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12 Must-Have Products to Make Your Move Easier, Safer, and Less Stressful

Moving is one of life’s top stressors—and anyone who’s been through it knows why. Between juggling boxes, coordinating schedules, cleaning, and trying not to lose your mind (or your keys), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the right tools can make a world of difference. We’re talking about smart, affordable products that help you stay organized, protect your stuff, and streamline the entire process—from packing to unpacking. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, here are 12 must-haves that can help your move go more smoothly—and might just preserve your sanity in the process.

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1. Heavy-Duty Moving Boxes That Don’t Collapse

woman in middle of moving. Boxes.
Image credit Nikita Wayhome via Shutterstock.

Forget grocery store freebies—invest in sturdy moving boxes with reinforced bottoms. Look for kits that come in multiple sizes with handles built in. A box that doesn’t give out halfway down the stairs is worth every penny.

Recommended: Amazon Basics Moving Boxes Bundle

2. Pre-Printed Room Labels for Instant Organization

Labels.
The Queen Zone via Canva.

Color-coded moving labels help you instantly sort boxes by room at a glance. Skip the sharpie confusion and use peel-and-stick labels with bold text so movers (or your friends) know exactly where to drop each box.

RecommendedYaze Magnet 140 Moving Labels Pack

3. A Reliable Tape Gun That Won’t Drive You Nuts

Tape gun.
gresei via Shutterstock.

Cheap tape dispensers jam. Invest in a solid tape gun with ergonomic grip and quick reload features. Bonus points if it comes with multiple rolls of strong packing tape.

Recommended: Duck Brand Packing Tape Dispenser with Tape

4. Zip-Top Mattress Bags to Keep Your Bed Clean

Moving mattress.
Virojt Changyencham via Shutterstock.

Your mattress touches every filthy surface on moving day unless you protect it. Get a heavy-duty, zippered mattress bag that keeps dust, dirt, and water out.

Recommended: NordicElk Zippered Mattress Bag for Moving

5. Furniture Sliders So You Don’t Break Your Back

furniture sliders.
abimages via Shutterstock.

If you’re moving heavy furniture solo or with minimal help, sliders under the legs make a huge difference. Glide heavy couches, dressers, and tables without damaging your floors—or your spine.

Recommended: SuperSliders 16-Piece Reusable Furniture Sliders

6. A Moving Dolly to Save Time and Trips

dolly.
The Queen Zone via Canva.

A folding hand truck is one of those things you’ll wish you bought sooner. Use it to stack and roll boxes, bins, and even appliances. It’s a true back-saver.

Recommended: Cosco 3-in-1 Aluminum Hand Truck and Dolly

7. Stretch Wrap to Keep Drawers and Doors Shut

stretch wrap moving.
LightField Studios via Shutterstock.

Plastic wrap isn’t just for leftovers. Use heavy-duty stretch wrap to secure drawers, protect upholstered furniture, and bundle oddly shaped items. It sticks to itself—no tape needed.

Recommended: Packing Wrap with Handle Dispenser

8. Vacuum Storage Bags to Shrink Bulky Items

Vaccuum bags.
Vershinin89 via Shutterstock.

Compress bulky blankets, pillows, or off-season clothes into vacuum-sealed bags. You’ll save space and keep everything protected from dirt and moisture.

Recommended: Spacesaver Premium Vacuum Storage Bags

9. A Toolkit With All the Essentials

Toolkit.
Matveev Aleksandr via Shutterstock.

You’ll need tools—trust us. Whether it’s for taking apart a bed frame or rehanging curtains, a compact toolkit with screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, and pliers is essential.

Recommended: WORKPRO 100-Piece Home Tool Kit

10. Drawer Organizers for Fast Unpacking

drawer organizer.
Kostikova Natalia via Shutterstock.

Instead of emptying your entire junk drawer into a mystery box, use drawer bags or baskets to keep things sorted. When you unpack, you just slide them into place.

Recommended: Drawer Organizer Set

11. A Rolling Cooler to Keep You Going

cooler.
The Queen Zone via Canva.

Moving is sweaty work. Keep snacks, water, and sandwiches cold in a rolling cooler so you’re not running on fumes all day. Hydration + calories = better decisions.

Recommended: Coleman 50-Quart Rolling Cooler

12. A Label Maker for the Aftermath

Label maker.
The Queen Zone via Canva.

You’ll want this after the move for labeling bins, cables, kitchen containers—everything. Bonus: It helps with organizing once you’re unpacked and nesting in your new space.

Recommended: Brother P-Touch Label Maker

The Takeaway

Packing.
Image credit PeopleImages.com – Yuri A via Shutterstock.

Moving will always be stressful—but it doesn’t have to be disorganized. Investing in just a few reliable tools can make the difference between a chaotic move and one that’s surprisingly smooth. These products won’t do the heavy lifting for you, but they’ll make the process faster, smarter, and a whole lot easier on your body and brain. Whether you’re heading across town or across the country, prep like a pro—and give yourself the tools to thrive, not just survive, on moving day.

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Author

  • Dede Wilson Headshot Circle

    Dédé Wilson is a journalist with over 17 cookbooks to her name and is the co-founder and managing partner of the digital media partnership Shift Works Partners LLC, currently publishing through two online media brands, FODMAP Everyday® and The Queen Zone.

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Last update on 2025-06-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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