(619) 330-8679

Moving Supplies for a Move in San Diego, CA

Choosing the Best Moving Supplies Really Matters

Have you ever attempted a move with just grocery bags and yesterday’s paper? Chances are, you ended up with a mess. 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 we know exactly what you need!

What are Essential Moving Supplies?

Boxes That Actually Hold Up

Don’t assume every box is up for the job! You want sturdy boxes in various sizes, like:

  • 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 2 ft x 2 ft.
  • Large boxes (great for linens, pillows, and light items)
  • Wardrobe boxes (move clothes on their hangers)
  • Dish packs (specially designed for kitchenware)

It’s totally fine to reuse boxes if you want to save money, simply stating that they meet the suggestions above.

Cardboard box sitting on the step of a house, while in the background men load a couch into a truck

Stack of cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and other protective shipping supplies

Protective Packing Materials

Keep your items secure with:

  • Bubble wrap (for fragile items)
  • Packing paper (cleaner than newspaper and won't leave ink marks)
  • Furniture pads AKA 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 it later.


Sealing & Labeling Products & Tools

Leave the duct tape for duct work, you need packing tape, which is for, ahem, packing. 

  • Heavy-duty packing tape (don't skimp here!)
  • Tape dispensers (trust us, your teeth and sanity will be grateful)
  • Permanent markers (for labeling boxes)
  • Pre-printed labels or stickers (for room identification)
  • Pre-printed fragile labels or big red markers!
Close-up of packing box being taped shut

Mover's dolly with boxes

Moving Tools & Helpful Accessories

Here are some things that will 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 San Diego

Looking to cut costs for your move, consider:

  • Pick up sturdy used boxes from local retailers
  • Repurpose soft household items for cushioning breakables
  • Save newspapers for weeks before moving to use as extra packing material
  • See if neighbors or coworkers have materials you can reuse

 

No Time to Track Down Supplies for Your Upcoming Move?

Get A Free Packing Quote for San Diego from Starving Students, Including supplies to make your move easy.