Since 2013, I have helped thousands of families pack and move across Hartford County and Western Massachusetts. I have seen every type of packing supply, every hack, and every mistake. I have watched people spend hundreds of dollars on supplies they do not need while forgetting the essentials that make moving day smooth.
This is the exact list I send to customers who book a move with us. These are the 12 supplies I recommend, why each matters, and how to use them right.
If you are moving soon and want to get ahead of the chaos, this list saves you time and money.
1. Brown Packing Tape
Good tape makes or breaks your move. Cheap tape splits, peels, and drives your crew crazy on move day.
Why I recommend this one: Strong hold without being impossible to tear. Works with a tape gun or by hand.
How much to buy: One roll per 10 boxes is a safe estimate. For a 3-bedroom home, plan on at least 6 rolls.
Pro tip: Tape the bottom of every box in an H pattern. One strip down the seam, two strips across the ends. Anything less and heavy items can punch through.
2. Stretch Wrap
Stretch Wrap Stretch Film Roll
Plastic wrap that keeps drawers shut, cushions furniture, and holds loose items together.
Why I recommend this one: Stretchy enough to be useful, sturdy enough to actually protect.
How to use it: Wrap dresser drawers so they stay closed during the move. Wrap chair legs that might get scuffed. Wrap loose items to a base so they travel together.
Note: We bring stretch wrap to every move. If you are using us, you do not need to buy this. But if you are packing ahead of time or moving yourself, it is worth having.
3. Moving Boxes (Small, Medium, Large Variety Pack)
Proper moving boxes, not grocery store cast-offs.
Why the variety pack: Most people buy too many large boxes and not enough small ones. Books, dishes, and heavy items go in small boxes. Linens, pillows, and clothes go in large boxes. The variety pack gets the ratio right.
How many boxes do you need? - Studio: 20 to 25 boxes - 1 bedroom: 25 to 40 boxes - 2 bedroom: 40 to 60 boxes - 3 bedroom: 60 to 90 boxes - 4 plus bedroom: 90 plus boxes
Pro tip: Always buy 20 percent more than you think you need. The boxes that do not get used can be returned or resold, but running out mid-pack is a disaster.
4. Heavy Duty Moving Blankets
Professional furniture protection, the kind we use.
When you need these: If you are moving into a U-Haul or self-storage, blankets are essential. If you are hiring professional movers, we bring plenty of our own.
Why these specifically: Heavier weight than the cheap ones at the hardware store. They actually protect your furniture instead of just looking like they do.
5. Packing Paper
Plain newsprint-style paper for wrapping fragile items.
Why packing paper beats bubble wrap for most things: It wraps tighter, fills gaps better, and does not leave static cling on electronics. Bubble wrap has a place, but for 90 percent of what you are packing, paper works better.
How to use it: Wrap every plate individually. Wrap glasses in two layers. Stuff paper into gaps so items do not shift during transit.
How much to buy: A 10-pound bundle packs a typical kitchen. A 25-pound bundle handles a full home.
6. Mattress Bags
Plastic sleeves that keep your mattress clean during the move.
When you need them: Always. A mattress that sits on a dirty moving truck floor or leans against a dusty wall is a mattress you sleep on for the next ten years.
Sizes: Buy the size that matches your mattress. Queen bags do not fit king mattresses no matter how hard you try.
Note: We bring mattress bags to every move. But if you are packing ahead, they do not take up space and they travel with the mattress.
7. Round Color Coding Labels
Small colored dot stickers for organizing boxes and furniture.
Why color coding works: On move day, your crew does not need to read every label. A glance tells them "blue dot = master bedroom" and the item goes there. This saves 30 to 60 minutes on a typical move.
How to use them: - Pick a color for each room at your new place - Stick a colored dot on every box and piece of furniture that belongs in that room - Put a matching colored sign on each room's door at the new place - Your crew does the rest
8. Color-Coded Moving Box Labels
Color-Coded Home Moving Packing Box Labels
Larger labels with room names and space to note contents.
Why these and the round dots: The round dots are for speed. These larger labels are for detail. Use them both. Dots for the crew, detailed labels for when you are unpacking.
Pro tip: Write the three most important things in the box on the label. "Coffee maker, mugs, pots" is more useful than "kitchen stuff" when you are trying to find breakfast the morning after your move.
9. Extra Heavy Duty Large Moving Bags
Extra Heavy Duty Large Moving Bags
Giant reusable plastic bags for clothes, linens, and soft items.
Why people love these: They are cheaper than boxes, lighter to carry, and easier to stuff in corners of a truck. Perfect for pillows, comforters, and clothes on hangers.
How to use them for closet clothes: Keep hangers on. Bundle 10 to 15 garments together on their hangers. Slide the bag up from the bottom with the hangers sticking out the top. Tie it off. On the other end, hang them right back up.
10. Felt Furniture Pads
Stick-on felt pieces for the bottom of furniture legs.
Why you need these: Hardwood and tile floors get scratched fast when you slide furniture. Felt pads prevent scratches and make furniture easier to slide.
When to put them on: Before move day. Our crew can help apply them if you forget, but it is much easier to do when the furniture is in your old place and empty.
11. Furniture Sliders
Hard plastic discs that go under furniture legs for easy sliding.
When you need these: If you are moving furniture yourself, these are essential. For a professional move, we bring our own equipment.
Pro tip: Use sliders to reposition furniture in your new home after we leave. Nobody wants to hire movers twice to move the couch three feet.
12. Sharpie Permanent Markers
Thick black permanent markers for labeling boxes.
Why permanent: A ballpoint pen label rubs off. A thick Sharpie label survives rain, humidity, and weeks in storage.
How to label: - One side: Room name in large letters - Another side: Top 3 items inside - Another side: "FRAGILE" or "HEAVY" if needed
Pro tip: Label at least two sides of every box. You do not know which side will face up when you pull it off the truck.
What You Do Not Need to Buy
After thousands of moves, here is what people waste money on.
Specialty dish packs with foam inserts. Packing paper and a regular box work just as well, and they are half the price.
Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. The heavy duty moving bags above do the same job for a fraction of the cost.
Bubble wrap for most items. Packing paper fills gaps better and does not leave static cling. Save bubble wrap for glass items only.
Moving kits from big box stores. They are overpriced and usually include too few boxes plus things you do not need.
Want Someone Else to Handle All This?
I get it. Moving is stressful enough without becoming an expert on packing materials and spending a weekend buying supplies online.
That is why we built Princess Packing. Our white-glove pre-pack service. Our team shows up with everything on this list and more. We pack your entire home, professionally and carefully, so you do not have to think about supplies, boxes, or materials at all.
Packages start at $595 for the kitchen and go up to $1,895 for a full home pack.
Or if you just want to talk about your move and get a free estimate, contact us or call (888) 553-4503. I will text you back within 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boxes do I need to move a 3-bedroom house? Plan for 60 to 90 boxes for a typical 3-bedroom home. This includes a mix of small boxes for books and dishes, medium boxes for kitchen items and small appliances, and large boxes for linens and lightweight items. Always buy 20 percent more than you think you need.
Where should I buy moving supplies? Amazon has the best selection and delivery speed for most moving supplies. Home Depot and U-Haul have physical locations if you need supplies immediately. Dollar stores carry basics like tape and markers but their boxes are too flimsy for a real move.
Can my movers provide their own supplies? Yes. At Castle Express Moving & Storage, we bring moving blankets, stretch wrap, tape, and basic supplies to every move. If you want us to handle the boxes and packing too, our Princess Packing service covers everything.
Is packing paper better than bubble wrap? For most items, yes. Packing paper wraps tighter, fills gaps better, and is cheaper. Save bubble wrap for glass items and fragile electronics.
How far in advance should I order moving supplies? Order your supplies 2 to 3 weeks before your move date. This gives you time to actually pack, and if you run out of anything you have time to order more.
Do I need to pack food? Perishables should be eaten or donated before the move. Non-perishables can travel in regular boxes. Plan to use up your pantry in the 2 weeks before moving so you have less to pack.
If you want help thinking through your move, give us a call. We have been helping families across Connecticut and Western Massachusetts since 2013.
- Joe Caronna, Owner, Castle Express Moving & Storage