Essential Packing Materials Guide (And Where to Get Them)

Whether you're moving house, shipping items, or putting things into storage, having the right packing materials is crucial for protecting your belongings. This guide covers the essential supplies you'll need, where to find them, and tips for saving money.

Key Packing Materials

Here's a breakdown of the must-have items:

1. Boxes (The Foundation)

• Standard Cardboard Boxes: These come in various sizes:
  • Small Boxes (e.g., 1.5 cu ft): Best for heavy items like books, tools, canned goods. Keeps weight manageable.
  • Medium Boxes (e.g., 3.0 cu ft): Versatile for kitchen items, small appliances, toys, non-heavy décor.
  • Large Boxes (e.g., 4.5 cu ft): Ideal for lighter, bulky items like linens, pillows, blankets, lampshades. Avoid overpacking with heavy items.
  • Extra-Large Boxes (e.g., 6.0 cu ft): For very light items like comforters, large cushions.
• Specialty Boxes:
  • Wardrobe Boxes: Tall boxes with a metal bar for hanging clothes directly from the closet. Saves time and keeps clothes wrinkle-free.
  • Dish Pack Boxes (Dish Barrels): Heavy-duty, often double-walled boxes designed for fragile kitchenware like plates, glasses, and bowls. Sometimes come with cell dividers.
  • Mirror/Picture Boxes: Telescoping boxes (usually in 2 or 4 pieces) that adjust to fit mirrors, artwork, and flat-screen TVs securely.

Where to Get Boxes: Moving supply stores (U-Haul, Penske), hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's), office supply stores (Staples, Office Depot), big-box retailers (Walmart, Target), online retailers (Amazon, Uline), directly from moving companies. Sometimes available used or free from grocery stores, liquor stores, or community marketplaces (check condition!).

2. Protective Wrapping (Cushioning & Surface Protection)

• Bubble Wrap: Plastic sheeting with air-filled bubbles. Essential for cushioning fragile items like glassware, electronics, and collectibles. Comes in different bubble sizes (small for wrapping, large for filling voids).
• Packing Paper (Unprinted Newsprint): Clean paper used for wrapping items (dishes, glasses), filling empty spaces in boxes, and providing basic cushioning. Better than printed newspaper as it won't transfer ink.
• Foam Wrap/Sheets: Thin foam material excellent for protecting surfaces from scratches (furniture finishes, screens, delicate items).
• Moving Blankets/Furniture Pads: Thick, padded blankets used to wrap furniture and large appliances to prevent scratches, dents, and dings during transit. Often rentable.
• Stretch Wrap: Large rolls of plastic film used to wrap around furniture (keeping drawers closed, protecting upholstery) or to bundle items together (like poles or rugs).

Where to Get Protective Wrapping: Same places as boxes (moving supply, hardware, office supply, online retailers). Moving blankets are often rented from truck rental places or moving companies.

3. Sealing Supplies (Closing it Up)

• Packing Tape: Strong adhesive tape specifically designed for sealing cardboard boxes. Look for acrylic or hot melt adhesive. Get multiple rolls! Avoid using duct tape, masking tape, or scotch tape as they aren't strong enough for sealing moving boxes.
• Tape Dispenser: A handheld dispenser makes applying tape much faster, easier, and cuts it cleanly. Highly recommended.

Where to Get Sealing Supplies: Widely available at all stores selling packing materials, including supermarkets and drug stores.

4. Labeling Supplies (Staying Organized)

• Permanent Markers: Use thick-tipped permanent markers (like Sharpies) to clearly label each box. Include:
  • Contents (general description, e.g., "Kitchen - Pots & Pans")
  • Destination Room (e.g., "Master Bedroom", "Kitchen")
  • Handling Instructions (e.g., "Fragile", "This Side Up")
• Packing Labels: Pre-printed or blank adhesive labels can supplement markers, especially for indicating "Fragile" or room destinations clearly.

Where to Get Labeling Supplies: Office supply stores, supermarkets, hardware stores, online retailers.

5. Other Useful Tools

• Box Cutter / Utility Knife: Essential for safely opening boxes once you arrive. Keep one handy but pack others safely.
• Scissors: Useful for cutting tape, paper, or bubble wrap if you don't have a dispenser or box cutter readily available.
• Zip-Top Bags: Great for keeping small parts (like screws from disassembled furniture), liquids (toiletries - double bag!), and collections of small items organized within larger boxes.

Where to Get Other Tools: Hardware stores, office supply stores, supermarkets, home goods stores.

Where to Get Packing Supplies: Summary

• Moving Supply Stores: U-Haul, Penske, local moving companies (often sell supplies separately). Specialized selection.
• Hardware Stores: Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware. Good selection, often convenient.
• Office Supply Stores: Staples, Office Depot. Good for boxes, tape, markers, labels.
• Big Box Retailers: Walmart, Target. Offer basic supplies, often at competitive prices.
• Online Retailers: Amazon, Uline, specialised packing supply websites. Wide selection, bulk options, convenient delivery but requires planning.
• Free Sources (Use Caution): Grocery stores, liquor stores, bookstores, online marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Freecycle), work (ask office manager). Always inspect free boxes for cleanliness, strength, and integrity (no water damage, pests, or structural weakness).

Tips for Saving Money on Packing Supplies

• Start Early & Collect Free Boxes: Ask friends, neighbours, local businesses, or check online groups for free, gently used boxes. Just ensure they are clean and sturdy.
• Use Household Items for Padding: Towels, blankets, sheets, socks, and clothing can be used to wrap non-fragile items or fill gaps in boxes.
• Buy Kits or Bundles: Some retailers offer moving kits with an assortment of boxes and supplies, which can sometimes be cheaper than buying individually.
• Price Compare: Check prices online and at local stores before buying, especially if you need large quantities.
• Rent Instead of Buying: Rent items like moving blankets or wardrobe boxes if you only need them for the move itself.
• Reuse: Save sturdy boxes and bubble wrap from packages you receive leading up to your move.
• Don't Overbuy Specialty Boxes: While helpful, they are more expensive. Use standard boxes creatively where possible.

Investing in the right packing materials makes moving or shipping less stressful and ensures your belongings arrive safely. Plan ahead, gather your supplies, and pack smart!