The short list. What to buy in each category, what separates good from bad, and the small extras that make moving week easier.
Start here. Most people buy the wrong mix.
A kit saves you from guessing the mix. Get one sized to your home and add small boxes if you have a lot of books.
Clothes go straight from the closet to the box on their hangers. No folding, no ironing at the new place.
The one box that actually protects plates and glasses. Cell dividers do most of the work.
Cheap tape is the number one cause of box blowouts.
Thicker tape holds through heat, humidity and stacking in a truck.
Taping by hand doubles the time per box. This pays for itself on day one.
Protect what breaks.
Newspaper ink rubs off on dishes. Plain newsprint doesn't.
Tear-off sheets mean no hunting for scissors.
Where most moving damage happens.
Wrap anything wood, glass or finished. Two per large piece.
Holds blankets in place and keeps drawers and doors shut.
Slide a loaded dresser across the room instead of lifting it.
Two people can carry a couch or washer with much less back strain.
A padded sleeve that slides over the TV. Faster than wrapping it in blankets and tape, and it protects the screen from scratches.
Truck floors are dirty and a mattress can't go in the wash. A zip-up bag keeps it clean in transit and in storage.
The things you'll be glad you had.
Moves three boxes per trip, and converts to a cart for big loads.
Better grip on cardboard and fewer splinters from furniture.
Secure furniture against the truck wall so nothing shifts.
Small buys that make move week easier.
Shrink bedding and winter clothes to a third of their size.
Holds chargers, toilet paper, meds and a change of clothes. You'll see what's inside without digging.
Movers can sort boxes by color without reading anything.
For cords, hardware bags and anything you'll need to find fast.
Bag each piece of furniture's screws and tape the bag to it.
Scan a box with your phone to see what's inside. Handy for storage and for finding things fast after the move.
A reusable alternative to boxes for bedding, pillows and clothes. They fold flat when you're done.
Need quantities? Use the moving box calculator. Already moved? See the first week list.
Tape, dish pack boxes and furniture blankets. Cheap tape fails in heat, thin dish boxes crush, and thin blankets don't stop dents.
Specialty boxes for lamps and TVs are often unnecessary. A large box with packing paper or a blanket-wrapped TV works for most moves.