Packing materials to use when moving a Fort Lauderdale home

If you’re moving to a home in Fort Lauderdale, don’t rely on standard packing supplies. South Florida’s heat, rain, and condo rules demand stronger materials. You’ll need the right boxes, wraps, and, if you have fragile items, custom crating. In this Pro Movers Miami guide, you’ll learn what packing materials to use when moving a Fort Lauderdale home, when to hire packing services, and how to protect your belongings. We’ll also show you where to buy supplies in Fort Lauderdale and what to do if local stores don’t have what you need.

Must-have packing supplies for a Fort Lauderdale move

Not all moving boxes and wraps work well in Florida. Humid conditions and sudden storms can damage items quickly. Start with these proven materials:

• Double-wall cardboard boxes in small, medium, and large sizes
• Mattress bags with thick plastic for moisture protection
• Plastic stretch wrap to seal dressers, chairs, and fabric furniture
• Bubble wrap and packing paper for dishes, glasses, and fragile décor
• Foam corner protectors for screens and glass
• Heavy-duty packing tape with a tape gun
• Labels and permanent markers
• Desiccant packs to absorb moisture in electronics, books, and framed photos
• Furniture blankets (rent or buy, or borrow free of charge from your chosen movers)

Use smaller boxes for books and tools, medium ones for kitchenware, and large boxes for pillows and linens. Avoid reused grocery boxes if you can, as they often attract pests or fall apart in humidity.

Specialty moving supplies for Fort Lauderdale conditions

Living in Fort Lauderdale means dealing with buildings that have elevators, narrow entries, or HOA restrictions. Here’s what else to consider:

• Plastic bins resist moisture and pests better than cardboard
• Anti-static bubble wrap protects electronics from both shock and static
• Floor and door protectors may be required by your condo board
• Stair-climber dollies help if you’re in a walk-up or older building
• Ratchet straps keep furniture secure during a bumpy drive
• Fire-rated document boxes protect birth certificates, passports, and legal files

If your HOA or apartment building requires protective covers, ask your mover if they supply them or buy your own in advance.

When to use crating and packing services

Some items can’t be safely packed with bubble wrap alone. That’s where crating and packing services in Miami and Fort Lauderdale become useful. Use crating when you need to protect:

• Oversized glass tables or mirrors
• Large art pieces or sculptures
• Chandeliers and fragile light fixtures
• Aquariums, lab equipment, or server racks
• Marble countertops or vanities
• Arcade games or vintage electronics

Crates are custom-built to fit your item’s size and shape. Most include interior foam padding, blocking, and strapping to keep the contents secure. For international moves, ask for heat-treated (ISPM-15) wood crates. You can request on-site crating or have the crate pre-built and delivered to your home. It’s more expensive than basic packing but is often required for insurance coverage on high-value items.

How furniture crating protects high-value items

If you’re moving valuable furniture in Fort Lauderdale, crating adds protection that regular packing can’t offer. Antiques, custom sofas, marble tops, and display cabinets are hard to move safely without support. Florida’s humidity and tight hallways raise the risk of damage.

Typically, white glove movers begin by wrapping the item in soft padding, then build a fitted wooden crate. Most crates include a pallet base for stable handling. Crating keeps the item secure during transport or storage and reduces shock, moisture, and impact risks.

For longer moves or storage, ask about humidity indicators or shock sensors. Some Fort Lauderdale movers also offer unpacking and reassembly at your new location.

When to hire Fort Lauderdale packing services

If you don’t have time to look for packing materials to use when moving a Fort Lauderdale home or want professionals to handle fragile items, consider hiring local packing services. Local high-end movers know how to work around humidity, condo restrictions, and fragile furniture that won’t survive a do-it-yourself approach.

Movers can handle:

• Full packing: Crews pack your entire home, including kitchenware, closets, and furniture. This works best if you’re relocating on a tight timeline or managing an interstate move.
• Partial packing: You handle the easy items. Movers focus on hard-to-pack things like dishes, glass, artwork, and electronics.
• Unpacking: After the move, teams unpack boxes, set up kitchens and bedrooms, and remove debris. This is useful if you’re starting work or school immediately.
• Custom packing and crating: For high-value items, movers offer on-site crating or specialty boxes. They may also photograph each item before wrapping.

Before hiring, ask these questions:

• Do they include packing materials or charge extra for each item?
• Do they offer valuation coverage in case of loss or damage?
• Will they provide a written inventory of everything packed?
• Are the crew members trained, or are they temporary labor?

Avoid movers who can’t explain their pricing, skip documentation, or refuse to answer basic questions.

Where to buy packing supplies in Fort Lauderdale and beyond

You can find most essential packing materials at local stores. If you’re looking for specialty crates or commercial-grade supplies, you may need to check Miami or order from larger suppliers elsewhere in Florida. Here are the Fort Lauderdale locations:

• Local moving companies: They offer moving boxes in Miami, tape, and packing materials for purchase or delivery.
• U-Haul Moving & Storage: 2400 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312; Carries boxes, mattress bags, tape, wardrobe kits, and TV boxes
• The Home Depot: 1000 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304; Stocks standard boxes, packing paper, shrink wrap, and tools
• Office Depot: 1531 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316; Offers markers, file boxes, bubble wrap, and labels
• Blick Art Materials: 817 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301; Great for foam sheets, cardboard corners, and protective wrap for artwork

Also, knowing where to find packing supplies in Miami is a good backup if Fort Lauderdale stores run low.

Types of packing materials to use when moving a Fort Lauderdale home

When moving a Fort Lauderdale home, the type of packing materials you’ll need largely depends on the kind of house and belongings you have. You may need custom crate packing solutions alongside general packing supplies such as bubble wrap and cardboard boxes. Now, let’s explore the supplies for each home type.

Types of packing materials to use when moving a studio

For a studio apartment move in Fort Lauderdale, the approximate cost of packing materials typically falls between $120 and $200.

Packing materials to use when moving a one-bedroom home in Fort Lauderdale

For a one-bedroom move in Fort Lauderdale, expect to spend around $180 to $300 on packing materials. The range depends on whether you choose heavy-duty supplies, rent specialty crates, or add protective extras like foam wrap or desiccant packs (useful in humid conditions).

Packing materials to use when moving a two-bedroom home in Fort Lauderdale

For a two-bedroom home move in Fort Lauderdale, expect to spend $280 to $450 on packing materials. This higher cost reflects the need for more boxes, stronger protection for fragile items, and climate-specific supplies to handle Florida’s humidity and frequent storms.

What to use for fragile items?

Book boxes and liquor boxes, known for their sturdy construction, are ideal for smaller, fragile items. Their compact size prevents items from moving around too much inside. TV boxes, designed for flat-screen TVs, provide the right shape and protection for similar fragile electronics. For home office items, commercial boxes offer the right blend of size and sturdiness, perfect for protecting valuable and sensitive equipment.

Additionally, a packing paper bundle is essential for wrapping and cushioning fragile items. It provides a protective layer that prevents scratches and chips. Blankets can be used to wrap larger items, offering a soft cushion against shocks and impacts.

Air-filled wrap, another key material, provides excellent cushioning for all types of fragile items, from glassware to electronics. Movers find it especially useful for filling space in boxes and keeping items secure during transit. Always check resources from the FMCSA to understand what licensed movers must provide, including written estimates and valuation coverage.

Get the right materials to protect your Fort Lauderdale move

In Fort Lauderdale, your packing choices should match the environment. Use materials that resist moisture, hold up in heat, and meet condo regulations. For high-value items, crating isn’t optional but the only way to avoid damage on tight elevators or long-distance routes. Professional packing services can save time and reduce liability if you’re moving antiques, instruments, or electronics.

Most packing materials to use when moving a Fort Lauderdale home are available locally, and if those options fall short, finding packing supplies in Florida gives you access to specialty crates and foam kits. A successful move here depends less on speed and more on choosing the right tools for the job!