Essential Moving Tools

"You're only as good as the tools you use."

This saying is true for any job – especially moving. Whether it's a bachelor apartment or a bustling family home, moving is a big project, but having the right tools makes the process much easier.

Let's take a look at five must-have moving tools as well as some very nice-to-have supplies that you may want to consider investing in.

Must-Have Moving Supplies

Boxes/Storage Bins

This might seem obvious, but many people underestimate the number ofmoving boxes and bins they'll need to properly pack up.

Our packing chart outlines the average number of boxes required to pack each room in your home. This could change depending on the amount of clothing and décor you have, but should provide a good starting point.

There are also boxes available for specific uses, such as packing wardrobe items, pictures, televisions, lamps, and dishware. While these aren't essential, they are very useful because they have been designed with purpose to make packing items easy and to keep contents safe. It could definitely be worth the extra money to save time and ensure valuable items survive the trip safely.

Packing Tape

Tape is essential to properly packing up your boxes and preventing contents from spilling out when you hit the road. Most moves will require two rolls at minimum, so buy your tape in bulk if possible. Opt for a wide, heavy-duty variety to ensure boxes can be easily and securely closed and the adhesive is strong enough to keep boxes sealed.

Packing Tape Dispenser

Pair your packing tape with a tape gun – this will make your life much easier. These will be a hot commodity, so get one for every member of your household who will be helping with the move.

Penske Moving Truck

A Penske moving truck or cargo van is arguably the most important item you'll need on moving day. Use our Moving Truck Wizard to determine which size truck you'll need based on the items you own, and book early!

Remember, more people move as the weather gets warmer, so securing your moving truck well in advance is key to minimizing stress as you head into the big day.

Hand Truck

Hand trucks are a great way to move heavy items and transport multiple boxes at once. These tools dramatically reduce the strain of heavy lifting and help you get the job done faster – two priceless benefits on moving day. For added convenience, Penske hand trucks feature stair climbers, which makes it easy to move items between floors.

Moving Supply "Maybes"

Moving Dolly

Much like a hand truck, dollies can be used to transport heavy items/multiple items at once; however, their flat surface design can limit their use if you've got multiple flights of stairs to navigate. If choosing between a hand truck or dolly, a hand truck will likely be the better option.

Moving Blankets

From bad weather to nicks and scratches, a lot can happen to your furniture and your walls on moving day. Moving blankets are made of heavy material specially designed to protect your possessions from the bumps and bruises that come with relocating.

You could use regular blankets or towels and coats instead: however, they won't provide as much protection. If you do use these items to protect your belongings, consider taping them to items to keep them secure.

Bubble Wrap®

Bubble Wrap, like moving blankets, can be used to wrap valuables and keep fragile possessions safe during transport. It's a lightweight option that won't weigh you down; however, it can take multiple layers to provide adequate protection.

To save some pennies, consider wrapping fragile items in bulky clothing, newspaper, or newsprint. Newsprint is similar to newspaper, but it doesn't have ink on it, so it won't transfer onto your belongings. When packing up, surround wrapped items with additional clothing or wads of newspaper to prevent them from bouncing around on the journey.

Mattress Cover

Let's face it – moving can get a little dirty, and despite best efforts, heavy items can get damaged. Because your bed is one of the most important items you own (and will be especially useful after a long day of moving) a mattress cover or bag is an ideal way to keep it dust and damage-free. While not necessary, it's an inexpensive way to protect your investment and sleep soundly for years to come.

Thick Markers

Even small efforts can make a big difference on moving day. Identifying the contents of each box is essential to streamlining the unpacking process. Thick markers make it easy to clearly label boxes so you can quickly see if it contains fragile items and determine where the box should go in your new home.

No matter what your move entails, Penske makes it easy to find all the tools and supplies you need to reduce stress and help you get the job done.