Packing a whole house takes more than boxes. You need tape, wrap, padding, and labels. Run out of supplies mid-pack and you're stuck. This checklist covers what you need and how much. Use it to stock up before you start.

Boxes

Boxes are the foundation. You need a mix of sizes. Small boxes (1–1.5 cubic feet) for heavy items like books and cans. Medium boxes (2–3 cubic feet) for most household items. Large boxes (4–5 cubic feet) for light, bulky things like pillows and linens. Use specialty boxes for fragile items. Get free boxes from stores or buy a moving kit. A 2-bedroom home typically needs 50–80 boxes. A 3-bedroom needs 80–120.

Box Types

• Small (1–1.5 cf) – Books, dishes, canned goods, heavy items
• Medium (2–3 cf) – Kitchen items, clothes, general use
• Large (4–5 cf) – Linens, pillows, light bulky items
• Dish pack / cell kit – Plates, bowls, glassware
• Wardrobe box – Hanging clothes (see clothes packing guide)
• TV / mirror box – Screens, mirrors, large flat items

Tape

Use packing tape, not masking or duct tape. Packing tape is strong and sticks to cardboard. Buy a few rolls—you'll use more than you think. A 2-bedroom move can use 5–8 rolls. Get a tape dispenser to make sealing faster. Clear or brown tape both work.

Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper

Bubble wrap protects fragile items. Use it for dishes, glassware, mirrors, and electronics. Packing paper works for wrapping and filling voids. Crumpled paper prevents items from shifting. You can use newspaper for padding, but ink can transfer to dishes—packing paper is safer. For fragile items, see our packing fragile items guide. Budget: 1–2 rolls of bubble wrap and 1–2 packs of packing paper for an average move.

Markers and Labels

Use permanent markers to label boxes. Black or blue on light tape or directly on the box. Write on two sides so labels are visible when stacked. Colored tape or stickers work for color-coded labeling. Have at least 2–3 markers on hand.

Furniture Covers and Blankets

Moving blankets protect furniture from scratches and dings. You can rent them from moving companies or buy cheap ones. Plastic stretch wrap keeps drawers closed and protects upholstery from dirt. Use it to wrap mattresses and box springs. Cardboard corner protectors help for tables and large frames.

Supply	2-Bedroom Qty	Notes
Small boxes	15–20	Heavy items only
Medium boxes	25–35	Most common size
Large boxes	10–15	Light, bulky only
Packing tape	5–8 rolls	Packing tape, not masking
Bubble wrap	1–2 rolls	Fragile items
Packing paper	1–2 packs	Wrap + fill voids
Markers	2–3	Permanent, bold
Wardrobe boxes	2–4	If you have hanging clothes

Specialty Supplies

Dish packs / cell kits – Cardboard dividers for plates and bowls. Worth it if you have a lot of dishes. TV boxes – Custom-fit for screens. Rent or buy from movers. Mirror boxes – Tall, narrow boxes for mirrors and art. Mattress bags – Plastic bags that zip or tie around mattresses. Vacuum bags – Compress clothes and bedding to save space. Useful for clothes packing.

Optional but Helpful

Box cutter – For breaking down boxes and opening them at the new place. Scissors – For cutting tape and wrap. Ziploc bags – For small parts, screws, and cords. Twist ties – For bundling cords. Rubber bands – For grouping items. Garbage bags – For soft items, trash, or the garbage bag clothes method.

Where to Buy

Home Depot, Lowe's, U-Haul, and Amazon sell moving kits. Kits include boxes, tape, and sometimes wrap. Compare prices—bundles can save money. For free boxes, hit grocery stores, liquor stores, and online classifieds. See our free moving boxes guide. Specialty items (wardrobe boxes, TV boxes) usually come from moving suppliers or truck rental companies.

Budget Tips

Get free boxes first. Buy tape and markers—they're cheap. Use towels, blankets, and clothes as padding instead of bubble wrap where you can. Rent furniture blankets instead of buying. Skip specialty boxes for items that can be packed well in regular boxes with extra padding. Use our moving cost calculator to see how DIY packing affects your total move cost.

When Supplies Are Included

If you hire full-service packers, they bring everything. Boxes, tape, wrap, and specialty items are included. You pay for the service, not the supplies. Good option if you're short on time or have many fragile items. Check our moving checklist to plan your timeline.

Summary

Stock up on boxes (small, medium, large), packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers. Add wardrobe boxes if you have hanging clothes. Get specialty boxes for TV, mirrors, and dishes if needed. Use free boxes where possible. Buy supplies 2–3 weeks before you start packing.