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Packing & Supplies February 08, 2026

Best Packing Supplies for Los Angeles Moves: What I Actually Recommend (And Why)

Best Packing Supplies for Los Angeles Moves: What I Actually Recommend (And Why)

Moving in Los Angeles is its own beast. We’re not just talking about cardboard boxes and tape. We’re talking narrow staircases, street parking that disappears, coastal humidity vs. valley heat, and long drives across the 405.

I’ve been helping people move around LA for years with United Prime Van Lines, and I can tell you this: the supplies you choose can make or break your move. Below I’ll walk you through the best packing supplies for Los Angeles moves, why they matter here specifically, and how I’d set you up.

1. Picking the Right Moving Boxes for LA

Not all boxes are created equal. In LA, stairs and long carries mean overpacked large boxes are a liability.

  • Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): For books, tools, pantry items. Essential for stair carries.
  • Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): For clothes, linens, decor.
  • Double-Wall Boxes: Crucial for dishes and electronics. LA traffic means stop-and-go vibration; these boxes hold their shape.
  • Wardrobe Boxes: A must for LA professionals. Keep your suits and dresses wrinkle-free and dust-free.

2. Essential Protection: Paper, Bubble, Foam

  • Packing Paper: Fills gaps so items don't shift during freeway drives. Avoid newspaper (ink stains).
  • Bubble Wrap: Use small bubbles for decor and large bubbles for artwork/TVs. Vital for LA homes with hard tile or wood floors.
  • Foam Pouches: Quick protection for glasses and mugs.

3. Moving Blankets: The Unsung Heroes

We use them to wrap furniture, pad doorways, and protect banisters. Why in LA? Narrow hallways and strict HOA rules about common area damage make blankets non-negotiable.

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4. The Right Tape (Avoid Cheap Stuff)

Heat is the issue. Storage units in the Valley get hot. Cheap tape peels. Use high-quality packing tape (2.5 inches wide) to ensure boxes don't blow out on a stairwell.

5. Labels & Color Coding

In high-rises or multi-level condos, a labeling system speeds up the move.

  • Thick Markers: Label at least two sides.
  • Color Coding: Blue=Kitchen, Yellow=Bedroom. My crew can place boxes instantly without asking you.

6. Mattress Bags (Crucial for LA Dust)

Mattresses get dirty fast in parking garages and elevators. Use heavy-duty plastic bags for every mattress to protect against dust, smog, and potential rain.

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7. Stretch Wrap: The LA Multi-Tool

We use it to keep drawers closed, hold blankets in place, and bundle loose items. It keeps furniture clean during long carries across dusty sidewalks.

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8. Specialty Supplies: TVs and Art

  • TV Boxes: Modern flat-screens are fragile. Use proper TV cartons with foam corners.
  • Art/Mirror Boxes: Telescoping boxes protect glass better than just a blanket.

9. "Open First" Box

Traffic can delay even short moves. Pack a box with:

  • Toilet paper, soap, towels.
  • Basic tools (screwdriver, box cutter).
  • Chargers and essential meds.

10. When to Let Us Handle It

If you don't want to live in a sea of boxes, United Prime Van Lines offers Full-Service Packing. We bring all the supplies, pack everything, label it, and clean up.

The LA Packing Checklist

For a standard 1-2 bedroom apartment:

  • 10-15 Small Boxes
  • 15-25 Medium Boxes
  • 2-4 Wardrobe Boxes
  • 2-3 Rolls of Tape & 1 Tape Gun
  • 25lbs Packing Paper & 1 Roll Bubble Wrap
  • Mattress Bags & Stretch Wrap
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How We Help

You don't have to figure this out alone. When you move with United Prime Van Lines, we can recommend the right quantities, bring professional-grade materials, and handle the tricky logistics.

You focus on choosing your new favorite coffee spot; I’ll help make sure your stuff gets there in one piece.

+1 (888) 807-5399