Packing up an entire house for a move can seem like a daunting task, and it can be difficult to know where to start. Having the packing essentials you need on hand as you get started will make the process go smoother.
Boxes are always a necessary moving product, but you need to ensure you have the correct ones for your home’s specific needs. Moving boxes come in all shapes and sizes with a variety of purposes. Be sure to read the product descriptions on each box so that you purchase the appropriate packing essentials. Also, make sure you don’t forget the labels, utility knife, tape and pens.
Sometimes more specialized moving products are required. Things like mattress bags and sofa covers are important for protecting your furniture. There are also extras that sometimes are forgotten. Items like gloves are important for protecting your hands, and moving straps can assist in moving heavy furniture without injury.
This pack of 10 from U-Haul has boxes sized 18 x 18 ⅛ x 16 inches. The versatile size is useful for a variety of items, including appliances, toys and decor fixtures. These boxes have perforated handles for easy handling and have a capacity of 65 pounds.
Sold by Amazon
Heavy-Duty Large Adjustable TV and Picture Moving Box with Handles
This moving box fits any flat-screen TV up to 70 inches in size. Two boxes and one foam bag for extra padding are included in this pack. The maximum weight capacity on these boxes is 75 pounds.
Sold by Home Depot
This kitchen moving box set is a packing essential. It comes with the following boxes: two small, two small heavy-duty, two medium and two heavy-duty medium. The kit also has packing paper sheets, dish foam sheets, dish packing kit, glass divider kit, packing tape and a marker.
Sold by Home Depot
Amazon Basics Wardrobe Clothing Moving Boxes
This Amazon wardrobe set comes with three boxes. Each box has a metal post for hanging your clothes. The dimensions on these items are 24 x 24 x 40 inches.
Sold by Amazon
Gorilla Heavy Duty Large Core Packing Tape
This packing tape is extra thick, which makes it resistant to tears and splits. It is clear so that packing labels do not get covered, and it’s resistant to getting sticky by temperature or moisture. These rolls will fit on most packing tape dispenser guns.
Sold by Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond
enKo - Home Moving Packing Labels Stickers
These brightly colored packing labels are wide and easy to see on moving boxes. They are color-coded and pre-labeled with the names of different rooms. The pack includes labels for fragile items and also blank labels for you to customize.
Sold by Amazon
Sharpie Permanent Markers, Chisel Tip
A pack of Sharpie permanent markers is an essential item in your stack of moving products. The chisel tip design allows for large, wide writing that is easily visible on boxes and packing labels. These markers are non-toxic, permanent and come in a four-pack.
Sold by Staples and Amazon
Pratt Retail Specialties Clear Stretch Wrap
This four-pack of stretch wrap is 20 inches by 1,000 feet. It is great for securing the doors of cabinets to keep them from getting banged up during the move. Wrapping artwork or mirrors in it will help prevent scratches. It can also be wrapped around upholstered furniture to protect from dirt or strains.
Sold by Home Depot
This bubble wrap is available in several different dimensions. There is perforation every 12 inches for easy custom sizing and ample cushioning for all your wrapping needs. It’s also a great comparable price per square foot.
Sold by Amazon
Pratt Retail Specialties Queen and King Mattress Bag
This mattress bag is available for all sizes and will keep your mattress free of dirt and dust during your move. Vent holes are built into the bag for ventilation. This prevents moisture from causing mold or mildew buildup.
Sold by Home Depot
A rug storage bag will save your rugs from dust, grime, water and bugs during your move. This bag holds a rug up to 9 x 12 feet. It has ventilation holes to maintain air circulation.
Sold by Amazon
Amazon Brand - Solimo Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags
This box has 120 trash bags inside. The bags are priced well and somewhat oversized, making them perfect for throwing out items during cleaning as the move is happening. They can also store items for moving like pillows and blankets. They have drawstrings for easy carry and are 13 gallons in size.
Sold by Amazon
Ziploc Gallon Food Storage Freezer Bags
Packing essentials that are often overlooked during a move are containers to temporarily store small items like screws. These Ziplock bags are great for keeping small items safe and organized. The bags are sturdy and made of thick plastic that is resistant to tearing.
Sold by Amazon
CLC Custom Leathercraft 125M Handyman Flex Grip Work Gloves
These durable but flexible gloves will protect you while handling furniture or other items that might scrape or cut your hands. They are well priced and crafted to resist shrinking. Made for all types of weather, they have insulation from the cold and a securing strap that holds the gloves in place if they become wet.
Sold by Amazon
FC Folding Pocket Utility Knife
This boxcutter knife comes with five extra blades and a holster. Its quick-change mechanism makes for an easy blade change. The body is large, easy to hold and durable.
Sold by Amazon
If you're going to be moving furniture yourself, then moving straps are an essential moving product. These straps allow your arms and legs to be free while redirecting weight to your torso. This allows for the safe move of heavy objects.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
This tool set comes with 108 pieces, including a drill with a rechargeable battery. It also includes an electric screwdriver, claw hammers, wrenches and pliers. This kit should equip you to handle any assembly or disassembly required during a move.
Sold by Amazon
This Yeti cooler will keep any food you decide to take with you cool for several days. It is constructed to be durable and resistant to the elements. One of the best on the market, this cooler has three inches of PermaFrost insulation.
Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage 14-Piece Plastic Lids
These highly-rated containers will keep your food fresh and dry during your move. Made of Tritan plastic, they have an attractive glass appearance without the worry of cracking. They are lightweight and easy to store inside a bag or box in your car.
Sold by Amazon
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Morgan Freeman writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
