You need five things to pack a house: boxes, packing tape, markers, packing paper and scissors. Everything else is optional.
The five supplies
| Supply | What it is for | What goes wrong without it |
|---|---|---|
| Boxes | Holding your belongings | Loose items take longer to load and break more easily |
| Packing tape | Sealing box bottoms and tops | Masking tape and desk tape let go under weight |
| Markers | Labeling each box by room | Boxes land in the wrong rooms |
| Packing paper | Cushioning items so they do not shift | Items knock together inside the box |
| Scissors | Cutting tape and paper | You lose time tearing tape by hand |
Buy real packing tape. It is the one place people try to save money and regret it.
Bubble wrap and other protective materials are worth adding for fragile items. If you would rather not shop for any of it, we deliver boxes and packing materials to your door across Central PA.
How heavy should a moving box be?
Keep every box at 50 pounds or less.
Too heavy. Many movers, and most friends, will not carry an overloaded box. It has to be split and repacked on moving day, which is the worst time to do it. An overpacked box can also split open, damage what is inside and hurt the person carrying it.
Too light. Half-empty boxes mean more trips between the house and the truck. More trips means a longer move.
The working rule: heavy items go in small boxes, light items go in large ones. Books in a small box, bedding in a big one.
Frequently asked questions
What tape should I use for moving boxes?
Packing tape. Masking tape and desk tape will fail.
How much should a moving box weigh?
No more than 50 pounds.
Do movers supply boxes?
We do. MoversForMe delivers boxes, tape, bubble wrap and protective materials across Central Pennsylvania.
Packing yourself, or handing it off?
Packing yourself? Read what to pack first. Want it done for you? Ask about packing and unpacking when you request a free quote.