Home & Garden

The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Packing Essentials, Storage, More

From boxes to back braces, here's everything you need to make moving to a new home a breeze.

From boxes to back braces, here’s everything you need to make moving a breeze.
From boxes to back braces, here’s everything you need to make moving a breeze. (Via Amazon)

Everyone knows that moving can be a nightmare. But it doesn’t have to be that way if you’ve done a bit of preparation and have the right gear.

We put together a list of must-have products that will help ease the stress of preparing for a move. From storage bins to screwdrivers, here’s everything you need to make moving to your new home a breeze.


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Bankers Box SmoothMove Classic Moving Boxes, $29.99
This set of classic, durable moving boxes is perfect for books, clothes and small kitchen items. The set includes eight small boxes and four medium boxes that come with lids. The best part? No tape required.


Moving Storage Packing Blanket, $13.98
When you’re moving large, delicate items, a moving blanket is your best bet. This double-sided, professional-grade model by DINY measures 40 inches by 72 inches and is made from durable, stitched fabric. It’s also machine-washable and comes in two colors.

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Duck Brand Bubble Wrap Roll, $22.39
Nobody wants to open a box full of broken glass or damaged personal items. Luckily, someone invented bubble wrap! This 175-foot roll wraps easily around delicate items and is perforated every 12 inches for ease of separation.


Scotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape, $19.98
This heavy-duty packing tape includes four rolls and four refillable dispensers with fall-back tabs to make sure your tape stays ready to go. It also has a guaranteed seal: If your tape fails, 3M ensures that you’ll get a full refund.


Cosco Heavy Duty Folding Hand Truck and Dolly, $52.20
Don’t be a hero on moving day — make your life a little easier by picking up this Heavy Duty Folding Hand Truck and Dolly by Cosco. Its durable steel frame holds up to 300 pounds, and it has multiple position settings so it can be used as a two-wheel, upright hand truck and a four-wheel cart, folding flat for easy storage.


Ergodyne ProFlex 1600 Back Support Brace, $19.36
Lifting heavy boxes and furniture all day takes a toll on your lower back, especially if you’re not a professional. This back brace helps move stress away from your spine to help keep your core tight and back pain to a minimum while moving.


Rubbermaid Cleverstore Large Stackable Storage Containers, 4-Pack, $74.99
Storage bins are a must when moving, and you can continue to use them to store items around the house once you’re all settled into your new place. This four-pack by Rubbermaid features stackable containers with secure locking lids made from see-through plastic.


Hefty Load and Carry Contractor Bags, $18.52
Contractor bags are your best bet when moving, thanks to their durability and size. This 26-pack by industry standard Hefty is great for packing up winter clothes or using as giant garbage bags for all of the items you can’t donate.


Komelon Steel Blade Tape Measure, $6.67
There's nothing worse than lugging a giant couch into a space that’s a few inches too small. That’s why it’s important to take measurements before you pull the trigger on any large furniture purchases. Made from steel, this sturdy measuring tape by Komelon is sure to get the job done.


Magnetic Screwdriver Set With Foldable Allen Wrench Set, $29.99
This screwdriver and Allen wrench set is essential if you’re planning to break down any large pieces of furniture that might not fit through the door once assembled. The kit includes slotted Phillips screwdrivers, precision screwdrivers, one folding Allen wrench set and a slew of screwdriver bits.


After you pick up your moving equipment, it’s crucial to organize your furniture and personal items before you move — trying to get organized on moving day almost always spells disaster. Be sure to check to see what items your local Goodwill store accepts. Donating clothes and furniture is a great way to help your community and reduce unnecessary waste.

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