things you already have around the house.

If you’re preparing for a move and trying not to spend a small fortune before you’ve even loaded the truck, here’s what you actually need—and what you can probably skip.

Moving Supplies You Definitely Need

Let’s start with the basics.

These are the supplies I’d prioritize for almost any move.

1. Moving Boxes

Yes, you need boxes.

But you probably need a wider variety of sizes than you think.

Small Boxes

Small boxes are perfect for heavy items such as:

• Books
• Canned goods
• Small appliances
• Tools
• Dishes
• Pantry items

Don’t make the mistake of putting heavy items into giant boxes.

A large box completely filled with books becomes approximately as easy to move as a small automobile.

Medium Boxes

These are your workhorses.

Medium boxes work well for:

• Kitchen items
• Toys
• Shoes
• Decor
• Office supplies
• Small electronics
• Bathroom items
• Clothing

If you’re buying boxes, you’ll probably use plenty of medium ones.

Large Boxes

Use large boxes for lightweight, bulky belongings.

Think:

• Pillows
• Blankets
• Comforters
• Towels
• Lightweight clothing
• Stuffed animals

The goal is to fill the space without making the box impossibly heavy.

2. Good Packing Tape

This is not where I’d try to save $2.

Cheap tape that constantly tears, peels away from cardboard, or refuses to come off the roll correctly can make packing incredibly frustrating.

Buy sturdy packing tape designed for moving or shipping boxes.

And buy more than you think you’ll need.

Running out of tape at 10 p.m. the night before moving is not an adventure anyone needs.

3. A Tape Dispenser

Technically, you can survive without one.

But if you’re packing an entire house, a tape gun or dispenser is absolutely worth having.

It makes assembling and sealing boxes much faster.

If multiple people are helping you pack, having more than one isn’t a bad idea.

4. Permanent Markers

You need several.

Not one.

Because the one marker will disappear approximately 11 minutes after you begin packing.

Keep permanent markers in your packing station and label every box with:

• Room
• General contents
• Unpacking priority if needed

For example:

KITCHEN — Everyday Dishes — OPEN FIRST

Clear labels will save you so much time later.

5. Packing Paper

Packing paper is useful for wrapping fragile items and filling empty spaces inside boxes.

It’s particularly useful for:

• Dishes
• Glassware
• Ceramics
• Decor
• Kitchen items
• Picture frames

Plain packing paper is generally preferable to newspaper because newspaper ink can transfer onto belongings.

6. Bubble Wrap or Other Protective Material

You probably don’t need to wrap your entire house in bubble wrap.

But it’s useful for genuinely fragile items.

Use it for things like:

• Delicate glass
• Fragile decor
• Electronics
• Collectibles
• Valuable items

Save it for the things that actually need extra protection.

7. Zip-Top Bags

These are one of the cheapest and most useful moving supplies.

Use zip-top bags for:

• Furniture screws
• Bolts
• Remote controls
• Cords
• Shelf pegs
• Curtain hardware
• Small toy pieces
• Electronic accessories

Label the bags with a permanent marker.

Whenever possible, tape hardware bags securely to the furniture they belong to.

8. Scissors

Keep at least one good pair of scissors with your packing supplies.

Again, having more than one helps if multiple people are packing.

9. Box Cutters

You’ll appreciate these much more when you start unpacking.

Keep one or two box cutters somewhere accessible.

And remember:

Do not pack all of your box cutters inside the boxes you need them to open.

Keep one in your personal moving bag or first-night box.

10. Trash Bags

You will use a ridiculous number of trash bags during a move.

They’re useful for actual trash, but they can also help contain certain lightweight or soft belongings.

Keep plenty available for:

• Moving-day trash
• Last-minute decluttering
• Cleaning
• Soft items
• Dirty laundry

Just make sure bags containing belongings are clearly distinguishable from bags containing garbage.

You do not want your favorite comforter accidentally making a trip to the dumpster.

11. Cleaning Supplies

You will probably clean both your old home and your new home during the moving process.

Keep a basic cleaning kit separate from your packed belongings.

Consider including:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfecting wipes
• Paper towels
• Sponges
• Dish soap
• Trash bags
• Cleaning cloths
• Broom
• Dustpan
• Vacuum
• Toilet cleaner
• Rubber gloves

This should be one of the last things packed and one of the first things unpacked.

12. Basic Tools

Keep a small toolkit accessible.

You may need:

• Screwdrivers
• Hammer
• Pliers
• Allen wrenches
• Adjustable wrench
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife

You’ll probably use these for taking furniture apart and putting it back together.

Moving Supplies That Are Worth It for Certain Moves

These aren’t necessarily required for everyone, but depending on what you’re moving, they can be incredibly useful.

13. Mattress Bags

Mattress bags are one moving supply I think can be worth the money.

Mattresses are expensive.

Moving trucks are not always pristine.

A mattress bag helps protect your mattress from:

• Dirt
• Dust
• Moisture
• Scuffs
• Contact with other belongings

They’re especially useful if your mattress will spend any time in storage.

14. Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap is surprisingly useful.

It can help:

• Keep drawers closed
• Secure furniture doors
• Hold protective blankets in place
• Bundle certain items together
• Protect upholstered furniture

Just be cautious about applying plastic directly to certain furniture finishes for long periods, particularly during storage or in hot conditions.

15. Moving Blankets

If you’re hiring professional movers, they may already provide moving blankets.

If you’re doing the move yourself, they’re useful for protecting:

• Dressers
• Tables
• Desks
• Headboards
• TVs
• Large furniture
• Appliances

You may be able to rent them with your moving truck rather than purchasing them.

16. Furniture Dollies

If you’re moving heavy furniture yourself, a dolly can make an enormous difference.

Moving companies and truck rental companies may rent them.

Unless you regularly move refrigerators for fun, you probably don’t need to own one.

17. Furniture Sliders

Furniture sliders can make moving heavy pieces around a room much easier and can help protect flooring.

They’re particularly helpful if you’re rearranging furniture after arriving at your new home.

18. Wardrobe Boxes

Wardrobe boxes have a bar across the top so clothing can be moved while still hanging.

Are they necessary?

No.

Are they convenient?

Absolutely.

They’re particularly useful for:

• Dresses
• Suits
• Coats
• Formal clothing
• Clothing that wrinkles easily

If your household has a lot of hanging clothes, a few wardrobe boxes may save considerable time.

19. Dish Boxes and Dividers

Specialty dish boxes can provide extra protection for fragile kitchenware.

If you own expensive dishes, stemware, china, or lots of glassware, they may be worth buying.

If your kitchen mostly contains inexpensive everyday dishes, careful wrapping in sturdy regular boxes may be sufficient.

20. TV Boxes

If you still have the original box for your television, fantastic.

This is one of the rare original product boxes that can actually be useful.

If you don’t, specialty TV moving boxes are available.

Whether you need one depends on:

• Television size
• Value
• Distance of the move
• How you’re transporting it

If professional movers are handling your television, ask how they protect TVs before purchasing anything.

Moving Supplies You Can Often Skip

Now for the fun part.

Things you probably don’t need to buy.

21. Fancy Moving Labels

They’re cute.

They’re organized.

They’re absolutely optional.

A permanent marker works perfectly well.

If color-coded labels make you happy and help keep you organized, use them.

But don’t feel like they’re required.

22. Specialty Color-Coded Moving Tape

Same idea.

It’s convenient, not necessary.

You can create a color-coding system with:

• Colored markers
• Stickers
• Construction paper
• Regular labels

Or skip color coding entirely and simply write the room name clearly.

23. Huge Amounts of Bubble Wrap

Before buying industrial quantities of bubble wrap, look around your house.

You already own plenty of soft packing materials.

Use:

• Towels
• Washcloths
• Dish towels
• Blankets
• Pillowcases
• Sweatshirts
• Socks

to cushion appropriate belongings.

You’re packing those things anyway.

24. Specialty Foam Pouches for Every Dish

They’re convenient but not always necessary.

Packing paper can protect dishes very effectively when used correctly.

You can also use clean dish towels and other linens for additional cushioning.

25. Plastic Moving Boxes—Sometimes

Reusable plastic moving totes can be fantastic.

They’re sturdy, stack well, and don’t require tape.

Some companies even rent them.

But purchasing enough plastic totes to move an entire house can become expensive.

They’re most useful if:

• You move frequently
• You already own them
• You’ll use them for storage later
• You can rent them affordably

Otherwise, cardboard boxes are usually more practical.

Use Things You Already Own as Moving Containers

Before buying boxes, look around your home.

You already own plenty of things capable of holding other things.

Pack your:

Suitcases

Great for clothing, shoes, toiletries, and even heavy books if they have wheels.

Laundry Baskets

Perfect for lightweight items and last-minute belongings.

Storage Totes

If you already own plastic storage containers, use them.

Baskets

Decorative baskets can hold towels, linens, toys, and other lightweight items.

Backpacks

Perfect for personal essentials, electronics, chargers, or kids’ belongings.

Reusable Shopping Bags

Useful for lightweight, non-fragile items that you’re transporting yourself.

Coolers

Use them for refrigerated food on moving day and then transport kitchen or picnic items once empty.

Every container you already own is potentially one less box you need to buy.

Where Can You Get Free Moving Boxes?

Before spending hundreds of dollars on cardboard, look for free boxes.

Try asking:

• Friends and family
• Neighbors
• Coworkers
• Local community groups
• Buy Nothing groups
• Grocery stores
• Liquor stores
• Bookstores
• Offices
• People who recently moved

Just make sure boxes are clean, dry, sturdy, and free of pests or strong odors.

Avoid boxes that are damaged or too weak to stack safely.

Should You Keep Original Product Boxes?

Sometimes.

Original boxes can be particularly useful for expensive or delicate electronics such as:

• Televisions
• Computers
• Monitors
• Gaming systems
• Specialty appliances

But you probably don’t need to save the packaging for every small appliance you’ve ever purchased.

If the item isn’t fragile, expensive, difficult to transport, or likely to be returned, the box may simply be taking up storage space.

What Should You NOT Use for Packing?

Saving money is great.

Broken belongings are not.

Avoid using containers that are:

• Wet
• Moldy
• Greasy
• Pest-damaged
• Structurally weak
• Torn
• Unable to close securely

Be especially cautious with boxes that previously held food or chemicals.

A moving box should protect your belongings, not introduce new problems.

Don’t Buy Everything at Once

One of the easiest ways to overspend on moving supplies is buying enormous quantities before you know what you’ll actually use.

Start with:

• Boxes
• Tape
• Markers
• Packing paper
• A little protective wrap
• Bags
• Basic tools

Then buy additional supplies as needed.

You may discover that you need fewer specialty products than you expected.

Save Your Receipts

If you’re buying moving supplies, keep your receipts until the move is finished.

Some retailers may allow unused boxes or unopened moving supplies to be returned according to their return policies.

Check the store’s policy when purchasing.

Create a Packing Supply Station

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, keep them together.

A simple basket or box can hold:

• Tape
• Markers
• Labels
• Scissors
• Box cutter
• Zip-top bags

Then keep your boxes, paper, and larger packing materials nearby.

When you’re ready to pack a room, grab your supply basket and go.

No hunting for the marker.

No searching for scissors.

No wondering who walked away with the tape.

Again.

Spend Money Where It Actually Matters

You don’t need every product marketed for moving.

Spend money on things that:

Protect expensive belongings.

Make heavy items safer to move.

Keep boxes securely closed.

Make packing significantly faster.

Skip products that simply make your boxes prettier.

Your belongings do not care whether their cardboard box has a coordinated lavender bedroom sticker.

Your Basic Moving Supply Checklist

If you want to keep things simple, start here:

• Moving boxes in several sizes
• Good packing tape
• Tape dispenser
• Permanent markers
• Packing paper
• Bubble wrap for fragile items
• Zip-top bags
• Scissors
• Box cutter
• Trash bags
• Cleaning supplies
• Basic toolkit

Then consider adding:

• Mattress bags
• Stretch wrap
• Moving blankets
• Furniture dolly
• Furniture sliders
• Wardrobe boxes
• Dish boxes
• TV boxes

based on your specific move.

That’s really it.

You don’t need to buy an entire aisle of moving supplies.

You need sturdy containers, good tape, something to label them with, appropriate protection for fragile belongings, and a system that keeps everything organized.

Save the rest of your money.

You’re moving.

You’ll undoubtedly find plenty of things to spend it on once you get to the new house.