Moving tips
What Moving Supplies Do I Need for a Successful Move?
The complete moving supplies list from Sydney's trusted removalists. Every box and protective material you need, plus how many to buy for your home size.
How the Right Packing Supplies Can Make Moving Easier
A well-packed home makes moving faster, safer and more cost-effective. This is because the wrong supplies can lead to delays, extra expenses and damaged belongings.
We have completed thousands of residential moves across Sydney. The single biggest factor that separates a smooth move from a stressful one is preparation. And preparation starts with having the right packing supplies for moving ready before you seal your first box. The right boxes protect your belongings, the right tape keeps those boxes sealed under load, and the right wrapping helps prevent scratches, chips and cracks. Below is the full moving supplies list we recommend to every customer before the day of the move.The complete moving supplies checklist
Print this list and check items off as you gather them. Having everything ready before you start packing saves hours of back-and-forth trips to the shops.
Boxes
- Small boxes (book boxes)
- Medium boxes (standard)
- Large boxes (bedding/pillows)
- Wardrobe boxes with hanging rails
- Heavy-duty boxes (electronics, dishes)
Tape and tools
- Packing tape (at least 3–4 rolls)
- Tape dispenser or tape gun
- Scissors (2 pairs)
- Box cutter or utility knife
- Permanent markers (multiple colours)
Wrapping and protection
- Blank newsprint or butcher's paper
- Bubble wrap (large roll)
- Stretch plastic wrap
- Furniture pads and moving blankets
- Mattress bags or covers
- Foam pouches (for plates and bowls)
Extras and hardware
- Zip-lock bags (sandwich and gallon size)
- Basic toolbox (screwdriver, wrench, pliers)
- Plastic tarps or cardboard sheets
- Garbage bags (heavy duty)
- Labels or coloured stickers
- Rubber bands or cable ties
Moving boxes: the types you need and what they hold
One of the most important decisions when packing is selecting the right box. Heavy items are often packed into oversized boxes, but this can make them unsafe to lift and increase the chance of the box breaking during the move. Here's a breakdown of each box type and what it's best used for:| Box type | Dimensions (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small (book box) | 40 x 30 x 30 cm | Books, pantry items, heavy kitchenware, tools, collectibles |
| Medium (standard) | 60 x 40 x 40 cm | Small appliances, toys, bathroom items, shoes, linen |
| Large | 60 x 40 x 60 cm | Lampshades, throw pillows, clothing, lightweight décor |
| Extra-large | 75 x 45 x 65 cm | Doonas, blankets, pillows, soft bulky items |
| Wardrobe box | 60 x 50 x 120 cm (with rail) | Hanging shirts, suits, dresses, coats |
| Heavy-duty box | 60 x 40 x 40 cm (thick walls) | Dishes, glassware, electronics, book collections |
How many boxes will you need for your move?
Every household is different, so use the table below as a guide and adjust the quantities based on the size of your home and the number of belongings you need to pack.
| Home size | Estimated boxes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom unit | 20–40 boxes | Small and medium boxes are enough, with one or two wardrobe boxes for hanging clothing. |
| 2-bedroom unit or townhouse | 40–70 boxes | Include several large boxes for bedding, linen and other lightweight bulky items. |
| 3-bedroom house | 60–100 boxes | This is one of the most common move sizes, so prepare a generous supply of boxes and at least five rolls of packing tape. |
| 4-bedroom house | 80–130 boxes | Garages, sheds and storage areas often add more items than expected, so assess these spaces early when planning. |
| 5+ bedroom home | 100–150+ boxes | Consider wardrobe boxes for each bedroom and prepare extra heavy-duty boxes for larger quantities of belongings. |
Pro tip: Always overestimate. Running out of boxes in the last 48 hours before a move can be very stressful. It's far easier to return unused boxes than to scramble for more the night before your truck arrives. If you've lived in your home for more than five years, add 20% to the estimates above.
Wrapping and protective materials: your must have moving supplies
Boxes get your items from A to B, while wrapping materials stop them from breaking along the way.
The must have moving supplies beside boxes are the materials that go inside and around them. Here's what our team recommends and how to use each one:Blank newsprint or butcher's paper
This is your go-to for wrapping plates, bowls, glasses and small fragile items. Clean, unprinted newsprint won't transfer ink onto your belongings. A 10 kg pack covers a full kitchen's worth of crockery in a standard Sydney home. Wrap each item individually, then crumple extra sheets between items to fill voids in the box.Bubble wrap
Use bubble wrap for everything that is fragile or irreplaceable, such as artwork, framed photos, ornaments, mirrors, glassware. A large roll (about 50 metres) will cover most of a 3-bedroom home.Stretch plastic wrap
Industrial-strength plastic wrap is a highly effective moving supply that helps protect a wide range of items. Use it to:- Keep dresser drawers closed so they don't slide open during transport
- Wrap couch cushions together to prevent them from getting separated or dirty
- Secure electrical cords to the back of appliances to keep them organised
- Protect upholstered furniture from scuffs, dust and dirt during the move
Furniture pads and moving blankets
Thick protective blankets help keep furniture and appliances safe from scratches, dents and dust throughout the moving process.Mattress bags
Mattress bags help keep bedding clean and protected during a move, shielding mattresses and bases from moisture, dust and accidental tears. You'll need one bag for each mattress and one for each base.What types of tape do you need?
Not all tape is suitable for sealing moving boxes. The wrong tape can split under pressure, causing boxes to open during transport.
| Tape type | Use it for | Don't use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Packing tape (48 mm, clear or brown) | Sealing boxes, reinforcing bottom seams | This is your primary tape. |
| Shipping tape | Acceptable substitute for packing tape | Not ideal for very heavy boxes |
| Masking tape | Labelling boxes, marking room destinations | Sealing boxes. It tears too easily under weight. |
| Painter's tape | Staging furniture layouts at your new place, labelling electronics | Sealing or securing anything structural |
Essential tools and extras for your move
These small items are easy to overlook, but you'll need every one of them:
Permanent markers
Label every box on at least two sides with the destination room and a brief contents summary. Coloured markers are even better and use one colour per room. This makes unloading at your new home much more faster because the team of removalists Sydney can place each box in the correct room without asking.Scissors and a box cutter
You'll need a couple of pairs of scissors for packing and a box cutter for opening boxes at your new home. Because tape and cardboard wear down blades over time, keep a few spares on hand.Zip-lock bags
When you disassemble furniture or electronics, put the screws, bolts, washers and small fittings into a zip-lock bag. Label the bag with the item it belongs to and tape it to the matching piece of furniture. This alone saves hours of confusion when reassembling at the new address.Basic toolbox
A screwdriver (Phillips and flathead), a wrench, an Allen key set and a pair of pliers. You'll need these to disassemble beds, desks and flat-pack furniture.Garbage bags
Heavy-duty garbage bags are useful for packing last-minute items, storing soft goods that don't fit neatly into boxes and collecting rubbish as you pack.Plastic tarps or cardboard sheets
Use plastic tarps or cardboard sheets to protect floors in high-traffic areas while furniture and boxes are being moved. They're particularly useful for reducing scuffs, scratches and dirt on hardwood floors, tiles and other finished surfaces.Call Us Today!
Getting ready to move? We can deliver moving boxes Sydney straight to your door, and if you'd rather leave the packing and unpacking to the professionals, our team can help with that too. Call 1300 017 159 or submit our online form today.Frequently asked questions about moving supplies
The most common questions our team receives about packing and supplies, answered straight.
Can I use newspaper to wrap fragile items?
You can, but we don't recommend printed newspaper. The ink transfers onto crockery, glass and light-coloured items and is difficult to remove. Use blank, unprinted newsprint or butcher's paper instead. It does the same job without leaving marks.Do removalists bring their own blankets and wrapping?
Professional removalists like our team bring furniture pads, moving blankets, ratchet straps, shrink wrap and trolleys on every job. You do not need to supply these yourself when you book with We Move Group.Should I buy new boxes or use second-hand ones?
Either works, as long as the boxes are in good condition. Second-hand boxes save money and reduce waste. Check that each box is dry, has no soft spots, and closes flat with all flaps intact. Avoid any box that has been exposed to moisture or has lost its structural rigidity.This blog is written based on our team's experience completing thousands of residential moves across Sydney. If you'd like a more accurate recommendation based on the size of your home and the items you're moving, get in touch with our team for personalised advice.