Packing Supplies Checklist: What You Actually Need for a Move
Walking into a moving supply store without a plan is a reliable way to spend $300 on things you do not need while forgetting the one item that would have saved you an hour. This checklist covers exactly what to buy, how much, and what you can skip.
The Essentials
These are the items you genuinely cannot move without.
Moving Boxes
Buy a mix of sizes:
- Small boxes (1.5 cu ft): Books, canned goods, tools, anything heavy. Small boxes prevent overloading — a large box full of books is impossible to lift safely.
- Medium boxes (3 cu ft): The workhorse of any move. Kitchen items, toys, clothes, linens, small appliances.
- Large boxes (4.5 cu ft): Light but bulky items — pillows, comforters, lampshades, stuffed animals.
How many to buy:
| Home Size | Estimated Boxes |
|---|---|
| Studio / bachelor | 10–20 |
| 1-bedroom | 20–30 |
| 2-bedroom | 30–50 |
| 3-bedroom | 50–80 |
| 4-bedroom | 80–120 |
Buy slightly more than you think you need. Leftover boxes are easy to return or sell; running out mid-pack on moving eve is stressful.
Packing Tape and Tape Gun
Buy a tape gun — it makes sealing boxes dramatically faster and the tape goes on straight. Get at least 6–8 rolls of 2-inch packing tape. You will use more than you expect.
Do not use masking tape, duct tape, or scotch tape on boxes. They do not hold under the weight of stacked boxes.
Packing Paper
Packing paper (unprinted newsprint) is the most versatile packing material. Use it to:
- Wrap dishes, glasses, and kitchen items
- Crumple and stuff into boxes to fill empty space
- Wrap picture frames and mirrors
Buy a 10 lb bundle for a 1-bedroom, 20 lb for a 2-bedroom, 30+ lb for a 3-bedroom.
Markers
Buy at least 4–6 thick permanent markers. Label every box on the top and two sides with:
- Room destination (Kitchen, Master Bedroom, etc.)
- Brief contents (Dishes, Books, Winter Clothes)
- Handling notes (FRAGILE, THIS SIDE UP)
Mattress Bags
Mattress bags protect your mattress from dirt, moisture, and tears during the move. They are inexpensive (usually $5–$15) and worth every cent. Buy one per mattress.
Useful But Optional
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is excellent for fragile items — glassware, electronics, artwork, mirrors. It is more expensive than packing paper, so use it selectively. A 12-inch wide roll goes a long way.
Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe boxes have a hanging bar inside so you can transfer clothes directly from your closet without folding. They are expensive (around $15–$25 each) but save significant time if you have a large wardrobe. Two or three wardrobe boxes are usually enough for most households.
Dish Pack Boxes
Dish pack boxes have double-thick walls and are designed specifically for kitchen fragiles. If you have a lot of dishes and glassware, they are worth the extra cost. Otherwise, medium boxes with plenty of packing paper work fine.
Stretch Wrap / Plastic Wrap
Stretch wrap (the kind on a roll, not cling film) is useful for:
- Wrapping furniture drawers so they do not slide open
- Bundling items together
- Protecting upholstered furniture from dirt
4 You Moving provides shrink wrap at $50/roll or $25 for a partial roll — so you may not need to buy this separately.
Foam Pouches
Pre-made foam pouches are faster than wrapping individual items in paper. Good for wine glasses, mugs, and small figurines. Worth buying if you have a large collection of fragile items.
What You Can Skip
Specialty dish dividers: Packing paper does the same job for less money.
Foam peanuts: Messy, hard to dispose of, and packing paper works better. Skip them.
Moving straps: The crew brings their own equipment. You do not need to buy straps.
Furniture pads: 4 You Moving provides moving blankets at no charge. You do not need to buy or rent these.
Where to Get Supplies in Metro Vancouver
- Moving supply stores: U-Haul, Home Depot, and Staples all carry moving boxes and supplies
- Grocery and liquor stores: Often have free sturdy boxes — just ask
- Facebook Marketplace / Buy Nothing groups: Free or cheap used boxes
- 4 You Moving: Ask about packing materials when you get a quote
Ready to Book?
Call 778-200-8825 or get a free quote online. We serve all of Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas, 7 days a week.