What Packing Materials Do I Need for a Move?

Ensuring you have the ultimate list of packing materials on hand for the big moving day starts with understanding what of the various supplies available and what each one does best.

Use moving boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, labels, and furniture pads to pack household items for a move. Choose each packing material based on the item’s size, weight, and whether it needs cushioning or support during loading and unloading.

Once you know what each material does best, the entire packing process feels more organized and surprisingly efficient.

Packing Materials Checklist

• Small, medium, large, and extra-large moving boxes
• Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothing
• Packing paper for dishes and breakable household items
• Bubble wrap or foam sheets for cushioning
• Packing tape for box seams
• Stretch wrap for grouped items and drawers
• Furniture pads for tables, chairs, and larger pieces
• Markers and labels for box contents and destination rooms

What Type of Moving Box Should I Use?

Use small moving boxes for heavy, compact items and larger boxes for lightweight, bulky items. Packing heavy items in smaller boxes keeps boxes easier to lift and helps prevent overpacking.

Use sturdy boxes with intact bottoms. Tape the bottom seams before packing and fill empty spaces with packing paper so items do not shift.

What Is Packing Paper Used For?

Use packing paper to wrap dishes, glassware, décor, and other breakable household items. Packing paper cushions items inside a box and fills empty spaces that could allow items to move during transport.

Wrap each breakable item separately, then place heavier pieces on the bottom of the box. Add crumpled packing paper around the sides and top before sealing the box.

Packing paper also works for wrapping small appliances, lamps, and decorative items. Use enough paper to separate items without making the box too heavy.

When Should I Use Bubble Wrap or Foam Sheets?

Use bubble wrap for breakable items that need extra cushioning, such as ceramics, vases, framed art, and fragile décor. Foam sheets work well between stackable items, including plates, trays, and flat household pieces.

Wrap each item securely, then place it in a box that fits closely enough to limit shifting. Use packing paper to fill remaining gaps before sealing the box.

Do not rely on bubble wrap alone for a box full of breakable items. Use a sturdy box, cushioning material, and clear labels so the box is easier to identify during loading and unloading.

How Do I Use Packing Tape and Stretch Wrap?

Use packing tape to close and reinforce moving boxes. Choose tape that is at least two inches wide, and apply it across the center seam and along the bottom edges of the box.

Use stretch wrap to group loose items together or keep drawers closed during a move. Wrap it around broom handles, cushions, drawer units, or similar grouped items that are easier to move as one piece.

Stretch wrap is useful for keeping furniture drawers from opening, but remove it after the move so furniture and stored items remain easy to access.

Why Should I Use Furniture Pads?

Use furniture pads to create a barrier between larger household items during loading and transport. Pads help reduce scuffs and surface contact when furniture is moved through doorways, loaded into a vehicle, or stored together.

Cover tables, chairs, dressers, shelving, and other large furniture before moving. Secure the pads with moving straps or tape designed for the task, without placing adhesive directly on finished surfaces.

Use furniture pads again when placing items into storage. They help separate larger pieces and keep the storage unit easier to organize.

How Should I Label Moving Boxes?

Label each moving box on multiple sides with the destination room and a short description of the contents. For example: “Kitchen — Cookware” or “Bedroom — Linens.”

Use labels to identify boxes that need careful handling, such as “Fragile” or “This Side Up.” Keep a simple inventory of box numbers and contents in a phone note or spreadsheet if you are packing many rooms.

Clear labels help movers, friends, and family place boxes in the correct room. They also make it easier to find items after a move or during a storage transition.

What Packing Materials Do I Need for Furniture?

Pack furniture with furniture pads, stretch wrap, moving straps, and labeled hardware bags. Remove table legs, shelves, or other detachable pieces when doing so makes an item easier to move.

Keep hardware in a labeled container or bag attached to the related furniture piece. Label each bag with the item name, such as “Dining Table Hardware” or “Bed Frame Hardware,” so reassembly is more direct after move-in.

Use blankets, towels, or furniture pads between larger pieces when loading a vehicle or storage unit. Place heavier furniture first, then build the load around it with boxes and lighter items.

How Do I Pack Supplies for a Storage Unit?

Pack storage items in sturdy, labeled boxes or bins. Use uniform containers and, when possible, stack heavier boxes on the bottom, and leave a clear aisle so you can access stored items without moving everything else.

Public Storage offers storage lockers and units in multiple sizes for moving boxes, furniture, household items, and seasonal belongings. Use the Public Storage size guide to choose a unit that fits your items and leaves room for an organized layout.

Select Drive Up Access when you are loading furniture, appliances, or heavy boxes directly from a vehicle. Choose Climate Controlled for furniture, electronics, clothing, and other items affected by heat, cold, humidity, or temperature changes.

Pack for the Move, Then Make Room for What Is Next

Packing materials help you organize every stage of a move, from boxing up one room to unloading at a new home. Use the right box size, add cushioning where needed, label each container clearly, and keep essential supplies accessible.

Public Storage offers month-to-month storage for boxes, furniture, and household items between homes. Search by city or ZIP code, compare unit sizes and storage types, and reserve online in minutes.

Pack with a plan, label with purpose, and keep moving day on track.

Packing Materials FAQs

What are the most important packing materials for moving?
The most important packing materials are moving boxes, packing paper, packing tape, labels, cushioning materials, and furniture pads. Add wardrobe boxes, dish packs, or mirror boxes when the items you are moving need specialized packing.

What size boxes should I use for moving?
Use small boxes for heavy items, medium boxes for everyday household items, and large boxes for lightweight, bulky items. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes and specialty boxes for dishes or framed items.

Is packing paper better than newspaper?
Packing paper is useful for wrapping dishes, glassware, and breakable household items because it provides cushioning without newspaper ink. Use it to wrap individual items and fill gaps inside boxes.

How do I keep boxes from opening during a move?
Keep moving boxes closed by using strong packing tape across the center seam and bottom seams. Do not overfill boxes, and fill empty gaps with packing paper to keep contents from shifting.

Should I use furniture pads when moving?
Use furniture pads for tables, chairs, dressers, shelving, and other larger household pieces. Furniture pads create a barrier between items during loading, transport, and storage.