Packing/Moving Supplies

Packing Tape - You will use plenty of this stuff for packing boxes, and has many other uses.

Tape Gun/Dispenser - This will help you while packing, save time and stop losing the end of the tape roll.

Wrapping Paper - Using newspaper makes packing and unpacking a dirty job. Nothing like having to wash every dish once you move in. Use plain wrapping paper to keep items from banging against each other in boxes.

Boxes -

Moving Kits- These kits offer a pre-determined mix of boxes and supplies that have been estimated to support the type of move you are doing.
Dish Boxes/Barrels - A heavy weight box for fragile items.
Mirror/Picture Frame Boxes - Great for safety transporting pictures and Mirrors.
Wardrobes - Don't shove your clothes in a suitcase or a garbage bag, neatly hang your clothes in these portable closets.
Small Boxes- Great for heavy items like books.
Med Boxes - General all purpose box.
Large Boxes - Great for lightweight bulky items like jackets and bedding.
Cardboard - If you have some large pieces of cardboard they are great for putting between items as padding or use it to cover hardwood floors when moving in and out. You can also use leftover boxes cut open and laid flat.

Markers – Use these to label your box contents and indicate where they need to go when they arrive.

Utility Knife – Cut tape, rope, cardboard, always a handy item during packing and unpacking.

Rope – A necessity on move day for tying items together or in tight on the truck.

Trash Bags – Great for packing soft, light weight items, keeping them clean and dry on move day. Just make sure you mark them somehow so they don't end up on the curb.

Furniture Covers – Protect your upholstered furnishings from moisture and dirt during the move

Sofa, love seat, chair covers
Mattress Bags – Come in all sizes
Bubble Wrap or Foam Wrap - Protect fragile items from breakage. Bubble wrap is cheap when it compares to replacing that piece of heirloom china or your favorite antique vase.

Rubber Bands Or Rubber Straps - Large rubber bands or straps are great for holding furniture closed during the move. Armoires or cabinets with swing open doors should be secured before you move them. You can wrap a blanket around the item first if you are worried about the band damaging the furniture.

Padlock – If you plan on stopping along the way make sure you have a good quality lock to securely lock the door of the truck.

Shrink/Stretch Wrap -

Wide - Shrink wrap that is wide is excellent for repackaging large items such as appliances. Using cardboard or a moving blanket and then wrapping with shrink wrap will provide protection from scratches and dents. You can also use it for bundling large items.
Narrow - Shrink wrap that is narrow is great for bundling long skinny items such as long handled garden tools and curtain rods.
Back Band/Brace - You will be doing a lot of lifting during your move. Add extra support and help keep your back straight when lifting.

Forearm Lifts - A forearm lift is essentially a heavy strap that wraps around your forearms and allows you and another person to carry bulky items without having to lift them high.

Carpet Protector – Used mostly by moving companies this product will protect your carpets from being damaged during your move. This is a plastic sheet with a light adhesive that is rolled onto the carpet in strips. Great for hallways and heavy traffic areas during the move.

Gloves - Protect your hands from cuts, punctures, and pinches. Even a light weight jersey glove would work better than nothing. Be careful with slippery items like glass table tops, you may need to take the gloves off.

Equipment:

Furniture Pads/Blankets - Furniture pads protect your furniture during moving. Wrap hard bulky items when they have the potential of coming in contact with each other and doing damage. Blankets are inexpensive when compared to the damage that can be done when your items are not protected.

Hand trucks - Hand trucks save your back when moving heavy items. Appliance hand trucks have straps and rollers to assist you while moving the appliance. Standard hand trucks are good for moving multiple boxes.

Car Dollies or Car Carriers – Prevent unnecessary mileage on your vehicle, save gas money, and enjoy the safety of traveling with two people in the cab of your truck. Available for one-way moves only on 16' and 24' trucks.

What else you need:

Drinks - Moving is hard work and you need to keep hydrated no matter what time of the year. Have plenty of water or sports drinks on hand. Don't drink beverages with alcohol as they only dehydrate you more and could impair your judgment.

Tools - Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and sockets will help you dismantle furniture for transport. If you have a cordless screw driver get a selection of common size Phillips, flat head, Allen, Torx, and nut driver bits. This will dramatically reduce the time it takes to disassemble beds, furniture, and anything else. Don't forget to have extra batteries on hand and make sure they are fully charged.

Friends and Family - Ask for help, friends and family are great resources. Keep everyone happy and make sure you have food and drinks on hand during the move. Don't forget to offer to return the favor someday or your next move could be a long one!