The 10 Most Useful Moving and Packing Supplies: What You Really Need ###

Whether you’re moving across Florida or just shifting things into a storage unit, the right packing supplies can make or break your move. Many people underestimate how much easier — and safer — packing becomes when you use the right materials. From boxes to tape and labels, here’s a complete guide to the most useful moving and packing supplies that will save you time, protect your belongings, and make unpacking a breeze.

1. Quality Boxes: The Foundation of Every Move

You can’t pack without boxes, but not all boxes are created equal.
Invest in sturdy, double-walled boxes designed for moving — not the thin, recycled ones you find at grocery stores. Moving boxes are made to handle stacking, which helps prevent collapsing or tearing during transport.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Small boxes (1.5 cu. ft.) – Great for books, canned goods, and small decor.

• Medium boxes (3 cu. ft.) – Ideal for kitchen items, linens, and clothing.

• Large boxes (4.5+ cu. ft.) – Best for light, bulky items like pillows and bedding.

• Wardrobe boxes – A must-have for clothes on hangers. They keep clothes wrinkle-free and easy to unpack later.

Tip: Label boxes on multiple sides and always note which room they belong to. It’ll make unpacking much smoother.

2. Packing Tape (and a Good Dispenser)

There’s nothing worse than boxes coming apart mid-move. Always use high-quality packing tape — at least 2 inches wide — and skip duct tape or masking tape, which don’t adhere as well to cardboard.

A tape gun or dispenser saves a ton of time and helps you get tight, secure seals. Always tape both the top and bottom seams in an “H” pattern for extra reinforcement.

3. Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper

These are your best friends when it comes to protecting fragile items.

• Bubble wrap cushions breakables like dishes, glassware, and electronics. Use smaller bubbles for fragile items and larger ones for cushioning furniture corners or mirrors.

• Packing paper (unprinted newsprint) is perfect for wrapping dishes, mugs, and other items without leaving ink residue.

Avoid using newspaper — it can transfer ink and stain your belongings.

Bonus tip: For extra protection, line the bottom of boxes with a layer of crumpled packing paper or towels.

4. Stretch Wrap and Furniture Covers

If you’re storing or transporting furniture, stretch wrap (plastic wrap on a roll) keeps drawers closed, prevents scratches, and guards against dust and moisture.

Pair it with furniture covers — either plastic or breathable fabric — for couches, mattresses, and large appliances. If you’re storing long-term in a non-climate-controlled space, breathable covers are best since they reduce moisture buildup.

5. Mattress Bags and Plastic Sheeting

Mattresses can absorb moisture and odors during storage. Mattress bags are inexpensive and provide a tight seal that keeps them clean and dry.

Plastic sheeting also works well to cover items that might sit on warehouse floors or in moving trucks. Just make sure to secure it tightly with tape or rope.

6. Moving Blankets and Padding

Professional movers swear by moving blankets — and for good reason. They’re thick, reusable, and protect against scratches and dents.

Wrap furniture, TVs, and large mirrors, then secure the blanket with stretch wrap or bungee cords. You can buy them outright or rent them from most moving or storage facilities.

7. Labels and Permanent Markers

A little organization goes a long way. Label every box clearly with both contents and destination room (“Kitchen – Glassware” or “Bedroom – Bedding”). Use color-coded labels or colored tape to make sorting even faster when unpacking.

Keep a master list or inventory on your phone so you know exactly what’s in each box — especially helpful for storage units.

8. Rope, Bungee Cords, and Ratchet Straps

Once your boxes and furniture are packed, you’ll need to secure them in your truck or storage unit.

• Rope and bungee cords are perfect for light-duty tying and stabilization.

• Ratchet straps are best for heavy furniture or large appliances — they keep everything firmly in place and prevent shifting in transit.

9. Hand Truck or Dolly

Save your back! A hand truck or furniture dolly helps you move heavy boxes and appliances safely. Many storage facilities and moving companies rent these for cheap (or offer them free for customers). Using one not only speeds up your move but also reduces the risk of injury.

10. Ziploc Bags and Small Containers

Tiny screws, remote controls, cords, and assembly tools tend to disappear during moves. Keep them organized by using Ziploc bags or small labeled containers. Tape them to the furniture piece they belong to — for example, tape a bag of screws to the underside of a table or back of a TV stand.

Helpful Reminder: Don’t Overpack

It’s tempting to fill every inch of space, but overpacked boxes are the most likely to break. Keep boxes under 50 pounds, and use smaller boxes for heavy items like books. Heavier boxes always go on the bottom when stacking.

Wrapping Up

The right packing supplies make moving less stressful, more organized, and safer for your belongings. Whether you’re moving across town or tucking things away in a Florida storage unit, investing in sturdy boxes, proper padding, and a few moving tools will save time — and maybe even your sanity.

Take the time to pack it right the first time, and your unpacking (or storage) experience will be smooth, efficient, and damage-free.