Packing & Preparation

Choosing Packing Supplies & Boxes

The right packing supplies can make your move easier to organize and help protect your belongings during handling. This guide explains how to choose box sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and specialty boxes based on what you're packing.

Quick Overview

You don't need every type of packing material available. Start with a mix of box sizes, choose strong tape, and use the right protective material for each type of item. Specialty boxes can be useful when standard boxes aren't a good fit.

Quick Facts

  • Use smaller boxes for heavy items such as books and canned goods.
  • Use medium and larger boxes for lighter household belongings.
  • Choose packing tape designed for moving rather than ordinary household tape.
  • Use bubble wrap for items that need impact protection.
  • Use packing paper to wrap and cushion everyday household items.
  • Consider specialty boxes for mirrors, artwork, wardrobes, and other unusually shaped belongings.
  • Buy a little extra material so you don't run out during the final stages of packing.

In This Guide

  • How to choose the right box sizes
  • How much packing tape you need
  • When to use bubble wrap
  • When packing paper is the better choice
  • Which items may need specialty boxes
  • How to estimate the supplies you'll need
  • Common packing supply mistakes to avoid
Packing supplies guide showing moving box sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and specialty boxes
A practical guide to choosing packing materials based on the items you're moving.

How Should You Choose Moving Box Sizes?

There isn't one box size that works for everything. A good packing setup uses several sizes so you can match the box to the weight, shape, and quantity of the items you're packing.

As a general rule, put heavier belongings into smaller boxes and lighter belongings into larger boxes. This keeps boxes easier to lift and reduces the chance of overloading them.

Box Size Good For What to Watch For
Small Books, canned goods, tools, small appliances Don't fill with too many heavy items.
Medium Kitchen items, toys, shoes, household items Balance weight so the box remains manageable.
Large Clothing, bedding, pillows, lightweight decorations Avoid filling with heavy belongings.
Specialty Wardrobe, mirrors, artwork, unusually shaped items Choose a box designed for the specific item.
Tip: If you're unsure which size to use, think about the finished box rather than the empty box. A box that's easy to carry when empty can become difficult to handle once it's filled with heavy items.

How Much Packing Tape Do You Need?

Packing tape is one of the supplies you'll use throughout the entire process, so running out near the end can slow everything down. Choose tape that is designed to seal moving boxes securely.

Apply tape to the bottom seams before filling a box and seal the top after packing it. For heavier boxes, make sure the bottom is properly secured before adding the contents.

What Should You Look For in Packing Tape?

  • Choose tape intended for packing or moving boxes.
  • Use a dispenser if you're packing a large number of boxes.
  • Make sure the bottom seams are securely sealed.
  • Seal the top of each box after packing it.
  • Keep extra rolls available for the final packing days.
Note: Don't rely on a single narrow strip of tape for a heavily loaded box. The box should be properly sealed and its weight should remain appropriate for its size.

When Should You Use Bubble Wrap?

Bubble wrap is useful when an item needs additional protection from impact or contact with other belongings. It's particularly helpful for delicate objects with surfaces or shapes that could be damaged during handling.

Use enough material to protect the item without making the package unnecessarily large. For items with multiple pieces, wrap the individual components before placing them together in a properly cushioned box.

Bubble Wrap Works Well For

  • Glass and delicate decorative items
  • Small electronics
  • Picture frames
  • Ceramics
  • Decorative objects
  • Items with delicate surfaces
Important: Bubble wrap is protective material, not a substitute for a properly packed box. Fragile items should still be placed in a sturdy box with enough cushioning to prevent movement.

When Should You Use Packing Paper?

Packing paper is useful for wrapping everyday household items and filling empty spaces inside boxes. It's especially practical when you're packing dishes, kitchenware, decorations, and other items that need separation and cushioning.

Wrap individual pieces when needed and use additional paper to fill gaps around the contents. The goal is to prevent items from shifting while the box is being handled.

Packing Paper Works Well For

  • Dishes and bowls
  • Glassware
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Decorations
  • Small household items
  • Filling empty spaces inside boxes
Tip: Use packing paper to cushion empty spaces after the main items are packed. If the contents can move freely when you gently shift the box, add more cushioning before sealing it.

When Should You Use Specialty Boxes?

Standard boxes work for many household belongings, but some items are easier to protect when the box is designed for their shape or purpose. Specialty boxes can also make certain belongings easier to handle and organize.

You don't need specialty boxes for everything. Consider them when a standard box would leave an item poorly supported, difficult to pack, or unnecessarily exposed to damage.

Common Specialty Boxes

Specialty Box Useful For Why Consider It
Wardrobe Box Hanging clothing Lets clothes remain on hangers during the move.
Mirror or Picture Box Mirrors, framed artwork, and pictures Provides a better fit for large, flat items.
Dish Box Plates, bowls, and glassware Provides a sturdy container for heavier fragile items.
TV Box Televisions and large screens Designed to accommodate larger electronic displays.
Mattress Box Mattresses and box springs Helps keep bedding protected during handling.
Tip: Before buying a specialty box, check whether you already have suitable original packaging. Original boxes can be especially useful for electronics and other items designed to fit a specific container.

How Can You Estimate the Packing Supplies You'll Need?

It's difficult to know the exact number of boxes and rolls of tape you'll need before you start sorting. Instead of trying to calculate everything perfectly, begin with a reasonable supply and adjust as you pack.

Keep extra boxes and packing materials available as you get closer to moving day. It's easier to have a few supplies left over than to stop packing because you ran out of something important.

Basic Supply Checklist

  • Small, medium, and large moving boxes
  • Specialty boxes when needed
  • Packing tape
  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing paper
  • Box labels or markers
  • Scissors or a packing tape dispenser
  • Additional cushioning material
Note: The amount of supplies you'll need depends on the size of your home, how much you're moving, and how many belongings require individual protection. Use your first few packing sessions to adjust your estimate.

How Should You Match Packing Materials to Your Belongings?

Different materials serve different purposes. Choosing the right combination can help you avoid using too much of one material while leaving another type of item under-protected.

Item Recommended Material Additional Consideration
Books Small boxes Keep boxes manageable because books become heavy quickly.
Glassware Packing paper and cushioning Wrap individual pieces and prevent movement.
Decorations Packing paper or bubble wrap Choose protection based on how delicate the item is.
Electronics Bubble wrap and appropriate boxes Use original packaging when available.
Clothing Large boxes or wardrobe boxes Use wardrobe boxes for clothing that needs to remain hanging.
Artwork Specialty boxes and cushioning Use a suitable box for large or delicate pieces.

What Packing Supply Mistakes Should You Avoid?

Buying packing supplies without considering what you're actually moving can leave you with the wrong combination of boxes and protective materials. A little planning before shopping can help you avoid unnecessary supplies and last-minute trips for more materials.

  • Using one box size for everything: Different belongings require different amounts of space and have different weight considerations.
  • Putting heavy items in large boxes: Large boxes can become difficult to handle when filled with books, cookware, or other heavy belongings.
  • Using ordinary tape: Choose tape intended for sealing moving boxes and make sure the seams are properly secured.
  • Using too little cushioning: Items should not be able to move freely inside a packed box.
  • Overusing bubble wrap: Not every household item needs individual bubble wrap. Packing paper can often provide suitable separation and cushioning for everyday items.
  • Skipping specialty boxes when they are useful: Large mirrors, hanging clothing, and certain unusually shaped belongings may be easier to pack with a box designed for that purpose.
  • Buying supplies too late: Give yourself enough time to get additional materials if your initial estimate is too low.
Important: Before packing unusual, valuable, or especially delicate belongings, make sure you understand any packing or transportation requirements that may apply to them.

What Should You Do Before You Start Packing?

Take a quick inventory of the rooms you're packing and identify which belongings need special protection. This gives you a better idea of the box sizes and packing materials you'll actually need.

  1. Walk through each room and identify what you're moving.
  2. Separate heavy items from lightweight belongings.
  3. Identify fragile and unusually shaped items.
  4. Choose the box sizes that fit each category.
  5. Set aside specialty boxes for items that need them.
  6. Gather tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, and other cushioning.
  7. Keep extra supplies available as you get closer to moving day.
Keep It Simple: You don't need to buy every packing product available. Start with the basics, match the supplies to your belongings, and add specialty materials only where they solve a specific packing problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size moving boxes should I use?

Use smaller boxes for heavier belongings and larger boxes for lightweight items such as clothing, bedding, and pillows. Having several box sizes usually works better than using one size for everything.

Is packing tape different from regular tape?

Packing tape is designed for sealing boxes and is generally a better choice for moving. Make sure the bottom and top seams are properly secured before handling a packed box.

When should I use bubble wrap?

Use bubble wrap when an item needs additional protection from impact or contact with other belongings. It's useful for delicate surfaces, glass, ceramics, small electronics, and decorative items.

Can I use newspaper instead of packing paper?

Packing paper is designed for wrapping and cushioning household belongings without the same concern about newspaper ink transferring onto surfaces. For items where cleanliness matters, packing paper is the simpler choice.

Do I need specialty moving boxes?

Not necessarily. Standard boxes work for many belongings, but specialty boxes can make items such as hanging clothing, mirrors, artwork, and mattresses easier to pack and protect.

How many moving boxes do I need?

The number depends on the size of your home and how much you're moving. Start with a reasonable mix of sizes and adjust your supply as you work through each room.

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