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Essential Moving Supplies Cost Ultimate Guide

How much does moving supplies actually cost? Moving to a new home is like playing Tetris—except the blocks are your furniture 🧱

At least there’s no “game over” if you mess up… while moving. But, it may costly if you don’t know about essential moving supplies.

So, before Budgeting for Your Next Move in Canada or USA, you got the best guide on the internet on essential moving supplies.

You need to know about: 📦🗑️🦺 etc.

Let’s not even get started on losing a screw from your bed frame

The Cost of Moving Supplies

When preparing for a move, the first thing on your checklist should be gathering all the moving supplies you’ll need. While some costs might seem minor, they can add up faster than you think.

Basic Supplies: These include tape, markers, and cleaning products. While relatively inexpensive, don’t underestimate how much you’ll need. It’s always better to have more than less—no one wants to pause the packing process for a last-minute run to the store.
Boxes: Depending on the size of your home, you’ll need many boxes in various sizes. For instance, a two-bedroom apartment might require around $150 worth of cardboard boxes. If you prefer a more eco-friendly option, consider renting reusable bins for about $110.
Protective Gear: This includes bubble wrap, packing paper, and mattress covers. Expect to spend about $100 on these essential items to ensure your belongings are protected.
Equipment: To make moving day easier, you might need items like dollies, hand trucks, and straps, which can range between $100 to $150. Moving pads are also essential to prevent scratches on your furniture and floors.

Supply	Cost Estimate
Cardboard Boxes	$150
Reusable Bins	$110
Protective Gear	$100
Moving Equipment (Dollies)	$100 – $150

Consider buying second-hand boxes or checking online marketplaces for deals on used supplies. This not only saves money but also supports recycling efforts. Plus, some moving companies offer free packing supplies when you hire them—so be sure to ask!

The Best Transportation Method: Movers or Moving Truck?

One of the most critical decisions you’ll make during your move is choosing the right transportation method. This decision heavily influences the overall moving supplies cost.

Hiring Professional Movers:

Cost: Hiring professional movers typically costs between $100 to $135 per hour for two movers and a truck. While it’s a more expensive option, it’s also more convenient and reduces physical strain.
What’s Included: Most movers provide essential equipment like quilted blankets and mats to protect your furniture and floors, which might otherwise be additional costs if you go the DIY route.

DIY Moving Truck Rental:

Cost: Renting a truck, such as a U-Haul, can be more budget-friendly. For example, a 10-foot truck might cost $20 per day, with an additional $0.90 per kilometer and around $25 for insurance.
Flexibility: DIY moving gives you control over your schedule and how you pack, but remember to consider all associated costs, like fuel, insurance, and the time spent on the move.

Option	Cost Estimate
Professional Movers	$100 – $135 per hour
DIY Truck Rental (U-Haul)	$20 per day + $0.90/km + $25 insurance

Wanna save money?

Book your truck rental early, especially during peak moving seasons. Also, consider hybrid options like renting an 8-foot container for about $600, which offers flexibility without the full cost of professional movers.

🏷️ Check our PRICE ESTIMATOR

Benefits of Hiring Professional Movers

While the idea of saving money by doing everything yourself is tempting, hiring professional movers can be a game-changer and might justify the moving supplies cost.

Expertise: Professional movers are trained in packing, lifting, and transporting your items efficiently and safely. They come equipped with the right tools, such as quilted blankets and moving pads, ensuring your belongings are well-protected.
Insurance: Most moving companies offer insurance coverage, so if anything gets damaged, you’re likely covered. This peace of mind is invaluable during a move.
Convenience: Letting professionals handle the heavy lifting saves time and reduces stress. You’ll also avoid potential injuries from lifting heavy items improperly.

While hiring movers might seem like an added expense, the benefits—expertise, insurance, and convenience—often outweigh the costs, especially if you want a smoother moving experience.

What Influences the Costs of Moving with Professional Movers?

Several factors can influence the cost of hiring professional movers, including the moving supplies cost:

Timing: Moving during peak season (summer months) can significantly increase costs. Try to schedule your move during the off-season if possible.
# of Crew: While hiring fewer movers might seem cheaper, a larger crew can complete the job faster, potentially reducing your overall costs.
Distance: The further you move, the higher the costs. Companies typically charge for travel time from their office to your home and back.
Special Items: Moving specialty items like pianos or oversized furniture might require additional fees or specialized equipment.

How do I choose the right moving box sizes for my belongings?

Choosing the right moving box sizes for your belongings is crucial for an efficient and safe move.

Here’s how you can select the appropriate box sizes based on the items you’re packing:

Understanding Box Types and Sizes

Small Boxes (1.5 cubic feet):

Best For: Heavy items like books, canned goods, tools, and small appliances.
Why: These boxes are compact and sturdy, making them perfect for items that are dense and heavy. Overloading larger boxes with these items could make them too heavy to carry.

Medium Boxes (3 cubic feet):

Best For: Kitchenware, small electronics, toys, and linens.
Why: Medium boxes are versatile and can handle a variety of items without becoming too heavy. They provide enough space for packing items that are not too large or bulky.

Large Boxes (4.5 cubic feet):

Best For: Lightweight and bulky items like pillows, blankets, lampshades, and clothing.
Why: These boxes are spacious and ideal for items that take up more room but don’t weigh much. Avoid overpacking with heavy items to keep them manageable.

Extra-Large Boxes (6 cubic feet):

Best For: Large, lightweight items like comforters, large cushions, and winter coats.
Why: These boxes are great for bulky items that need space but aren’t too heavy. They help protect your items from being crushed.

Wardrobe Boxes:

Best For: Hanging clothes, suits, dresses, and coats.
Why: These tall boxes come with a hanging bar, allowing you to transport your clothes directly from the closet to the box without folding them, keeping them wrinkle-free.

Dish Pack Boxes:

Best For: Fragile kitchen items like dishes, glassware, and ceramics.
Why: These boxes are double-walled for extra protection and often come with cell dividers to separate and protect fragile items.

4 How to Guides for Your Packing

4 How to Guides for your packing –

📚 How to Pack Hanging Clothes for Moving in Canada

📚 How to Pack Jewelry for Moving it Safely? [11 Standard Precautions from Experts]

📚 How to Pack a Dresser for Moving? One-Stop Guide [Shouldn’t Ignore #6]

📚 How to Pack Fragile Items for a Smooth Move?

How to Choose the Right Size

Evaluate Your Belongings: Start by assessing what you need to pack. Make a list of items and their general sizes and weights.
Mix and Match: Use a combination of box sizes to optimize space and avoid overloading any single box. Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in large boxes.
Consider Special Items: For items like artwork, mirrors, or lampshades, you might need specialty moving boxes designed to protect these specific items.
Don’t Overstuff: Always leave a little room at the top of each box to cushion items with packing paper or bubble wrap.

Additional Tips

Labeling: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make unpacking much easier.
Weight Limit: Try to keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds to make them easier to lift and carry without risking damage to the box or injury to yourself.

Use Packing Paper and Bubble Wrap: Cushion items inside the box to prevent shifting during transit. This is especially important for fragile and breakable items.

Getting a Realistic Estimate of the Cost of Moving Supplies

Estimated Cost for different moving supplies are given below –

Category	Item	Estimated Cost
Boxes and Containers	Cardboard Boxes	$50 – $150
Boxes and Containers	Reusable Plastic Bins	Around $110
Protective Packing Materials	Bubble Wrap	$20 – $30
	Packing Paper	$20 – $40
	Furniture Pads and Blankets	$10 – $20 each
Tape and Markers	Packing Tape	$15 – $30
Tape and Markers	Markers	$5 – $10
Specialty Moving Supplies	Wardrobe Boxes	$10 – $15 each
Specialty Moving Supplies	Dish Pack Boxes	$5 – $10 each
Moving Equipment	Dollies and Hand Trucks	$10 – $20/day (rent) or $50 – $100 (purchase)
Moving Equipment	Lifting Straps	$20 – $40
Miscellaneous Supplies	Mattress Covers	$10 – $15
Miscellaneous Supplies	Stretch Wrap	Around $20

Packing Costs

Packing is another area where costs can vary depending on whether you do it yourself or hire professionals.

Professional Packing Services: If you hire professionals, expect to pay around $135 per hour for two packers. This service can save time and ensure your items are packed securely.
DIY Packing: If you’re on a budget, doing the packing yourself is the way to go. Stock up on boxes, tape, and packing paper. Buying these in bulk or finding used materials can significantly reduce costs.

Used Supplies: Check online marketplaces or community groups for used boxes and materials to save money and make your move more eco-friendly.

Service Transfer Costs

Don’t forget the often overlooked costs associated with transferring services like electricity, water, and internet to your new home.

Cost to Transfer: For instance, transferring your internet service might cost around $55. It’s a small price to pay to avoid being disconnected in your new place.
Plan Ahead: Start contacting service providers a few weeks before your move to ensure everything is scheduled in time.
Update Your Address: Make sure to update your address with service providers to avoid any missed bills or correspondence.

Use moving as an opportunity to renegotiate contracts or find better deals with new service providers.

Precautions to Take Reduce Cost of Moving Supplies

Decluttering Before the Move

Decluttering before you move can significantly reduce your moving supplies cost.

Three Categories: Sort your items into keep, donate, and discard categories. Be ruthless—if you haven’t used something in the past year, it might be time to let it go.
Cost Savings: Fewer items mean fewer moving boxes, less packing material, and possibly a smaller moving truck, all of which lower your costs.

Timing Your Move

Timing your move can have a significant impact on your overall expenses, including your moving supplies cost.

Off-Peak Season: Moving during the off-season (October to April) can save you money as demand for moving services is lower.
Mid-Month and Weekdays: Moving in the middle of the month or on a weekday can also result in savings.

Preparing an Essentials Box

An essentials box is a crucial part of keeping your move organized and stress-free.

What to Include: This box should contain items you’ll need immediately, such as toiletries, medications, basic kitchen supplies, and important documents.
Avoid Extra Costs: Having these essentials handy prevents unnecessary purchases or last-minute trips to the store.

Conclusion

By selecting appropriate box sizes based on the weight and dimensions of your items, you can ensure that your belongings are well-protected and that the moving day goes off without a hitch.

Whether you need small boxes for heavy items or specialty moving boxes for fragile goods, investing in the right moving supplies is crucial.

Don’t forget to label your boxes clearly and use proper packing materials like bubble wrap and packing paper to cushion your items during transit. With careful planning and the right moving equipment, you can keep your move organized, stress-free, and most importantly, smoothly!

Here are some more tips and tricks!

Looking for moving companies? Get up to 3 quotes from professionals!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the essential moving supplies I need for my move?

Moving boxes by size, packing tape, moving blankets, and a dolly.

What items are included in a moving kit?

A moving kit typically includes a variety of moving boxes, packing tape, moving blankets, and sometimes specialty boxes for items like wardrobes and kitchenware. It provides everything you need for packing and moving your belongings.

Are reusable options available for moving supplies?

Yes. There are reusable moving supplies including moving dollies and heavy-duty moving blankets. These can be rented or purchased from moving and storage suppliers like U-Haul or Home Depot.

What are specialty moving boxes and when should I use them?

Specialty moving boxes are designed for specific items. For example, a wardrobe box is used for hanging clothes, while a telescope box is ideal for long items like lamps and kitchenware. Use them to ensure fragile or bulky items are transported safely.

Where can I purchase moving boxes and supplies?

You can shop moving supplies at stores like Home Depot, U-Haul, and other in-store or online retailers. They offer a variety of box kits and individual supplies including packing tape and moving blankets.

What should I consider when packing fragile items?

When packing fragile items, use specialty moving boxes and adequate cushioning such as moving blankets and packing tape.

Ensure that each item is securely packed to avoid damage during transit.

Is it necessary to use moving pads and blankets?

Yes, moving pads and blankets are essential for protecting your furniture and fragile items during the move. They prevent scratches and damage, ensuring your belongings arrive at your new home in good condition.