What You Actually Need for a Move: Boxes, Bubble Wrap, and Tape Checklist

A business move rarely fails on the big things. It stalls on the small ones: the tape that ran out at 3 pm, the fragile equipment with nothing to wrap it in, the mismatched boxes that would not stack. The fix is simple. Work out the full kit before you start, order it in one go, and keep a buffer. This checklist covers everything a relocation actually needs, grouped so nothing gets missed, with a guide to how much of each to order.

The core three, and why they are only the start

Boxes, bubble wrap and tape are the headline items, and they do most of the work. But a smooth move also needs void fill, edge protection, a labelling system and, for palletised loads, wrap and strapping. Treat the three essentials as the base of the kit, then build out from there.

Boxes: the foundation

Boxes carry the whole move, so get the range right first.

Moving boxes in a small range of sizes, with stronger boards for heavy contents and larger sizes for light, bulky goods.
Stock cartons for general packing, storage and any ongoing dispatch that continues through the move.
White boxes where a clean, presentable finish matters, such as a retail fit-out.
Mailing tubes for rolled documents, plans and artwork that should not be creased or folded.

Protection: bubble wrap and void fill

Empty space and hard edges are where damage happens. Fill and cushion both.

Bubble wrap for wrapping fragile equipment, screens and glass individually.
Kraft paper rolls for wrapping and for filling voids so contents cannot shift.
Corrugated cardboard rolls for layering and surface protection on larger items and furniture.
Corner protectors to guard edges on equipment, framed items and stacked loads.

Sealing: tape and dispensers

Cheap tape is a false economy; it peels and boxes burst. Use quality tape and enough of it.

Quality packaging tape for sealing bases and tops, double-taped on heavier boxes.
Tape dispensers or tape guns so sealing is fast, even and less wasteful.
Fragile or warning tape to flag boxes that need careful handling.

Labelling and inventory

A clear system turns a pile of identical boxes into an organised move.

Permanent markers and printed labels, available through mailing and dispatch supplies, for marking contents and destinations.
A simple numbering or colour system tied to a master list, so every box has a known home at the other end.
Label boxes on more than one side so they can be read however they are stacked.

For pallet and bulk moves

Warehouse and stock relocations move on pallets, and consumer checklists ignore this entirely. Add:

Pallet wrap to secure and stabilise stacked loads and add some weather protection.
Strapping and accessories to hold heavy or loose loads firmly for transport.
Pallet pads between layers, and kraft pallet top sheets over the load to keep it clean and protected.

How much to order

Ordering short is what causes the moving-day scramble. As a working guide:

Boxes: estimate volumes area by area, then add a buffer of 10 to 15 per cent.
Tape: allow roughly one roll for every 15 to 20 boxes, plus spares.
Bubble wrap and void fill: one or more rolls per area with fragile or high-value contents.
Order the full kit from one supplier, a week or two ahead, so packing starts early and reordering is simple.

Kit by move type

Small office. A couple of box sizes, bubble wrap, tape and a labelling system usually cover it.
Warehouse or stock move. Add pallet wrap, strapping, pallet pads and top sheets for palletised loads.
Retail fit-out. Clean boxes, edge protection and careful wrapping for stock and fittings.
Records and archive. Uniform, sturdy boxes that stack safely in storage without crushing.

The quick checklist

Moving boxes in a small size range
Stock cartons for general packing
Mailing tubes for documents and plans
Bubble wrap for fragile items
Kraft paper and void fill
Corner protectors for edges
Quality packaging tape and dispensers
Fragile or warning tape
Markers and labels for inventory
Pallet wrap, strapping and pallet pads for bulk loads

Frequently asked questions

What are the essential supplies for a business move?

At minimum, you need moving boxes in a couple of sizes, bubble wrap and void fill for protection, quality packaging tape with dispensers, and a labelling system. Palletised moves also need pallet wrap, strapping and pallet pads.

How much packing tape do I need for a move?

As a rough guide, allow one roll of quality packing tape for every 15 to 20 boxes, plus a few spares, since tape always runs short first. A dispenser or tape gun speeds up sealing and reduces waste.

What is the best protection for fragile equipment?

Wrap fragile items individually in bubble wrap, cushion gaps with kraft paper or void fill, and use corner protectors on edges. Pack items snugly so nothing shifts, then seal the box firmly.

What size moving boxes should I order?

Use smaller boxes with a stronger board for heavy items like files and tools, and larger boxes for light, bulky goods. Sticking to a small range of sizes makes stacking and truck loading far easier.

How far ahead should I order moving supplies?

Order the full kit at least a week or two before the move so packing can start early and you are not chasing stock on the day. Ordering everything from one supplier keeps delivery and reordering simple.