When you’re getting ready to move to your new home, it can be stressful to think of everything you have to do before the big day arrives. Whether you’re working with a moving company or figuring out your move on your own, it’s helpful to have all the supplies you need on hand to ensure that you’re ready to pack up and start the process of settling into your new home.

Here, we’ll look at some of the must-have moving supplies you’ll want to ensure you have prior to moving day.

Boxes

It’s easy to think that you’ll have no problem saving and accumulating the boxes that you’ll need before moving day, but in actuality, you’ll likely need far more than you think. Head to your local big-box store and pick up moving boxes in various sizes. You can return boxes you don’t use, so error on the side of too many as you estimate what you’ll need.

If you’re working with a moving company, they can help with the number and size of boxes you’ll need. You can also purchase the boxes from them. While this may seem expensive, the boxes supplied by moving companies are made for specific purposes like books or wardrobes. This will keep your items in better shape during the move.

Packing Tape

Get more packing tape than you think you’ll need. From reinforcing heavy boxes to using tape to wrap paper securely around valuable items, you’ll want to have plenty of the sticky stuff on hand. Again, if you’re working with a professional moving company, they should provide all the needed tape.

Packing Filler/materials

Paper and pads are essential to protecting your items. Ensure you have plenty of packing materials on hand. Any lose items in a box can be damaged in transit. But, they are also unstable and can dislodge stacked boxes in a moving truck as they rattle around in the box. 

Labeling: Permanent markers/labels/scissors/pads & pens

If you really want to make it easy to move into your new home, don’t just label your boxes with the room they need to go to—get more specific. Color code your boxes, make specific notes on what’s in each box or even take a photo of the box contents with a numbered label, so you know exactly where you’ll need to look to find your things. 

Hand Cart

If you are not using professional movers, get a hand cart to help move heavy items. Even though you can carry your boxes, the repetition can be hard on your body, and the cart will save you time. 

Protective Pads and cardboard

Floors and walls can take a beating when you’re moving heavy items. If you are moving on a day that is raining or snowing, tracking the outside in will make a mess. Invest in pads and cardboard to cover hardwood floors and carpets. You may want to also use cardboard around high-traffic corners that are likely to get knocked while moving.

Drinks and Snacks

Moving is hard work! Whether you’re moving on your own, having friends come over to help, or working with a moving company, you’ll want to be sure that you have water and snacks available so that everyone can keep their energy up. Choose non-refrigerated items like granola bars and fruit so that you’ll easily be able to move snacks around from one place to the next as your moving process progresses.

Pet Area

If you have a dog, cat, or other pet, you’ll want to be sure that you have supplies and an area for them to relax as you’re opening and closing doors around the house. You may want to also talk to your vet about getting a calming medicine or scent that can help your pet relax as the moving chaos begins. If your pet is tucked away in an empty bedroom or bathroom during the moving process, be sure to stop in occasionally to give them some reassurance.

Hiring a Professional Mover

You don’t have to figure out your move all on your own. Reach out to a professional mover for a quote if you have the money (not everyone can afford it). It’s worth having them take care of as much of the move as possible.