This moving supplies checklist covers what to buy, what to skip, and how much you need. It is the same list LiteMovers crews use when we pack a home. Print it, check off each item, and order three to four weeks before your move.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Moving Supplies Checklist: The Must-Haves
These items do the real work. Every box you pack touches at least three of them.
Need packing help or a full-service move? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
Must-have packing supplies
- ✓U-Haul Small Moving Boxes, 10-pack — books, canned food, tools, and anything dense. Keep each under 50 pounds.
- ✓U-Haul Medium Moving Boxes, 10-pack — the workhorse box for kitchen items, toys, and small appliances.
- ✓U-Haul Large Moving Boxes, 10-pack — bedding, pillows, lampshades, and light bulky items only.
- ✓U-Haul Paper Box Tape, 3 rolls — one roll per 15 boxes; paper tape tears by hand.
- ✓U-Haul Packing Paper, 500 sheets — wraps and fills; 500 sheets covers one kitchen plus decor.
- ✓U-Haul Large Bubble Roll, 100 ft — flat and hard items: TVs, glass, art, and monitors.
Rather skip the shopping? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
Nice-to-Have Supplies That Earn Their Spot
These are not required. They save time, and on a big move they save damage.
Need packing help or a full-service move? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
Worth adding for most homes
- ✓U-Haul Shorty Wardrobe Boxes, 3-pack — clothes stay on hangers and go straight into the new closet.
- ✓U-Haul Dish Packing Kit — cell dividers keep plates apart; no more chipped edges.
- ✓U-Haul Glass Packing Kit — stemware and glasses each get a cell and a foam pouch.
- ✓U-Haul Stretch Wrap, 15 in x 1000 ft — holds drawers shut and keeps blankets on furniture.
- ✓U-Haul Queen Mattress Bag — keeps the mattress clean on the truck and in storage.
Rather skip the shopping? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
What to Skip
- ✓Plastic bins for heavy loads. They crack under stacked weight. Use them for linens only.
- ✓Packing peanuts. They shift, settle, and make a mess. Paper fills better.
- ✓Newspaper as wrap. Ink transfers onto dishes. Use clean newsprint.
- ✓Tape guns for beginners. They jam and waste tape. Hand-tear paper tape is faster.
- ✓Used grocery boxes. Fine for toys and towels. Never for dishes or books.
How Much Do I Need?
Use this as a starting point. Add ten percent if you have not moved in ten years or more. Most homes hold more than the owner expects.
| Home size | Boxes | Paper tape | Packing paper | Bubble wrap | Wardrobe boxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio or 1 BR | 20–30 | 2 rolls | 100–200 sheets | 1 roll | 1–2 |
| 2 bedrooms | 35–50 | 3–4 rolls | 300–500 sheets | 1–2 rolls | 2–4 |
| 3 bedrooms | 60–80 | 5–6 rolls | 500–700 sheets | 2 rolls | 4–6 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 90–120+ | 7–9 rolls | 700–1,000 sheets | 3 rolls | 6–8 |
For a room-by-room count, use our moving box calculator. If you need boxes on short notice, read where to get free moving boxes.
Tools and Small Items People Forget
- ✓Wide-tip black markers, at least three. One per packer.
- ✓Zip bags for screws, cords, and remotes. Tape each bag to the item it belongs to.
- ✓A box cutter for unpacking day.
- ✓Colored tape or stickers by room. It speeds up truck unloading.
- ✓A small toolkit for bed frames, mirrors, and TV mounts.
When to Let LiteMovers Pack
Kitchens, art, and glass are where packing goes wrong. Our packing services can take just those rooms. See the room-by-room packing guide for how our crews do it. For a full plan, follow the moving checklist. Back to the moving supplies guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rolls of tape do I need to move?
Plan on one 55-yard roll of paper tape for every 15 boxes. A three-bedroom house uses five or six rolls. Buy the three-pack and keep one roll in the kitchen and one in the bedrooms.
Is packing paper better than bubble wrap?
Paper is better for dishes, glasses, and small items because it fills gaps. Bubble wrap is better for flat, hard items like TVs, mirrors, and framed art. Most kitchens need both.
Do I need a wardrobe box for every closet?
One wardrobe box holds about two feet of hanging clothes. A full adult closet needs two or three. Off-season clothes can go flat in medium boxes instead.
What size marker should I use to label boxes?
Use a wide-tip permanent marker in black. Write the room and a short list of contents on two sides. Colored tape by room helps the crew place boxes fast.
Can I use my own boxes if LiteMovers packs?
Yes, if they are clean, dry, and sturdy. Our packers will set aside any box that cannot hold weight. Boxes we supply are always new.
Planning a move in Philadelphia, the Main Line, or beyond?
LiteMovers packs, moves, and stores for families across the Philadelphia suburbs. Get a real estimate from a real local mover.
Call (610) 755-5535 · Toll-free 1-877-798-8989
LiteMovers LLC · 307 East Church Rd, Suites 1 & 2, King of Prussia, PA 19406 · PA PUC A-8916211 · USDOT 2173383 · MC-888055
© 2026 LiteMovers. All rights reserved.
Comments are closed.