Supplies Not to Use When Moving: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Moving is stressful enough without adding unnecessary problems caused by bad packing choices. Using the wrong supplies can lead to damaged belongings, wasted time, and unnecessary expenses. If you’re planning a move, knowing what not to use is just as important as knowing what to use. Here’s a list of supplies that can make your move harder and what you should use instead.

1. Weak or Flimsy Boxes

Cardboard boxes are the backbone of any move, but not all boxes are created equal. Grocery store boxes, reused shipping boxes, or thin cardboard boxes often lack the strength to hold your items, especially heavy ones. These boxes may have hidden weaknesses, water damage, or missing flaps that make them unreliable.

What to Use Instead:

• Sturdy moving boxes designed for heavy loads
• Plastic storage bins for fragile or valuable items
• Double-walled boxes for added protection

2. Cheap Packing Tape

‍Regular office tape, masking tape, or cheap dollar-store packing tape may seem like they’ll work, but they won’t hold up to the weight and stress of moving. Weak tape can peel off, break, or fail to keep boxes sealed properly, leading to spilled items.

‍What to Use Instead:

• Heavy-duty packing tape (at least 2 inches wide)
• Reinforced filament tape for extra support
• A tape gun for quick and efficient sealing

3. Old or Overused Packing Paper

‍Newspapers and old packing paper may seem like a cost-effective solution, but they come with problems. Newspaper ink can transfer onto your belongings, leaving stains that are hard to remove. Old, crumpled paper may not provide enough cushioning for fragile items.

‍What to Use Instead:

• Clean, unprinted packing paper
• Bubble wrap for delicate items
• Soft cloths or towels for added padding

4. Plastic Grocery Bags

‍Plastic grocery bags might seem convenient for quick packing, but they offer no protection and can rip easily. Plus, they trap moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew, especially if you're storing items for a while.

‍What to Use Instead:

• Ziplock bags for small items like screws and cables
• Sealed plastic containers for liquids or toiletries
• Cloth bags or packing cubes for clothing

5. Trash Bags for Packing

‍Trash bags are often used for packing soft items like clothes, bedding, and stuffed animals, but they’re a bad choice. They rip easily, offer no protection, and can accidentally be mistaken for garbage during the move.

‍What to Use Instead:

• Suitcases or duffel bags for clothing
• Vacuum-sealed storage bags to save space
• Sturdy plastic bins for bulkier soft items

6. Duct Tape

‍Duct tape is strong, but it’s not ideal for moving. It doesn’t adhere to cardboard over time and leaves a sticky residue on furniture or plastic bins. It also lacks flexibility, making it hard to remove and reposition if needed.

‍What to Use Instead

• High-quality packing tape
• Rope or bungee cords for securing furniture
• Moving blankets with straps for extra stability

7. Crushed Newspaper for Fragile Items

‍While newspaper is easy to find, it’s not the best choice for fragile items. It compresses too easily, reducing its cushioning effect, and the ink can transfer onto glass, ceramics, and other delicate items.

‍What to Use Instead:

• Bubble wrap or foam padding
• Packing peanuts for extra cushion
• Soft fabric like towels or clothing for added protection

8. Oversized Boxes for Heavy Items

‍It’s tempting to put all your books or kitchenware into one large box, but that’s a mistake. Heavy items in oversized boxes make them difficult to lift, increasing the risk of dropping and breaking items, or injuring yourself.

‍What to Use Instead:

• Small to medium-sized boxes for heavy items
• Rolling carts or dollies for easier transport
• Reinforced boxes with handholds for better grip

9. Stretch Wrap for Everything

‍Stretch wrap is useful for keeping drawers shut or bundling small items, but using it too much can be a mistake. Wrapping furniture in stretch wrap can trap moisture, leading to mold, and it offers no protection against impacts.

‍What to Use Instead:

• Furniture pads or moving blankets
• Rope or straps for securing large items
• Cardboard corner protectors for added safety

10. Packing Peanuts for Large Spaces

‍Packing peanuts seem like a good idea for cushioning, but they shift too easily, leaving some parts of your items unprotected. They’re also messy and can be frustrating to clean up.

‍What to Use Instead:

• Foam sheets for added protection
• Inflatable air pillows for gap-filling
• Layered bubble wrap for shock absorption

11. Used Mattress Covers or Sheets for Protection

‍It’s tempting to use old sheets or mattress covers to protect furniture, but they offer little protection from scratches or impact damage. Plus, they collect dust and don’t provide enough padding for delicate surfaces.

‍What to Use Instead:

• Furniture pads or moving blankets
• Plastic mattress covers for protection from dirt and moisture
• Quilted furniture covers for scratch resistance

12. DIY Labeling with Pencil or Light Ink

‍Labeling boxes is crucial for an organized move, but using a pencil or light-colored ink makes it hard to read, especially in dim lighting. Faded labels slow down unpacking and increase the chances of mishandling fragile items.

‍What to Use Instead:

• Bold, waterproof markers
• Pre-printed labels for organization
• Color-coded tape for different rooms

Final Thoughts

‍The right supplies can make or break your moving experience. Avoiding weak, unreliable, or poorly suited materials will save you time, money, and stress. Invest in quality moving supplies to protect your belongings and make your transition smoother. A little planning now will save a lot of frustration later.