5 Essential Packing Supplies for Moving Offices

Pack smarter, not harder

Office moves can be the most rewarding and frustrating chapters of any business. They often represent a growing business’s transition into a new space, but they’re also an immense logistical challenge that eats into productivity. In order for owners and managers to be fully prepared for an impending move, they need the best packing supplies for moving day.

With the right equipment, you’ll be better able to manage a challenging office move. Let’s take a closer look at the packing supplies for moving that belong on your checklist.

The best packing supplies for moving offices

1. There’s no such thing as too many boxes

Most people understand that boxes are core moving and packing supplies. What’s harder is judging the types of boxes you’ll ultimately need. Small and medium-sized boxes are useful when clearing individual desks, while large boxes can hold break room appliances and office supplies. Use double-walled containers to support heavy electronics, and be sure to grab some mirror and picture boxes for your wall decor.

Make note of any special requirements for the items within boxes. For example, are you storing large volumes of confidential paperwork in separate containers? If yes, avoid bins made of transparent plastic.

Another challenge is estimating exactly how many boxes you’ll ultimately need. Online packing calculators can help, but most are designed for residential and not business use. One useful mental trick is estimating how many boxes are needed per employee, which puts the scale of what’s required into perspective.

2. Stock up on heavy-duty packing tape

Even if you’ve planned impeccably and inventoried all of your packed supplies, that organization won’t help you if the boxes aren’t properly sealed. To prevent a potentially chaotic situation, you need sturdy packing tape that can support the weight of the containers it’s sealing.

Many times, you’ll only be moving to a different building within the same city or a nearby town. However, if you have more distance to cover, you’ll have to take the weather into consideration. When moving across the country or continent, consider using water-activated tape that is highly resistant to changing weather conditions.

3. Let dollies do the heavy lifting

Of course, you won’t only be transporting boxes; you need to think about the best way to move your furniture, like those heavy filing cabinets and desks. Heavy-duty dollies made of aluminum or steel are ideal for loading and unloading these items. Some rental trucks may include a dolly, but don’t be afraid to have extras on hand to speed up loading and unloading. You’ll also want dollies for heavier boxes that can’t be lifted safely by hand.

4. Label everything

Once the move is complete, your team needs to unpack an entire office of supplies before returning to work. Losing track of vital inventory at this stage is the last thing anyone wants since each delay has a financial cost.

A simple labeling system can make all the difference while ensuring every box reaches the right department. In most cases, sticker-based labels are ideal for a time crunch. You should also consider color-coded labels that make it easier to differentiate each box’s contents at a glance. Make sure the writing on these labels is clear so you can easily tell what’s in each box.

5. Protect your fragile items

Protective packaging materials help keep your fragile items safe during a move. Just remember that not all materials are equal—each one is designed for specific purposes.

Bubble wrap (also called bubble cushion) protects a box’s contents from impact damage. Foam sheets and packing paper are space-efficient and protect against scratches—that’s going to be important for monitor and television screens. Packing peanuts restrict movement and keep a box’s contents steady. When packing boxes, consider what type of movement the contents will be vulnerable to before adding protective materials.

If you’re moving couches, tables and other furniture, they will need protection as well. Otherwise, even a coordinated office move will create opportunities for scratches and wear, especially on light fabrics and white surfaces. While blankets can protect some materials, furniture covers provide the best protection and keep each item looking its best in the new location.

Get ready for moving day in advance

It’s always a good idea to start packing as early as possible. Your decision-makers should be working out logistics well in advance to ensure they have all the necessary materials. Figure out which lesser-used items can be packed earlier and start there to avoid a time crunch right before the move. This will also give you an idea of whether you’ve purchased enough supplies.

If staff will be packing up the office, let them know when boxes, tape and labels are available so they can get started. Alternatively, if professional movers will handle the packing, you can still provide small boxes for organizing personal items and desk stationery. In both cases, working together helps moving day proceed as smoothly as possible.

Streamline your move with Walmart Business

Office moves can be disruptive for any company, but the right retail partner can make this process easier. Walmart Business has a wide selection of moving and packing supplies for business owners and office managers, and you can stretch your budget further with a Walmart Business+ membership. Sign up today for access to free shipping,¹ free delivery from store on orders over $35² and 2% rewards back for purchases over $250.³ You could save over $500 a year while enjoying exclusive rewards for your organization.⁴ Learn more here.

¹Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

²Restrictions apply. 

³Exclusions apply. See full terms for details.

⁴Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).