What Moving Supplies Do You Need to Pack for a Move?
Aug 31, 2026 / Alyssa Duranty
The moving supplies you need depend on what you are packing, but most moves require boxes, packing paper, packing tape, labels, and a lock if you are renting a storage unit. Specialty supplies, including expandable flat boxes and mattress bags, can help pack certain household items for moving or pickup.
Start with supplies for the items you use most often, then add specialty boxes or coverings based on your furniture, dishes, framed décor, and other household belongings. Packing with the right materials can make boxes easier to organize, carry, load, and unpack.
Moving Supply Essentials:
- Moving kits combine commonly used boxes, tape, and packing materials.
- Packing paper wraps everyday dishes, glassware, and smaller household items.
- A compatible lock is needed before moving permitted household items into a storage unit.
- Expandable flat boxes can pack televisions, framed décor, mirrors, and other flat items.
- Mattress bags cover mattresses during moving, transport, donation, or pickup.
- Labels help identify each box by contents and destination room.
- Small boxes work best for heavier belongings, while large boxes work best for lightweight, bulky items.
- Public Storage rentals are month to month, and customers can complete a rental online in minutes with no credit card required.
Moving Supplies at a Glance
What Is Included in a Moving Kit?
A moving kit groups common packing supplies into one package. A kit can include a selection of moving boxes, tape, packing paper, labels, and other materials used to pack a home.
Choose a kit based on the number of rooms you are packing and the types of items you own. A smaller kit can work for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, while a larger kit can support a move involving more rooms and household items.
Before selecting a kit, consider:
- The number of rooms you plan to pack
- The boxes and bins you already have
- Whether you are packing dishes, glassware, or framed décor
- How much time you have before moving day
- Whether some boxes will go directly into storage
Visit a Public Storage location to shop available moving kits and individual packing supplies.
How Does Packing Paper Help During a Move?
Packing paper wraps everyday dishes, glassware, small décor, and other household items. It also fills open areas in a box so packed items stay in place during carrying and transport.
Use packing paper to:
- Wrap plates, bowls, mugs, and everyday glassware
- Separate breakable household items in a box
- Line the bottom of a moving box
- Fill open areas around packed items
- Wrap smaller framed décor and household accessories
Pack heavier kitchen items in small or medium boxes. Label each completed box with the room name and a short description, such as “Kitchen — Plates and Bowls.”
What Lock Do You Need for a Storage Unit?
You need a lock that fits the door and lock system at your selected storage location. Confirm the compatible lock type before move-in by reviewing your rental details or contacting the Public Storage property directly.
Follow these steps before moving items into a unit:
- Review your reservation or rental information.
- Confirm the lock type used at the property.
- Bring a compatible lock or purchase one at the location.
- Put the lock on the unit after move-in.
Public Storage locations sell compatible locks for customers who need one at move-in.
What Are Expandable Flat Boxes Used For?
Expandable flat boxes pack televisions, framed décor, mirrors, and other flat household items. Their adjustable panels fit a range of item sizes and provide a structured way to pack items with wide, flat surfaces.
When packing a flat item:
- Choose a box that fits the item’s approximate dimensions.
- Follow the instructions included with the box.
- Add packing paper or cushioning material around corners and open areas.
- Label the box with its contents and orientation.
- Keep the box manageable to lift and move.
For televisions, review the manufacturer’s moving instructions. Use the original packaging when you still have it, or select a moving box designed for flat-screen televisions.
Why Use a Mattress Bag When Moving?
A mattress bag covers a mattress while it is moved, transported, donated, or prepared for pickup. Choose a bag that matches the mattress size and close it according to the product instructions.
Mattress bags are useful when you are:
- Moving a mattress to a new home
- Transporting a mattress in a moving truck
- Preparing a mattress for donation
- Preparing a mattress for local pickup or disposal
- Organizing a move with several furniture items
Check local collection requirements before scheduling a mattress pickup or placing a mattress out for disposal.
How Can You Pack Boxes for a Storage Unit?
Pack boxes for a storage unit by grouping similar approved household items together, labeling every box, and placing boxes according to weight and access needs. Use smaller boxes for heavier items and larger boxes for lightweight belongings.
Label the top and at least two sides of each box. Use a room name and a short contents description instead of labels such as “miscellaneous.”
Review your rental agreement and facility rules before placing any items in a storage unit.
Where Can You Buy Moving Supplies?
Public Storage locations sell moving and packing supplies for home moves and storage projects. Available supplies can include boxes, tape, packing paper, labels, locks, mattress bags, and specialty boxes.
Visit a Public Storage location near you to shop the moving supplies available for your packing plan. You can also reserve a storage unit online before moving day.
Get Ready for Moving Day.
The right moving supplies make it easier to pack household items by room, protect everyday breakable items with cushioning, and keep boxes organized from pickup through unpacking. Start with boxes, tape, labels, and packing paper, then add specialty supplies for items such as televisions, framed décor, and mattresses.
Find a Public Storage location near you to shop moving supplies and reserve month-to-month storage for permitted household items. Public Storage gives you one place to buy boxes and packing materials, put away overflow items, and organize your move in stages.
A prepared packing area turns moving day into a plan instead of a scramble.
Moving Supply FAQs
What moving supplies do you need to pack for a move?
Most moves need boxes, packing tape, labels, packing paper, and cushioning materials. Add specialty boxes, mattress bags, and a storage-unit lock based on the items and services in your move plan.
Can you buy moving supplies at Public Storage?
Yes. Public Storage locations sell moving supplies, including boxes, tape, packing paper, labels, locks, mattress bags, and specialty boxes.
What lock do you need for a Public Storage unit?
You need a lock compatible with the door system at your selected Public Storage location. Review your rental details or contact the property before move-in to confirm the lock type.
What are expandable flat boxes used for?
Expandable flat boxes are used for televisions, framed décor, mirrors, and other flat household items. The adjustable panels allow the box to fit different item sizes.
Can moving supplies help when packing a storage unit?
Yes. Boxes, packing paper, labels, shelving, and a compatible lock help organize approved household items in a storage unit.
Are Public Storage rentals month to month?
Yes. Public Storage rentals are month to month.
