Here Are The Top 10 Things You Need For Your Next Move

Do you ever find yourself moving and feel like there are constant road bumps along your journey? Maybe you start packing your items in cardboard boxes only to realize you don’t have tape. Or you discover that your dresser is too heavy and really requires a dolly to move. In this blog, we’ll discuss the top 10 items you need to make moving fast and efficient.

1. Heavy-Duty Moving Boxes

When moving, cardboard boxes are among the most important items you need. They provide the foundation for a quick and effortless move. Many people think trash bags would surface, but only to find them tearing or even challenging to carry during the move.

Why buy heavy-duty moving boxes?

Cardboard boxes are built with thicker, sturdier walls to hold more weight. That means you can stack them without worrying they'll crush. It makes loading your moving truck or storage unit much easier because boxes fit together more uniformly. Many moving boxes include designated areas for labels, so you know exactly what’s inside without opening them. New moving boxes help protect your belongings.

When to use them

Books, dishes, and other heavy items are perfect for cardboard boxes. Additionally, they are ideal for long-term storage, where you want boxes to hold up over time. 

2. Packing Tape and Dispenser

Packing tape prevents your entire move from falling apart. Don’t just grab dollar-store tape, which might split, peel, or refuse to stick.

Why quality tape matters

Get tape that holds heavy boxes closed, even if the contents move around inside. Cheap tape often tears or sticks to itself and barely holds. Good tape holds in hot or cold weather without peeling.

3. Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap is one of those magical moving tools you don’t know you need until you try it. It's a giant roll of plastic film that clings to itself without adhesive. You can wrap dressers or nightstands without emptying them. It shields from dust, dirt, and scratches. You can wrap together bed slats, tools, or awkward items so they don’t get separated. Doesn’t leave residue on furniture. Conforms tightly to odd shapes. It is easy to remove without damage. Wrapping upholstered furniture to protect against dirt in the truck and securing moving blankets in place. 

4. Furniture Dolly

A furniture dolly is a flat platform on four wheels designed to carry heavy, bulky items. You would know how useful it is if you have ever tried moving an oversized couch or dresser by hand. A furniture dolly is one of the best investments for a safe, efficient move.

Why do you need a furniture dolly?

You can roll instead of lifting heavy items. Dragging items can scratch wood or tile. Rolling allows you to move large items in one go. It works best when moving around sofas, cabinets, and large boxes. Rolling also makes it easier to stack multiple boxes, allowing you to take fewer trips to get things done.

5. Appliance Dolly with Straps

Moving large household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, or stoves can be incredibly challenging without the right equipment. That’s where an appliance dolly becomes essential. This tool features a tall frame, stair-climbing wheels, and heavy-duty straps that secure your appliance in place.

Using an appliance dolly makes the process safer and more manageable. The built-in straps hold the appliance tightly, preventing it from tipping or shifting as you move. It also minimizes your risk of injury by allowing you to roll and tilt heavy items with control, rather than lifting them entirely. Many models are designed to handle stairs, thanks to special wheels that make climbing easier.

Appliance dollies are best for transporting refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers. When shopping for one, look for adjustable straps, rubber bumpers to protect your home and appliances, and a high weight capacity. Always keep the appliance tilted back at a safe angle and take your time, especially when navigating stairs.

6. Moving Blankets or Pads

Furniture is a big investment, and the last thing you want is to see it scratched or dinged during a move. Moving blankets are thick, padded covers explicitly designed to shield your belongings in transit.

These blankets offer multiple layers of protection. They guard surfaces from scrapes against door frames or other furniture, cushion shocks from bumps during transport, and prevent dust and dirt from settling on your items. They're especially useful for wrapping wooden furniture, covering appliances, or protecting delicate items like TVs and mirrors when paired with stretch wrap.

Compared to old bedsheets or quilts, moving blankets are thicker, stitched for durability, and made to withstand the wear and tear of moving. They also fold easily and can be reused for future moves or long-term storage. Use stretch wrap or ratchet straps to secure the blankets tightly so they don’t slide off during the move.

7. Ratchet Straps and Tie-Downs

Even when your moving truck is packed perfectly, there’s always the risk of items shifting while on the road. That’s where ratchet straps and tie-downs come in. Straps protect you the best against boxes tumbling and furniture crashing into one another.

Ratchet straps are strong, adjustable bands with a built-in mechanism that lets you tighten them securely. They keep heavy items from sliding around, protect fragile loads, and improve overall safety by reducing damage in transit. They're especially useful for strapping furniture against the truck walls, holding mattresses in place, and stabilizing appliance dollies while in motion.

Unlike ropes or bungee cords, ratchet straps don’t loosen while driving and can handle a much higher weight. They’re also easier to tighten and adjust.

8. Furniture Sliders

Dragging heavy furniture across floors isn’t just hard on your body. It can leave deep scratches in your hardwood or tile. Furniture sliders make it easy to move large items without damaging your floors or straining your back.

These handy pads slide under furniture legs or corners and allow even the heaviest pieces to glide across most surfaces. They work on both carpet and hard flooring, and many sets come with sliders specifically designed for each type. With just a gentle push, you can move a sofa, bookcase, or even a refrigerator across a room.

Furniture sliders are ideal for large pieces like armoires, couches, and appliances. They're also helpful after the move when you’re rearranging your space. If you frequently move furniture for cleaning or redecorating, consider leaving sliders in place for easy repositioning any time.

9. Hand Truck

The classic hand truck is an L-shaped cart with two wheels and a flat bottom plate. It is one of the most useful moving tools. Whether you’re hauling boxes, small appliances, or office supplies, it helps you move more in less time and with less effort.

A hand truck slides the bottom plate under your load and tilts it back onto its wheels. This reduces the need to lift heavy items entirely and makes moving multiple boxes at once a breeze. It's perfect for loading and unloading moving trucks efficiently and safely.

Hand trucks are great for stacked boxes, small to medium appliances, and office equipment. They reduce strain on your body, cut down on trips, and minimize the risk of dropping things along the way. Wrap loose or unbalanced stacks of boxes with stretch wrap or secure them with straps before moving them with a hand truck to keep everything steady.

10. Labeling Supplies

Unpacking in a new place is already stressful, but it’s even worse when you don’t know what’s in each box. Labeling your boxes properly can save you hours of frustration and help you get settled faster.

Good labeling helps you stay organized, makes it easier to sort boxes by room, and helps others (like movers or friends) know where things go. It’s also a step in protecting fragile items.

A good labeling kit includes permanent markers, color-coded stickers, and pre-printed “Fragile” labels. Be sure to label at least two sides of each box, and include a short list of what’s inside. Using color-coded labels for each room speeds up the unloading process and keeps everything organized.