Moving Supplies for a Move in Oakland, CA
Choosing the Best Moving Supplies Really Matters
Moving with the wrong materials—like plastic bags or newspapers—rarely goes smoothly. Spoiler: it usually turns into a disaster. When you use proper supplies, your belongings stay safe and your move is much smoother. Starving Students has been providing professional moves since 1973 and our team understands the right tools for every situation!
What are Essential Moving Supplies?
Boxes That Actually Hold Up
Don’t assume every box is up for the job! It’s smart to have heavy-duty boxes in multiple sizes, for example:
- Small boxes (perfect for books and heavy items) This is typically a 1”x1”x24” box.
- Medium boxes (ideal for most household goods) This is two foot by two foot.
- Large boxes (great for linens, pillows, and light items)
- Wardrobe boxes (move clothes keeping them on hangers)
- Dish packs (specially designed for kitchenware)
No one’s saying you have to buy everything new, simply recommending that they meet the suggestions above.
Protective Packing Materials
Keep your belongings protected with:
- Bubble wrap (for fragile items)
- Packing paper (won’t stain like newsprint)
- Furniture pads or moving blankets (prevent damage)
- Mattress bags (keep your bed clean during the move)
- Stretch wrap (secure drawers and bundle items together)
- Bungee, ratchet, and/or tie-down straps for things you might move yourself
It is far too easy to try to skimp on proper packing material just to regret not having more.
Sealing & Labeling Products & Tools
Leave the duct tape in the tool box, you want to use packing tape, which is for, ahem, packing.
- Heavy-duty packing tape (don't skimp here!)
- Tape dispensers (your teeth and sanity will thank you)
- Permanent markers (for labeling boxes)
- Pre-printed labels or stickers (for room identification)
- Pre-printed fragile labels or big red markers!
Moving Tools & Helpful Accessories
Here are some things that are going to make moving much easier.
- A dolly cart will save a lot of back aches and hassle
- Furniture sliders can be very helpful
- Bungies and ratchet straps often come in handy
- Visqueen or tarps are important if you’re DIY moving with pickup trucks or open trailers
- Box cutters will be important to have when you start unpacking
Tips for Money-Saving Packing in Oakland
When you want to save money, consider:
- Look for complimentary boxes at supermarkets and liquor shops
- Use towels, stuffed animals, toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, and clothing as padding for fragile items
- Collect old papers ahead of time for extra padding
- Ask friends who recently moved if they have supplies to pass on
No Time to Track Down Supplies for Your Upcoming Move?
Get A Free Packing Quote for Oakland from Starving Students, Including supplies to make your move easy.