The Ultimate Moving Supplies Checklist for a Stress-Free Move

Moving to a new home is exciting, but packing can quickly become overwhelming without the right supplies. That’s why we’ve created this complete moving supplies checklist to help you stay organized and stress-free.

As a trusted Denver moving company, Abe Lincoln Movers knows how important it is to have the right tools for a smooth transition. Whether you’re packing up a small apartment or a large home, this guide covers everything you need—from sturdy moving boxes and packing materials to must-have moving tools.

Let’s dive in and make your move as seamless as possible!

Man writing on boxes with markers, important to have in your moving supplies.

Why Moving Supplies Matter for a Stress-Free Move

If there’s one thing that can make or break a move, it’s preparation. Having the right supplies on hand means fewer last-minute store runs and less frustration when packing your belongings.

First, think about the essentials: boxes, packing tape, and labels. It’s easy to underestimate how many boxes you’ll need, but it’s better to have extras than to run out at the worst possible time. Consider using small boxes for books, medium boxes for kitchenware, and larger boxes for lightweight, bulky items like pillows and linens.

For delicate or valuable items, investing in protective materials like bubble wrap or foam sheets is worth it. Properly wrapping fragile belongings can mean the difference between unpacking with ease or dealing with unnecessary breakage. Even everyday items like towels and clothing can double as extra padding to cushion fragile pieces.

Labeling is another game-changer. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home and not knowing which box belongs in which room. A simple strategy? Use color-coded labels for each room and mark fragile items clearly so they’re handled with extra care.

Man opening box of supplies after reading our moving supplies checklist.

Packing Supplies You Actually Need

Packing is one of those tasks that always takes longer than expected. You start off thinking you only need a few boxes, but before you know it, you’re scrambling for more tape and wondering how to pack your glassware without breaking half of it. The key to a smooth move? Having the right supplies before you start.

Start with the Right Boxes

Boxes seem simple, but using the wrong size can lead to damaged belongings or an aching back. Think of it this way—the heavier the item, the smaller the box. Books, tools, and canned goods belong in small boxes, while medium-sized boxes work best for kitchenware, small electronics, and home decor. Large boxes? Those are for lightweight but bulky items like pillows, blankets, and clothing.

If you’re packing clothes straight from your closet, wardrobe boxes can save you the hassle of folding and refolding. And if you’re packing dishes, dish pack boxes with dividers are worth the extra cost to keep everything intact.

Protecting What Matters

One of the biggest mistakes people make is underestimating how much protection their items need. It’s tempting to grab a stack of newspapers and start wrapping everything, but that can leave ink stains on fragile items. Instead, bubble wrap is your best bet for delicate glassware, electronics, and anything breakable. Packing paper is a great alternative for dishes, and if you’re stacking plates, slip a foam sheet between each one for extra protection.

For furniture, stretch wrap is your best friend—it keeps drawers from sliding open and prevents scratches. Large items like sofas and dressers benefit from moving blankets, which shield them from dents and dust.

Sealing & Labeling: A Small Step That Saves Hours

There’s a big difference between cheap tape that peels off and heavy-duty packing tape that actually holds. Invest in the good stuff, and if you want to save yourself frustration, use a tape gun dispenser to speed up the process.

Once everything is packed, label every box. You might think you’ll remember where things go, but by the time you get to your new place, everything will look the same. Use permanent markers to note what’s inside and which room it belongs to. If you want to take it a step further, color-coded labels make unloading even easier—blue for the kitchen, green for the bedroom, and red for fragile items.

The Extras That Make a Big Difference

Some packing supplies seem unnecessary until you realize how much easier they make things.

  • Mattress bags keep dust and dirt off your bed while in transit.
  • TV boxes are designed with padding to prevent screen damage.
  • Ziplock bags are perfect for screws, cables, and small accessories—just tape them to the item they belong to.

Packing is all about preparation and efficiency. If you start with the right supplies, you’ll save yourself stress, reduce the chance of damage, and make unpacking so much easier.

Couple packing dishes into box after reading our moving supplies checklist.

Moving Day Essentials: What to Have Ready for Your Movers

When you hire Abe Lincoln Movers, your primary role on moving day is to stay organized and ensure everything is set for a smooth transition. With our team handling the heavy lifting, a few simple preparations from your moving supplies checklist will help keep the process efficient and stress-free.

Make Sure Everything is Packed & Ready to Go

Movers work best when everything is properly packed before they arrive.

  • Seal all boxes securely with strong packing tape to prevent shifting.
  • Label every box clearly with its destination room to speed up unloading.
  • Separate fragile items and inform the movers about anything that needs special handling.

Protecting Your Home & Furniture

At Abe Lincoln Movers, we take every precaution to protect your home and belongings throughout the moving process. Our team comes prepared with furniture sliders, padding, and protective coverings to prevent scuffs, dents, and damage to floors, doorways, and walls.

  • Floor protection is used when needed to prevent scratches on hardwood or tile.
  • Furniture padding and stretch wrap keep large items secure and protected during transport.
  • Doorways and wall shields may be used in tight spaces for added care.

If you have any specific concerns, just let us know—we’re happy to accommodate special requests to ensure your move is as smooth as possible.

Keep Important Items Accessible

While the movers take care of your furniture and boxes, you should have quick access to essential items:

  • A small bag with personal essentials (phone charger, medications, wallet, keys).
  • Cleaning supplies for a final walkthrough once everything is loaded.
  • Basic tools like a screwdriver or wrench in case something needs last-minute disassembly.

💡 Mover’s Tip: If you have items you don’t want to be loaded onto the truck, such as important documents or valuables, set them aside in a separate area so there’s no mix-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many moving boxes do I need?
A: It depends on the size of your home, but a general guideline is 10-15 boxes per room. If in doubt, having extra boxes is always better than running out at the last minute.

Q: Where can I get free moving boxes?
A: Many grocery stores, liquor stores, and office supply shops have free boxes available. Just check to make sure they’re sturdy enough for reuse.

Q: How do I move heavy furniture safely?
A: Using furniture sliders, moving straps, and a dolly will make the process much easier. Hiring professional movers like Abe Lincoln Movers can help prevent injuries and ensure everything arrives safely if you’re moving heavy and/or cumbersome items.

Q: What’s the best way to protect fragile items?
A: Bubble wrap, foam sheets, and even towels or blankets can cushion delicate belongings. When packing dishes, always place them vertically instead of stacking them to reduce the risk of breakage.

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Final Thoughts & Free Checklist Download

Proper preparation is key to a stress-free move. Download our free moving supplies checklist to stay organized and ensure nothing is left behind.

Do you need help with the heavy lifting? Abe Lincoln Movers is here to assist! Contact us today for professional, stress-free moving services.