Do Moving Companies Supply Boxes and Packing Materials?

Now that it’s time to hit the road and be off on your new adventure, you’ll need to wrap things up (pun intended) at your old place.

To pack up all your belongings, you’ll need a mix of quality packing materials. Here’s where you can get them and some tips for wrapping things up!

Not always, it depends on your contract with them. If you took a full service moving package including packing and unpacking all materials should be included in your package quote.

If not they are unlikely to give you the materials for free and you should expect to purchase or source them. You can always ask for a few boxes as a gift from the moving company but shouldn’t rely on this.

Supply Stores

• Stores: Many hardware supply stores specialize in packing materials. Chains like U-Haul, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s offer a wide range of moving supplies, like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.
• Online: Websites such as Amazon, U-Haul, Target, and Walmart also sell moving supplies with the bonus of home delivery. Don’t waste your energy running around to get supplies; rather, have them show up at your door.
• Stores: Stores like Staples and Office Depot also carry packing materials like boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap.

Movers

• Buy from Movers Direct: Most moving companies sell packing materials or offer them as part of their moving services. Check with your local moving company to see if they have supplies available for purchase. You can also ask them to throw in 10-20 boxes as a thank-you for booking with them; this is a common practice. 

Grocery and Retail Stores= Free Boxes

• Free Boxes: Go green and recycle pre-used boxes for your moving needs. Do the environment solid and make everyone happy by saving a few dollars by using old boxes. Many grocery stores, alcohol stores, and large retail stores like Macy’s have spare boxes that they might give away for free. These can be useful for packing non-fragile items. Make sure to double-check that the boxes are in good condition, haven’t sat in the rain or been ripped, and can safely carry your home goods.

Online Marketplaces

• Buy in Bulk: Websites like eBay have bulk packing materials available at a lower cost. 

Recycling Centers

• Eco-Friendly Option: Check with local recycling centres or FB community groups for used packing materials. Many people give away packing supplies after they’ve moved. You can also check in big apartment buildings that have a designated carton room. You can usually find many boxes here. Try writing in group forums as well to see if you are moving a few weeks after someone else, and you can share packing materials.

Cartons/ Boxes

• Types: Use a mix of box sizes to hold different types of items. Small boxes are good for heavy items like books and collectables, and large boxes are better for lightweight items like pillows and clothing. Don’t overstuff any box, it is better to use more boxes then over pack a box that will be too heavy to lift afterwards.
• Condition: Check the boxes you will use are sturdy and in good condition to avoid breaking. Reinforce the cracks with tape where needed.

Packing Tape

• Quality: Use strong, high-quality packing or duct tape to secure boxes. Avoid using  masking tape as it doesn't hold well for moving. Make sure to double seal the bottom of each box with tape over the entrance so that you can pack it without worrying about things falling out. Don’t hesitate to buy multiple rolls of tape as it always tends to go missing during the packing process.

Bubble Wrap

• Protection: This is by far the most fun part of the move. Who doesn’t love bubble wrap? It is ideal for wrapping fragile items like glassware, electronics, and breakables. It provides extra cushioning and prevents cracks. Don’t go light on the bubble wrap and wrap pieces individually for best results. 

Packing Paper or Styrofoam Peanuts

• Wrap and Fill: Use packing paper to wrap items and fill empty spaces in boxes between items to prevent shifting during the car ride. It’s a good alternative to newspapers, which can leave ink stains. If you don’t have anything that could be stained, feel free to go eco and reuse newspapers.

• Peanuts for Packing: These are useful for filling gaps in boxes, particularly for fragile items. Be cautious with their environmental impact. They also tend to make a huge mess when unpacking so aren’t the best option for ease of use.

Furniture Covers and Blankets

• Protection: Protect furniture and large items from scratches and dirt during the move. Use furniture covers that are made for this job or simply wrap everything around blankets so that you know your items won’t end up scratched or damaged.

Wardrobe Boxes

• Hanging Clothes: These boxes are big heroes that come with a hanging rod, making them ideal for transporting clothes directly from your closet. There is no need to unhang and fold everything; instead, transfer them directly to the box hanger and directly from there into your new closet. 

Ziplock Bags and Plastic Containers

• Small Items: Use these for small items like screws, nails, or small kitchen utensils. Label them clearly. You can use them for electrical cords that need to be kept together, as well as game pieces you don’t want to lose. 

Markers

• Labeling: Use Sharpie markers to label boxes with their contents and room. This helps with organization and easy unpacking. Labelling is the most important step in making unpacking a breeze. Also, having the boxes labeled properly will help movers know what rooms to put them in during the unloading process.

• Other Option: You can opt for a full packing service from iMoving’s top vendors to avoid this list and needing to bring packing materials. The teams worry about everything from A to Z making the move a simple walk in the park.
• Plan Ahead: Start collecting and buying packing materials as early as possible to avoid last-minute scrambles that waste your time and packing energy.
• Be Organized: Keep packing materials and packed boxes organized in a designated spot will help to make the moving and packing process more efficient.
• Pack Smart: Use your packing materials effectively. Pack heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. Throw away or donate items you no longer actually need.

Getting the right materials ahead of time and using them wisely will help make your packing process a breeze. When you know what you need and you have it available offhand for you when the packing inspiration hits, you will be ready to pack up all your home in no time. 

Packing takes lots of effort and commitment, don’t get discouraged and don’t give up, you can do this. Best of luck from all of our pros at iMoving!