Moving Boxes and Packing Supplies: What You Really Need

Packing for a move sounds straightforward, but anyone who’s done it knows the truth: It can be a scramble. Maybe you underestimated how much stuff you own. Maybe the tape isn’t sticking. Or maybe you’re standing in the aisles of Home Depot at 8 p.m., staring at stacks of empty boxes and wondering how much is too much to spend just to get out of your apartment on time.

At National Van Lines, we’ve guided families through every type of move imaginable, from big-city high rises to cross-country family homes. One of the biggest stress points is not knowing what packing supplies to get, how many you really need, or what it will all cost. That confusion adds up to wasted time, extra runs to Lowe’s or Walmart, and plenty of frustration when supplies run out mid-pack.

This guide will walk you through the actual costs of moving boxes and packing supplies, help you decide which ones are essential, and share a few smart ways to save along the way.

What Moving Boxes Really Cost

Let’s start with the basics: Price. Moving boxes vary based on size, strength, and where you buy them. Smaller boxes work best for heavy items like books or tools. Medium boxes are your go-to for most household items. Larger boxes are better for things like bedding, pillows, or oversized decor. Then there are specialty boxes, which are designed to protect fragile or unusually shaped items.

Here’s a quick breakdown of typical box types and what you can expect to pay:

You’ll find these supplies at most major retailers, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and online stores like Amazon. You can also buy them directly from your moving company. 

If you’re trying to estimate your total supply needs, here’s a general guide: 

• A one-bedroom apartment usually needs 20 to 40 boxes. 
• A two- or three-bedroom home may require 50 to 100. 
• Larger homes could need 100 or more, especially if you’ve lived there a long time.

It’s smart to overestimate slightly so you don’t run out mid-pack.

Choosing the Right Types of Boxes

Not every box is created equal. The key is to match the right type of box to the items you’re packing. For heavy items like books, canned goods, or tools, smaller boxes are ideal. These keep weight manageable and reduce the risk of boxes tearing or becoming too heavy to lift. Medium boxes are the most versatile and tend to be used for kitchen supplies, folded clothing, shoes, small appliances, and general household items.

Larger boxes should be reserved for lighter, bulkier belongings. Think comforters, pillows, lampshades, and stuffed animals, anything that takes up space without adding too much weight. Overloading large boxes with dense items can lead to collapsing or injury when lifting.

Wardrobe boxes are especially helpful if you’re moving business attire, dresses, or coats you want to keep wrinkle-free. These tall boxes come with a metal hanging bar and are essentially portable closets. They cost more than standard boxes but save hours of ironing later and keep your clothes organized from start to finish.

For dishes, stemware, or collectibles, dish packs with cardboard dividers and reinforced sides offer added protection. You can also purchase cell kits for use inside regular boxes, which are ideal for glassware or bottles. If you’re transporting electronics like flat-screen TVs or framed art, consider boxes designed specifically for those items. Many are adjustable in size and come with extra padding or edge protectors.

If you’re dealing with unusually shaped or oversized items like guitars, ceiling fans, or sports equipment, custom boxes or crating services may be required. Your moving company can help determine if anything needs special handling, so flag these items early in your planning.

What About Free Boxes?

Free boxes are tempting and often a smart choice if you know what to look for. Grocery stores, liquor stores, and local retail chains may offer gently used boxes if you ask early in the week. Online community groups like Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing groups, or Craigslist can also be great sources of free supplies.

But use caution. Boxes that are already creased, torn, or exposed to moisture can collapse under weight or split open in transit. They may also be too flimsy for long distance moves, especially if you’re packing fragile items. If you use free boxes, reserve them for soft goods like linens, plush toys, or throw pillows.

Essential Packing Supplies (And What They’ll Cost)

Beyond boxes, you’ll need a solid lineup of packing supplies to protect and organize your belongings. From tape to labels to protective padding, each item plays a role in keeping your move smooth and damage-free.

Here’s a handy breakdown of common packing supplies and their typical price ranges:

If you’re looking to stretch your budget, many people use items they already have on hand. Towels, blankets, and clothing can double as padding. And if you don’t want to track down everything individually, stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s often offer bundle kits that include the basics.

Can You Skip Packing Altogether?

You can, and many people do! For example, we here at National Van Lines offer professional packing services designed to take that task off your plate entirely— and other full-service moving companies do, too. Whether you want help with the whole home or just a few specific areas, ask your moving company if it’s a service they can offer (if you’re working with us, we’ll discuss the process and pricing with you). 

There are three main options: 

1. Full-service packing includes all boxes, packing supplies, and labor to safely prepare your home for moving day. 
2. Partial packing lets you choose exactly which rooms you’d like help packing, like the kitchen, your closets, or a storage room. 
3. Self-packing gives you full control, but keep in mind, you don’t have to go it alone. A good moving company will  provide guidance and tips to advise their customer on packing, no matter what path they choose. 

Packing services typically add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to your move depending on the size of your home, what you want packed, and the complexity of your items. Some people opt for just a little help, while others hand over the entire task to our professional team.

In rare cases where you own specialty furniture like a Sleep Number bed, an antique piano, or medical-grade equipment, your moving company may recommend a third-party crating service. If this applies to you, we strongly encourage you to call your moving coordinator to see what your moving company recommends. 

FYI: At National Van Lines, we proudly work closely with trusted third-party crating vendors such as CSNS Relocation Services and MSS, which can coordinate these services directly through our agent network. If you choose a different moving company, be sure to ask your moving coordinator about any specialty items you may have. 

What We Don’t Pack (and Why It Matters)

Some items simply can’t be moved by a moving crew for legal, safety, or insurance reasons. Here is what you can expect not to be allowed on the truck with most moving companies (including us here at National Van Lines): 

• Hazardous materials like propane tanks, motor oil, matches, nail polish remover, cleaning solvents, or aerosol cans.
• Perishables such as refrigerated or frozen food, plants, and open food containers.
• Personal valuables and documents including passports, checkbooks, family heirlooms, and prescription medications (these should be transported with you directly)
• Combustible liquids, fireworks, firearms, or corrosive chemicals like bleach or sulfuric acid. 

Avoiding these items on a truck keeps belongings safe, while also ensuring the safety of your hardworking moving crew. 

Common Self-Packing Mistakes to Watch For

Packing your own boxes can be a money-saver, but it only works in your favor if you do it carefully. When people rush or cut corners, certain issues come up again and again,and they can turn a smooth move into a frustrating one.

Here are the most common mistakes our team sees:

• Underfilled boxes
  Boxes that aren’t filled all the way tend to collapse or shift during transit. Use soft padding to fill empty spaces, and pack each box to the top without overstuffing.
  
• Using the wrong plastic bins
  Thin plastic totes may look sturdy, but they’re vulnerable to cracking in extreme temperatures. Summer heat and winter freezes can warp lids and damage contents. If you use bins, go for heavy-duty ones with latching tops.
  
• Procrastinating on packing
  Waiting until moving day to finish packing slows everything down. One common scenario: customers pack a few boxes, load them into their own car, and try to get ahead while the crew is working. This creates more chaos than it solves. Try to finish packing the night before so the crew can get started right away.
  
• Misunderstanding liability for breakage
  Boxes labeled “Packed by Owner” (PBO) are not covered under valuation protection. That means if something inside breaks, it’s not covered by your moving contract. If you’re unsure what’s best to pack yourself, just ask.
  

With a little planning and the right materials, self-packing can work well. But if time, stress, or uncertainty are creeping in, consider using a packing service or asking for your moving company’s help. 

What Happens After the Move?

Once you’re unpacked and settling in, it’s tempting to throw everything out just to be done. But before you toss those empty boxes and leftover tape, consider ways to reuse or donate them.

Clean cardboard boxes can be recycled in most cities or passed on to someone else planning a move. Local schools, shelters, and nonprofit organizations often accept gently used packing materials. You can also post them for free pickup through community groups online. The fewer supplies that end up in the trash, the better for everyone and the planet.

Ready to Pack with Confidence?

Packing doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game. Now that you know what moving boxes cost, which supplies are actually worth it, and how to avoid common mistakes, you’re in a much better spot than most.

Forget the late-night dash to Home Depot. Skip the stress of flimsy tape, underfilled boxes, and packing chaos. Whether you’re packing a few rooms or an entire household, the right supplies and a solid plan can make all the difference. With a little prep and the right know-how, you’ll be ready to tackle your move with less stress… and way fewer surprises.

If you’re not sure what to buy or how much you’ll need, National Van Lines can help you plan it out. We offer packing services, supply guidance, and tips based on nearly a century of moving experience— so you’re never left guessing on moving day.

You’ve got the facts on which moving boxes and packing supplies (or even services!) will be best for your moving day plans. But, what else do you need to do to prepare to meet the big day with confidence? We’ll teach you everything you need to know in our article that answers the question: “What am I going to be doing on moving day, and how do I prepare for it?”