All Inclusive Packing Supplies List

While MoveBuilder recommends using experienced movers to do the packing, loading and unloading, we understand that it's not always in the budget. So to help out, we've provided some useful moving tips to make this part of your move easier and to help your belongings arrive in good condition. This "Packing Supplies" post is the second installment of a new series on packing for your move. Check back for more packing tips and techniques each week.

The Packing Supplies List You've Been Waiting For

So you're ready to get packing. First things first— you need the right materials. Here are the packing supplies I suggest, along with suggestions for how to use them. Let's get stocked up and get packing!

Markers – They're necessary for marking your boxes so you know what's in them and where they go. You might even have multiple colors available so you can tell by sight what room they go in or to whom they belong. Nothing is worse than opening several boxes trying to find something that you could have marked – Kitchen – plastic drinking glasses and ice cube trays.

Labels – You might find it handy to have labels for your boxes. You can color code by room or family member. I think you'll find that labels are easier to write on than the side of a box, but not necessary for a successful move.

Scissors/Box Knife – You never know when you'll need to open a box again, even when you're packing. They're also handy to cut tape or twine.

Moving/Furniture Blankets – While we suggest using the 3-ply paper padding that MoveBuilder movers use to wrap your furniture, it's also acceptable to use moving blankets to wrap your furniture. If purchasing paper padding, or enough blankets for your entire move doesn't fit into your budget, you're not out of luck. As a last resort you could use them in combination with old blankets you have on hand. Just keep in mind that they will get dingy and worn.

Tool Kit – You'll need this to disassemble furniture and other "assembled" items to make them easier to pack. They're also handy for repairing, removing, and uninstalling items in your home as you prepare to move.  At a minimum your tool kit will need to include several sizes of Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, a hammer, a socket wrench, pliers and a drill.

Bags – While MoveBuilder's packing service includes packing all non-furniture items into a box, if you're doing your own packing, you aren't limited to boxes. You may find that some things are just easier to pack into bags. Garbage bags are great to stuff with pillows or other soft or big items that may not need a box.  And they could possibly serve as space fillers in the moving truck. Small bags with zip closures are also great to hold furniture hardware or other small parts. Make sure and tape them to whatever they go to. You'll thank me later.

Mattress Bags – Mattress bags are really big bags that you slide over your mattress and box springs and tape at the end to keep the mattress from getting dusty and dirty. They can also serve to keep mattresses dry if you get caught in a rainstorm while you're loading or unloading.

Tape – A tape gun is a really handy thing when you're building and closing your boxes. It might take a few times to get it right, but pretty soon you'll be wielding that thing like a pro. Some advice— if you get off to a bad start and it sticks to itself, pull it off and start over. Tape is cheap compared to the frustration. You'll also want some masking tape to tape mirrors and other hand-wrapped items. Masking tape also serves as a good impromptu label and it's easier to write on than the clear stuff.

Bubble Wrap – Though you won't find bubble wrap used by MoveBuilder movers (they use newsprint), many do-it-yourselfers use it to wrap their delicate items like crystal, glass, porcelain and other breakables. It's also fun to pop if you need a tension break!

Paper – Like I mentioned above, MoveBuilder movers use "newsprint" (newspaper without the news on it) to wrap items.  You'll find it's nice to use to wrap things before you place them in boxes or to place between items so they don't rub. Newsprint works best, but if you don't have access, newspaper works well too— just be prepared...the black print may rub off on your items.

Boxes – These perhaps are the most important for successful packing. You need a lot of them, and they need to be designed for moving— not grocery store boxes or "totes". 

Did we miss something on our packing supplies list that you think is essential for packing for a move? Feel free to leave a comment, we're always looking for new ways to make moving easier.