The complete packing and moving supplies checklist

Make packing and moving easy with the right supplies, equipment, and tools.

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Moving materials and packing supplies checklist
Packing supplies
Moving supplies
Packing and moving tips to remember
Minimise the hassle of moving

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Published on 04 August 2023

Moving is the ultimate test of your patience as well as your organisational skills. The thought of packing all your belongings–heavy furniture, appliances, fragile items, electronic devices, and valuable items–is overwhelming. But don’t fret! With a practical moving supplies checklist, you can move your items more manageably.

Moving materials and packing supplies checklist

Packing supplies

Small, medium and large boxes

Use boxes to store pillows, light blankets, clothes, toiletries and other fabrics. Medium and small boxes are perfect for small but heavier items like coffeemakers, CPUs, ovens, and microwaves.

Dish pack boxes

These boxes have double the thickness of ordinary boxes and fasteners to keep fragile items, like dishes and glassware, safe from damage while in transit.

Wardrobe boxes

These boxes have a metal rack to hang your delicate clothes. Your clothes will have about two feet of hanging space to ensure they won’t get dirty or wrinkled. You can also store a couple of shoes to maximise the space.

Picture boxes

Picture boxes will house your family photos and must be at least three or four of the same size. If you have plenty of moving boxes, you can create picture boxes by taking a regular box and removing the seams to wrap them around your picture frames.

Packing paper

Keep glassware, picture frames, small electronics, and other fragile items stationary and protected using packing paper for moving houses. Line all the spaces with packing paper to limit movement during transport. For fragile items, use honeycomb packing paper and bubble wrap for a snug fit and optimal shock protection.

Packing tape

Secure the moving boxes with quality packing tape. Apply the tape from the start to the end of the box flaps. For added security, apply the tape twice along the width of your moving box.

Vacuum storage bags

These bags protect folded clothes and fabrics and free them from dust and dirt. You can conveniently purchase them from wardrobe or hardware suppliers.

Mattress bags

Mattresses get easily dirty and can accumulate bed bugs without a cover during travel, so keep it safe with a mattress bag.

TV cover

You wouldn’t want to relocate with a suddenly malfunctioning TV, would you? Protect your flat-screen TV with a cover to prevent debris and dust. With a box and TV screen cover, you don’t have to worry about your TV malfunctioning when you arrive.

Markers and paper tape

If you don’t like writing on the box, you can write the names of items inside each box by making DIY moving labels using markers and paper tape.

Gloves

Wear safety gloves before you get to work and disassemble furniture or pack anything to protect your hands from sharp edges or abrasive surfaces.

Toolbox

Have a toolbox complete with essentials, such as screwdrivers, cutters, knives, and bolts, to help you disassemble furniture, computers, and other items easily and quickly.

Also read: Moving guide and checklist: How to make your move stress-free

basic packing materials

Moving supplies

Moving back saver straps

Were you able to find professional removalists to do the heavy lifting for you? Chances are, they’ll use moving back-saver straps to reduce the risk of injury when transporting your belongings.

Moving blankets

Moving companies usually provide moving blankets as void fillers, furniture coverings and shock absorbers. Otherwise, thick, old rugs or clothing would also be enough. If you call professional house removalists, they will have a set of moving blankets ready to protect your belongings.

Stretch wraps

Removalists use these to keep your furniture stationery as it travels by fastening it to the moving truck’s heavy-duty pallets or security rails.

Dollies

Dollies make it easy to roll your refrigerator, air conditioning units, and other heavy-duty appliances down from the upper floors and up the moving truck ramp. You’ll need metal stair ramps to roll the dolly down smoothly over each step.

Duct tape

Duct tape can help secure your appliances from moving around during transit and keep boxes shut if packing tape isn’t enough.

a woman carrying a moving box

Packing and moving tips to remember

Here are a few reminders to help pack things well and avoid hiccups on the drive.

Don’t pile too many items inside one large box: A large box that’s heavy to lift will take time to move and might suffer from damage during the trip.
Use lots of bubble wrap, packing paper, and peanuts: These items reduce any bump or dent in your appliances, electronics, and other belongings. Use them liberally and fill in any void you find inside each box.
Find high-quality boxes: High-quality cardboard or plastic boxes are easily stackable. They have features that make them easy to lift and move around with a dolly and secure in place during travel.
Have a dedicated packing station: Pick a designated spot for packing. Not only does this save time, but it also helps avoid the hassle of bothering others in the area.
Plan ahead: Complete your packing supplies checklist first. Then, start packing items you don't frequently use but will need in your new space a week or two before the move. Continue doing this until you only have a few things left to pack before moving day arrives.

Related read: How much do packers cost?

Minimise the hassle of moving

A checklist of moving supplies gives you a bird’s-eye view of what you’ve accomplished and still need to do. Seeing the tasks you’re already done with and having the right tools to finish them makes the entire process easier to handle.

But to truly get this task off your hands. We also recommend working with professional movers. Expert removalists have the equipment and knowledge to plan your move weeks before moving day. If you contact office removals specialists or any house moving experts, you won’t have to do everything yourself – they’ll take care of the task effectively.

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FAQs on packing and moving

Get special boxes for fragile items, clothes, pictures, appliances, electronics, and other belongings. You’ll also need lots of packing paper, bubble wrap, vacuum storage bags, and gloves to protect your hand. A toolbox is also essential if you need to disassemble furniture.

You can pack small items, clothing, and fabrics and carry them to the moving truck by yourself. But you’ll need the help of some strong neighbours to lift heavy appliances, furniture, and pianos or have moving helpers do it for you.

Professional house removalists are well-equipped and have done plenty of lifting, packing, and transporting for their customers. They know how to handle your belongings to ensure it arrives at your new place without damage.

You can use the marker and tape to label boxes according to their content and which room movers should put them in. You can also label each room in your new house or office properly so that movers can easily identify the names of each room.