Moving Supplies Checklist 2026 — What You Actually Need
Most moves under-supply on boxes and over-supply on tape. Real California moving checklist plus what to skip.
Most California moves end short on boxes and long on miscellaneous supplies. Here's what we actually use after helping with hundreds of moves.
Quick Comparison
| Pick | Best For | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|
| Boxes | U-Haul Heavy-Duty Moving Boxes (10-Pack) | $30-$50 |
| Furniture Pads | Cheap Cheap Moving Boxes Furniture Moving Pads | $50-$80 |
| Hand Truck | Cosco Heavy-Duty Folding Hand Truck Dolly | $60-$100 |
| Stretch Wrap | Stretch Wrap Industrial Plastic (5-Pack 1500 ft) | $30-$50 |
Our Picks
Box Quantity
Studio: 25-30 boxes. 1BR: 35-50. 2BR: 50-75. 3BR: 75-120. Buy 25% more than estimate — running out mid-move is brutal.
Box Sizes
60% medium boxes. 30% small (books, dishes). 10% wardrobe boxes for clothes.
Tape
1 roll of packing tape per 8-10 boxes. 1 dispenser per packing crew.
Stretch Wrap
Holds drawers shut. Protects upholstery. One 1500ft roll covers most moves.
Furniture Pads
Quilted pads, not rags. Pad before wrapping with stretch wrap.
Need help with installation? Book a service appointment or get a free quote. Same-day available across California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buy or rent supplies?
Buy boxes (cheap). Rent pads from U-Haul (cheaper than buying).
Pre-pack timeline?
Start 2-3 weeks out for full house. 1 week for apartment.
Hire movers?
For 2BR+ houses, yes. Hourly rate $80-$150 for 2-mover crew.
Need a Pro in California?
Licensed, insured, background-checked handymen. 4.9☆ rated. Same-day available.
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