What packing supplies do I need for moving house?
This question hits different when you’re standing in a shop surrounded by a million options and some salesperson trying to sell you everything.
I’ve moved house 12 times. I’ve learned what you actually need versus what companies want you to buy.
The Truth About Moving Supplies
Most packing supply lists are written by people who’ve never actually moved. They’ll tell you to buy 47 different types of boxes. Complete nonsense.
Here’s what really matters: Quality over quantity. Right tool for the right job. Don’t buy stuff you’ll use once.
The Essential Kit (What You Can’t Move Without)
Boxes:
- Small boxes (1.5 cubic feet) – for books, dishes, heavy stuff
- Medium boxes (3 cubic feet) – most of your belongings
- Large boxes (4.5 cubic feet) – bedding, pillows, light bulky items
- Wardrobe boxes – if you’ve got nice clothes (rent these, don’t buy)
Protection materials:
- Bubble wrap – 1 roll per room minimum
- Packing paper – cheaper than bubble wrap for general wrapping
- Packing tape – proper moving tape, 6 rolls for average house
- Markers – black for general labeling, red for fragile
Room-by-Room Supply Breakdown
Kitchen (The Supply Killer): This room will eat your supplies.
- Extra small boxes – dishes are heavy
- Dish dividers – or make your own with cardboard
- Extra bubble wrap – everything in a kitchen is fragile
- Newspaper – for wrapping everyday dishes
Bedroom:
- Medium boxes – clothes, books, personal items
- Vacuum storage bags – for out-of-season clothes
- Small boxes – jewelry, heavy items
Living Room:
- Large boxes – cushions, throws, light items
- Electronics boxes – or save original boxes
- Bubble wrap – for ornaments and decorative items
The Dubai Moving Reality Check
In Dubai’s heat, some supplies behave differently: Tape loses stickiness in extreme heat. Buy high-temperature moving tape, not regular sellotape. Cardboard can warp if stored in hot areas. Keep supplies in air-conditioned spaces.
What NOT to Buy (Save Your Money)
Overpriced “moving kits”: They include stuff you don’t need and skip stuff you do.
Specialty boxes for everything: You don’t need a special box for shoes. Regular boxes work fine.
Too many large boxes: Large boxes = heavy boxes = injured backs.
The Smart Shopping Strategy
Buy in this order:
- Tape and markers first – you’ll need these immediately
- Bubble wrap and paper – protection materials next
- Boxes last – easier to estimate when you see your stuff
Where to buy:
- Cardboard boxes: Moving companies or wholesale
- Bubble wrap: Office supply shops (better prices)
- Tape: Hardware stores (stronger tape)
DIY Alternatives That Actually Work
Instead of dish dividers: Cut cardboard to make your own. Saves money and works just as well.
Instead of expensive packing paper: Clean newspaper or office paper. Just avoid direct contact with nice items.
Instead of buying mattress covers: Large plastic sheets and tape. Does the same job for half the price.
The Quantity Calculator
For a 3-bedroom house in Dubai:
- Small boxes: 15-20
- Medium boxes: 25-30
- Large boxes: 10-15
- Bubble wrap: 8-10 rolls
- Packing tape: 8-10 rolls
- Markers: 4 (2 black, 2 red)
Adjust up or down based on how much stuff you actually have.
Quality Check: What Good Supplies Look Like
Good boxes: Feel sturdy, don’t sag when you pick them up empty.
Good tape: Pulls off the roll smoothly, sticks immediately.
Good bubble wrap: Bubbles don’t pop when you handle it normally.
The Money-Saving Timeline
8 weeks before: Start collecting free boxes from shops 6 weeks before: Buy bubble wrap and tape 4 weeks before: Get remaining boxes 2 weeks before: Final supply check and emergency purchases
FAQs
Q: How many boxes do I really need for a 2-bedroom flat? A: Typically 20-25 boxes total. Mix of small (8), medium (12), large (5). Adjust for your belongings.
Q: Can I use bin bags for packing? A: Only for soft items like bedding. Bags tear easily and don’t stack well in trucks.
Q: Should I buy new boxes or find used ones? A: Mix both. New for heavy/fragile items, used for books and sturdy stuff.
Q: How much should I budget for packing supplies? A: £100-200 for average house, depending on quality and where you shop.
Q: What’s the biggest supply mistake people make? A: Not buying enough tape. You’ll use twice as much as you think.
What packing supplies do I need for moving house comes down to being smart about what you buy, when you buy it, and where you get it from.
