A less stressful move starts with a clear sequence: decide what is coming, gather only the supplies you need, pack by destination, and keep the mover’s paperwork and inventory close at hand. For an interstate move, plan around three checkpoints—before the move, moving day, and delivery day—and use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Moving Checklist to keep track of them.
How do you plan a move without leaving everything to the last minute?
Break the work into three phases rather than treating packing as one large task. FMCSA’s consumer checklist is organized around preparation, moving day, and delivery day; it is a useful planning aid, not a replacement for your contract or any local requirements. The agency describes the checklist on its Protect Your Move welcome page.
Before the move
- Decide what will move and what can be set aside, donated, or discarded. The University of Pittsburgh includes decluttering in its moving guidance; the amount of time or money it saves will depend on your belongings and move.
- Ask prospective movers what packing materials and services their estimates include before buying supplies.
- For an interstate household move, compare written estimates from at least three movers or brokers, including both total cost and services offered.
- Set aside a place for estimates, the bill of lading, inventory, and other move documents so they are easy to find.
Moving day
- Be available to answer questions and accompany the mover while the household inventory is prepared.
- Keep your copy of the bill of lading and other completed documents.
- Before signing, read the documents and ask about terms you do not understand, including the applicable liability option.
Delivery day
- Stay available while belongings are unloaded and check items against the inventory.
- Note damaged or missing items on the inventory before signing it.
These are FMCSA consumer recommendations for interstate household moves. Read the agency’s full checklist alongside your own written agreement.
What moving supplies do you need?
Start with a basic kit, then check what your mover supplies so you do not buy duplicates. University of Pittsburgh’s moving guidance lists boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap, and packing paper; Oregon State University notes that some supplies may be provided by a moving company.
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- The U-Haul Apartment Moving Kit includes all of the necessary moving supplies for a studio - 1 bedroom apartment or small moving project. These supplies will help you pack, protect, organize, and cushion all of your items.
- Included boxes: 1 Dish Saver Kit, 1 Dish Saver Glasspack Box for use with Dish Saver kit (24-1/8” x 12” x 11”), 4 large boxes (18” x 18” x 24”), 10 small boxes (12-5/8” x 16-3/8” x 12-5/8”), and 7 medium boxes (18” x 18-1/8” x 16”)
- Included packing supplies: 40 sheets of cushion foam wrap, 10 cushion foam pouches (8” x 10”), 2 rolls of tape (55 yd each), 1 TV cover (36” x 65”), 1 queen mattress bag (96” x 69” x 14”), 1 queen box spring bag (92” x 69” x 10”), and 1 roll of Enviro-Bubble (16” x 15’)
- Small, Medium and Large boxes are rated for 65 pounds. Medium and Small boxes have perforated handles for an easier and more convenient use!
- Boxes in suitable sizes: Match the box to its contents. Oregon State recommends smaller boxes for heavy items such as books; this is practical university guidance, not a universal box-size rule.
- Packing tape: Use it to close boxes securely. A dispenser can make repeated packing easier, but is optional.
- A permanent marker or labels: Mark contents and the room where each box belongs.
- Protective material: Bubble wrap or packing paper can help separate and cushion fragile belongings.
Before shopping, ask the mover what it will provide and what you are expected to supply. The answer can vary by company and by the services in your estimate.
How should you pack boxes so unpacking is easier?
Work room by room
Pack one room or destination area at a time. This keeps related belongings together and makes it easier to direct boxes to the right place when they arrive. The University of Pittsburgh recommends room-by-room organization in its moving tips.
Rank #2
- Suitable for 1 to 2 Rooms: This kit is designed for packing 1 or 2 rooms, whether you're moving out of a dorm room, a 1-2 bedroom apartment, a small home, or even a small business
- Complete Kit Contents: Contains 14 Boxes and Supplies, which include: 11 Medium Moving Boxes 18 x 14 x 12", 3 Large Moving Boxes 20 x 20 x 15", 60 Moving Labels, 1 Roll of Packing Tape (2"x55yds), 1 Clamshell Tape Dispenser, 3 lbs of Wrapping Paper, and 1 Marker
- Durable Box Construction: The two different sizes of moving boxes included are certified 32ECT with 65lbs weight limits, ensuring durability and reliability when packed correctly. The boxes are shipped flat along with the rest of the moving supplies in protective plastic covering, ready to assemble and use when you need them most
- Essential Moving Supplies: The packing paper will allow you to secure your delicate items inside the boxes, as it works as cushioning or can wrap your items for protection. The moving labels will help you organize and categorize your items, while the tape allows you to seal and secure your boxes
- Comprehensive Moving Solution: This kit provides everything you need to streamline the process, allowing you to move your items safely to their final destination. This carefully selected moving kit will keep your goods secure and protected during your move
Label for both contents and destination
Write the destination room and a useful description of the contents on each box. For example, “Kitchen — mugs and glasses” is more helpful than “Kitchen” alone. The University of Michigan LSA Movers advises placing labels on box sides so they remain visible when boxes are stacked; that is specific institutional guidance, but the visibility principle is practical for household packing too.
Flag fragile boxes clearly
Mark boxes containing fragile items so they are easy to identify. Michigan LSA Movers includes fragile-item markings in its packing tips. A label helps communicate what is inside, but it cannot guarantee careful handling or prevent damage.
Rank #3
- Comprehensive Moving Solution: Designed for packing 1 or 2 rooms, this kit suits dorm rooms, 1-2 bedroom apartments, small homes, or small businesses, providing all essential supplies for your moving needs
- Complete Kit Contents: Contains 18 boxes and supplies including 9 small moving boxes (16 x 10 x 10"), 9 medium moving boxes (18 x 14 x 12"), 1 roll of packing tape (2"x55yds), 1 clamshell tape dispenser, 24' of bubble roll, 3 lbs of wrapping paper, and 1 marker
- Durable Box Construction: The two different sizes of moving boxes are certified 32ECT with 65lbs weight limits, ensuring durability and reliability when packed correctly, shipped flat with protective plastic covering for easy assembly
- Enhanced Item Protection: Use the packing paper to cushion your items inside the boxes or wrap them for added protection, combine with the included bubble roll for delicate items, and seal boxes with provided tape to keep goods safe throughout the moving process
- Streamlined Moving Process: This carefully selected moving kit provides everything needed to move your items safely to their final destination, keeping your goods secure and protected during the entire move
How do you choose an interstate mover?
For an interstate household move, compare more than the bottom-line estimate. FMCSA advises consumers to obtain estimates from at least three movers or brokers and assess both price and services. The agency states: “All interstate household goods movers and brokers must be registered with FMCSA.” Check registration and insurance information through FMCSA’s Tips for a Successful Move.
Review these points in the written estimate and move documents:
Rank #4
- The U-Haul Household Moving Kit is the ideal set of boxes and packing supplies for a 1-2 bedroom home move. This kit includes everything you need to pack, organize, isolate, and protect all of your valuables and home goods.
- Included boxes: 15 small boxes (12-5/8” x 16-3/8” x 12-5/8”), 13 medium boxes (18” x 18-1/8” x 16”), 8 large boxes (18” x 18” x 24”), 2 wardrobe boxes (24” x 24” X 34”), 1 Dish Saver kit, 1 Glass Pack kit, and 2 Dish Saver Glasspack boxes for use with Dish Saver and Glass Pack kits (24-1/8" x 12" x 11")
- Included packing supplies: 3 rolls of tape, 1 TV cover (36” x 65”), 2 queen mattress bags, 2 queen box spring bags, 3 rolls of Enviro-Bubble (16” x 15’), 200 sheets of packing paper, and 80 sheets of cushion foam
- Small, Medium and Large boxes are rated for 65 pounds. Medium and Small boxes have perforated handles for an easier and more convenient use!
- Wardrobe boxes rated for 80 pounds
- Total written cost and included services: Identify what the estimate covers rather than comparing prices without their service details.
- Registration and insurance information: Check these for an interstate mover or broker.
- Pickup and delivery arrangements: Understand the arrangements stated in the paperwork.
- Liability or valuation terms: Read the applicable option and ask questions before signing.
- Dispute procedures: Find out what the documents say about raising a concern.
Read estimates, the bill of lading, inventory, and other completed documents before signing. Do not assume the cheapest estimate is the best fit, or that every company provides the same packing materials or services. These FMCSA registration points apply to interstate household goods moves; they should not be treated as a blanket rule for every local move.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Moving boxes and packing supplies all in one kit included corrugated boxes, tape, bubble roll, wrapping paper and marker
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