Quick Summary
- Dollar stores sell bubble wrap, packing tape, markers, and boxes for a fraction of regular prices
- Use coloured tape to colour-code boxes by room, making unpacking way faster
- Foam plates between real plates protect your dishes without expensive packing paper
- Plastic bins from the dollar store work for packing AND organizing your new place
- Stock up on cleaning supplies for both your old place and new home
Moving is expensive. Between hiring professional movers, renting trucks, and buying supplies, costs add up fast. Most people spend $150 to $300 just on boxes, tape, and packing materials. But here is a secret that local movers know: the dollar store has almost everything you need for a fraction of the price.
Dollar Tree, Dollarama, and other dollar stores sell bubble wrap, packing tape, markers, labels, plastic bins, and cleaning supplies. You can pack an entire apartment for under $50 if you shop smart. And some of these dollar store finds actually work better than the expensive stuff.
This guide shares the best dollar store hacks for moving. These tips will save you money, keep your stuff safe, and make your move less stressful. Whether you are moving across town in Vancouver, relocating to Burnaby, or heading to a new place in Surrey, these tricks work.
We have gathered the best tips from local movers, TikTok viral videos, and people who have tried these hacks themselves. Every suggestion has been tested and proven to work.
Declutter Before You Pack
Before you buy a single roll of tape, go through your belongings and get rid of things you no longer need. Local moving companies charge by the hour, and long-distance movers charge by weight and volume. Ultimately, the less you move, the less you pay. Plus, streamlining your inventory now saves you significant time and effort during the packing and unpacking process. There is no reason to pay to transport items you no longer want.
Go room by room and make three piles: keep, donate, and toss. Be honest with yourself. If you have not used something in a year, you probably do not need it. Sell valuable items on Facebook Marketplace to make some extra cash for moving day.
Decluttering takes time, so start at least 4-6 weeks before your move. Spending an hour a day sorting through one room is much easier than trying to do everything the week before.
Essential Dollar Store Packing Supplies You Need
Before you start packing, make a trip to the dollar store and stock up on these essentials. You will be surprised how much you can get for $20-$30.
1. Packing Tape and Dispensers
Dollar stores sell packing tape for $1.25 to $2. The same tape at a hardware store or office supply store costs $5-$8. You will need more tape than you think, so grab 4-6 rolls. If you can find a tape dispenser, get one. It makes taping boxes much faster.
The tape at dollar stores is usually just as sticky as the expensive stuff. It holds boxes closed during the move and does not peel off on its own. For heavy boxes, use two strips of tape across the bottom.
2. Bubble Wrap and Padded Envelopes
Yes, dollar stores have bubble wrap. The rolls are smaller than what you get at moving supply stores, but they cost $1.25 instead of $10. Grab several rolls if you have fragile items to pack.
Padded envelopes are a hidden gem. They cost about $1 for a pack of 2-3 and are perfect for small picture frames, jewellery, and other small breakables. Just slip the item in, seal it, and toss it in a box. No wrapping needed.
3. Markers and Labels
You need permanent markers to label your boxes. Dollar stores sell packs of markers in different colours for $1-$2. Get at least one black marker and a few coloured ones for colour-coding.
Colourful labels are great for marking fragile boxes or boxes that need to be unpacked first. Look for fluorescent or neon labels that catch your eye. When you have friends helping you move, bright labels help them know which boxes need extra care.
4. Coloured Tape for Colour-Coding
This is one of the best dollar store moving hacks. Buy rolls of coloured duct tape or masking tape in different colours. Assign each colour to a room:
Blue tape: Bedroom
Green tape: Kitchen
Yellow tape: Bathroom
Red tape: Living room
Orange tape: Office or spare room
When you seal a box, use the colour that matches its destination. Make a simple key on a piece of cardboard so everyone helping knows what each colour means. On moving day, helpers can put boxes in the right room without asking you a hundred questions.
Pro Tip: This colour-coding system saves hours during unpacking. You will know exactly which boxes go where without opening them.
How to Protect Fragile Items with Dollar Store Finds
Dishes, glasses, and other breakables are the trickiest things to pack. One wrong move and you are unpacking shattered pieces instead of usable items. Professional packing paper costs $20-$30 for a bundle. But dollar stores have cheaper options that work just as well, sometimes even better.
The key to protecting fragile items is to create a cushion between each piece and to fill all the space in the box. Here are the best dollar store solutions:
1. Foam Plates for Dishes
This hack is genius. Buy a pack of foam plates or styrofoam plates from the dollar store. When you pack your dishes, put a foam plate between each real plate. The foam cushions the plates and stops them from clinking together.
Wrap the whole stack in plastic wrap or cling wrap to keep everything together. This method is faster than wrapping each plate in paper, and it costs about $2 for enough foam plates to protect all your dishes.
Pro Tip: Pack plates vertically like records, not stacked flat. This distributes pressure evenly and reduces the risk of cracks. Use the foam plates between each dish, even when standing them upright.
2. Coffee Filters for Glasses and Bowls
Coffee filters are soft, cheap, and the perfect size for cushioning glasses and small bowls. Buy a pack of 100 filters for about $1. Put a filter inside each glass, then wrap the glass in another filter or two before packing.
The filters prevent glasses from scratching against each other. They are also thin, so they do not take up much space in the box.
3. Socks for Wine Glasses and Stemware
You already own this packing material. Clean socks are perfect for protecting wine glasses and other stemware. Slip each glass into a sock. The sock cushions the delicate stem and keeps the glass from bumping against others.
This trick does double duty: it protects your glasses and lets you avoid packing your socks separately. Just wash the socks after you unpack.
4. Vacuum Storage Bags
Vacuum storage bags are a game-changer for bulky items like blankets, pillows, and winter coats. Dollar stores sell these for $2-$3, compared to $10-$15 at other stores. You can compress bulky soft items by up to 80 percent.
Put your items in the bag, seal it, and use your vacuum cleaner to suck out the air. Comforters that took up half a box now fit in a small space. Just do not use these for foam items or anything with shape memory.
5. Plastic Wrap for Drawers and Shelves
Plastic wrap or cling wrap is a moving essential. Use it to keep dresser drawers closed so they do not fly open during the move. Wrap it around the whole dresser to keep the drawers in place.
You can also use plastic wrap to keep shelves organized. Wrap the entire unit if you have a bookshelf with small items. This keeps everything in place. It is a great way to avoid the hassle of full furniture assembly and disassembly at your new home. You can simply move smaller pieces as single, solid units.
Heads Up: Do not wrap furniture in plastic wrap and leave it in a hot truck for hours. The plastic can trap heat and moisture, which can damage wood finishes.
Dollar Store Bins and Containers for Packing
Plastic bins are better than cardboard boxes for some items. They are waterproof, stackable, and reusable. The dollar store has bins in all sizes.
1. Plastic Bins with Lids
Look for clear plastic bins with snap-on lids. They cost $2-$5 at dollar stores compared to $10-$15 at other stores. Use them for items you want to see without opening the bin, like toys, craft supplies, or pantry items.
These bins do triple duty. Use them for packing, use them for storage in your new place, and use them for organizing closets and cabinets. They are an investment that pays off long after the move.
2. Shoe Boxes and Small Containers
Dollar stores sell small plastic containers and shoe box-sized bins. These are perfect for small items that get lost in big boxes: remote controls, phone chargers, batteries, keys, and hardware.
When you take apart furniture, put all the screws and bolts in a small container. Label it with the furniture name. You will never lose another screw again. This is a pro tip used by professional furniture movers to ensure a seamless setup at your new home.
3. Ice Cube Trays for Tiny Items
Ice cube trays are perfect for organizing small items like earrings, screws, buttons, and jewellery pieces. Each compartment keeps things separated and visible. Stack multiple trays and wrap them in plastic wrap to keep everything in place during the move.
4. 2-Gallon Zip-Lock Bags
Dollar stores are one of the few places that sell extra-large 2-gallon zip-lock bags. These are incredibly handy for grouping small items. Use them to separate random items into categories within a box. Even if your box is labelled ‘random stuff,’ at least everything is organized into bags.
5. Magazine Holders for Box Sections
Magazine racks and holders from the dollar store create sections inside boxes. Use them to separate papers, stand plates upright, or organize smaller items. It is like having a box inside a box. This makes unpacking much easier because everything has its place.
6. Drawer Organizers
Grab some drawer organizers while you are at the dollar store. Use them now to organize small items in boxes. Then use them in your new place to keep kitchen drawers, bathroom drawers, and junk drawers tidy.
7. Garbage Bags for Clothes
Heavy-duty dollar store garbage bags are perfect for packing hanging clothes. Here is how to do it:
- Leave your clothes on the hangers.
- Poke a hole in the bottom center of the garbage bag.
- Pull the hangers up through the hole so the hooks stick out of the top.
- Tie the open, drawstring end of the bag together at the bottom of the clothes. You now have a DIY garment bag that keeps your clothes clean and wrinkle-free.
Cleaning Supplies for Moving Day
You will need to clean your old place before you leave and probably clean your new place before you unpack. Most landlords expect a clean unit for your damage deposit. And who wants to move into a dirty home?
The dollar store has everything you need for both clean-ups. Spend $10-$15, and you will have supplies for move-out cleaning, move-in cleaning, and enough left over for your first few weeks.
What to Buy for Cleaning
1. All-purpose cleaner: One or two bottles will handle counters, appliances, and bathroom surfaces.
2. Glass cleaner: For windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces in both homes.
3. Microfibre cloths: Dollar store microfibre cloths work great. Get a pack for dusting and wiping.
4. Sponges and scrub brushes: For tough spots in the kitchen and bathroom.
5. Broom and dustpan: If your old one is worn out, grab a cheap replacement.
6. Mop or Swiffer-style pads: For mopping floors before you leave and after you arrive.
7. Toilet brush: Buy a fresh one for your new place. You do not want to move the old one.
8. Rubber gloves: Protect your hands during deep cleaning.
Pack a Cleaning Kit
Put all your cleaning supplies in a bucket or plastic bin. Keep this kit with you on moving day, not buried in the truck. You will need it when you do a final walkthrough of your old place and when you arrive at your new home.
Most landlords expect a clean unit when you leave. Spending $10 at the dollar store on cleaning supplies can save your damage deposit.
Dollar Store Items for Your First Night Box
Your first night box is a box or bag you keep with you during the move. It has everything you need for that first night before you unpack. After a long day of moving, the last thing you want is to dig through a hundred boxes looking for toilet paper.
The dollar store is the perfect place to stock your first night box. Everything you need costs about $10-$15 total. Pack this box or bag last and keep it in your car so you have easy access when you arrive exhausted at your new place.
What to Include
1. Paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils: You probably will not unpack your kitchen right away. Paper products let you eat without digging through boxes.
2. Paper towels and napkins: For spills, cleaning, and general use.
3. Toilet paper: Do not forget this one. Pack at least 2-4 rolls in your first night box.
4. Hand soap: The small bottles from the dollar store are perfect for this.
5. Trash bags: You will have packaging and garbage to deal with right away.
6. Flashlight and batteries: In case you arrive after dark or need to check dark corners.
7. Phone charger: Keep one in the first night box so you are not searching for it.
8. Basic first aid supplies: Band-aids, pain relievers, and any medications you need.
9. Snacks: Crackers, granola bars, or other non-perishable snacks.
10. Bottled water: Stay hydrated on moving day.
Label this box clearly and keep it in your car, not the moving truck. You want easy access when you arrive exhausted at your new place.
Stocking Your New Kitchen on a Budget
If you are moving into your first place or need to replace kitchen items, the dollar store can set you up for cheap. Here is what to grab:
Basic Kitchen Items
1. Dish soap and sponges: You will need these right away for washing dishes.
2. Kitchen utensils: Spatulas, wooden spoons, can openers, peelers. Dollar stores have all the basics.
3. Measuring cups and spoons: Good enough for everyday cooking.
4. Food storage containers: For leftovers and pantry organization.
5. Ice cube trays: Most fridges do not come with these anymore.
6. Oven mitts and pot holders: Basic protection for hot pots and pans.
7. Dish towels and cloths: For drying dishes and cleaning up.
8. Trash can: A small one for under the sink.
These items are not fancy, but they work. You can upgrade later when you have more money. For now, the dollar store versions will do the job.
Pro Tip: Buy an extra can opener and keep it in your first night box. Nothing is worse than needing to open a can and not being able to find the opener.
Bathroom Must-Haves from the Dollar Store
Setting up a new bathroom does not have to be expensive. The dollar store has everything you need to make your bathroom functional on day one.
What to Buy
1. Shower curtain and rings: Dollar stores have basic shower curtains for $1-$3. Get a liner too.
2. Toilet brush and holder: Buy a fresh one for your new place.
3. Plunger: Every bathroom needs one. Buy it before you need it.
4. Bath mat: Basic mats are available for $2-$3.
5. Toothbrush holder and soap dish: Small items that make a difference.
6. Storage baskets: For organizing under the sink or on shelves.
7. Shower caddy: Keeps shampoo and soap organized in the shower.
Most of these items you will use every day. Spending $15-$20 at the dollar store gets your bathroom ready to use.
Setting Up Your New Home on a Budget
Once you arrive at your new place, you might realize you need a few things. The dollar store can help you get settled without spending a fortune.
Light Bulbs
Here is something people forget: you might have lamps but no bulbs. If you moved with minimal stuff or the previous owners took theirs, you will need light bulbs right away. Dollar stores have regular bulbs and even three-way bulbs for $1-$2 each.
Outdoor Space Items
If your new place has a balcony, patio, or yard, check out the gardening section at the dollar store. You can find small pots, gardening tools, outdoor decorations, and solar lights. Setting up a nice outdoor space does not have to cost a lot.
Moving Day Tools and Accessories
The dollar store has tools and accessories that make moving day easier. Pick these up before the big day.
Essential Dollar Store Tools
- Grip gloves: Work gloves with rubber grips help you carry boxes safely.
- Bungee cords: Great for holding dresser drawers closed.
- Box cutters and a basic screwdriver set: Essential for unpacking and reassembling furniture.
- Zip ties: Perfect for bundling messy electrical cords together.
Important Safety Note: While the dollar store sells braided plastic clothesline, do not use it to tie down heavy furniture in the back of a moving truck. It is prone to snapping. Always use proper ratchet straps for heavy loads.
Use Suitcases for Heavy Items
Here is a hack most people miss: use your suitcases for heavy items like books, pots and pans, or tools. Suitcases have wheels, so no one has to lift them. They are also more durable than cardboard boxes.
Pots and pans with handles fit awkwardly in boxes but work great in suitcases. You can roll a heavy suitcase to the truck instead of throwing out your back.
Comfort Items
1. Snacks and drinks: Moving is hard work. Keep energy levels up with easy snacks.
2. Pain relievers: You will probably be sore by the end of the day.
3. Sunscreen: If you are moving in the summer.
4. Bandages: Cuts and scrapes happen during moves.
How to Organize Cords and Cables During Your Move
Tangled cords are one of the most annoying parts of moving. You unplug your TV, computer, and gaming console, throw all the cords in a box, and then spend an hour untangling them at your new place. Worse, you cannot figure out which cord goes to which device.
Dollar store supplies can solve this problem. A few dollars’ worth of tape and bags will keep your cords organized and save you a headache on the other end. Here is how to do it:
Take Photos Before You Unplug
Before you unplug anything, take photos of the back of your TV, computer, and gaming console. Show all the cords and where they plug in. Save these photos in a folder on your phone called ‘Moving.’ When you set up your electronics at your new place, you will have a reference for exactly where everything goes.
The Coloured Tape Method
Use coloured duct tape or electrical tape to label each cord. Wrap a piece of tape around the cord and write what it is for. Better yet, use a different colour for each device:
Red tape: TV cords
Blue tape: Computer and router cords
Green tape: Gaming console cords
Yellow tape: Kitchen appliance cords
Put a matching piece of tape on the back of the device where the cord plugs in. When you set up your TV and entertainment centre, you will know exactly which cord goes where.
Zip Ties and Cord Bundlers
Buy a pack of zip ties to bundle cords together. Group all the cords from one device and zip tie them into a neat bundle. Or wrap each bundle with a piece of tape.
Toilet paper rolls work great for this, too. Fold each cord neatly and slide it inside a toilet paper roll. Write on the roll what the cord is for. Store all your cord rolls in one box.
Small Bags for Small Cords
Dollar stores sell small zip-top bags, sometimes in the craft section. Use them for phone chargers, earbuds, and other small cords. Label each bag with a marker.
What NOT to Buy at the Dollar Store
Not everything at the dollar store is a good deal for moving. Here are a few things to skip.
1. Cardboard boxes: Dollar stores sometimes have small boxes, but they are usually too flimsy for moving. Get boxes from liquor stores, grocery stores, or buy proper moving boxes. Many stores give away boxes for free if you ask.
2. Furniture pads or moving blankets: If the dollar store has these, they are usually too thin to protect furniture. Rent or buy proper moving blankets for valuable furniture.
3. Heavy-duty tools: A dollar store screwdriver is fine for light work, but do not rely on cheap tools for taking apart heavy furniture. Use quality tools for that.
4. Electronics: Extension cords, power bars, and other electronics from the dollar store may not meet safety standards. Buy these from regular stores.
For everything else, the dollar store is your friend. The quality is good enough for moving, and the savings are real.
Your Dollar Store Moving Shopping List
Here is a complete list to take with you to the dollar store. Check off items as you shop.
Packing Supplies
- Packing tape (4-6 rolls)
- Bubble wrap (2-4 small rolls)
- Padded envelopes (2-3 packs)
- Permanent markers (pack of assorted colours)
- Labels (fluorescent or coloured)
- Coloured duct tape or masking tape (5 colours)
- Plastic wrap or cling wrap (2-3 rolls)
- Zip-top bags (various sizes)
- Zip ties
Protection for Fragile Items
- Foam plates or styrofoam plates (1-2 packs)
- Coffee filters (1 pack)
Storage and Organization
- Plastic bins with lids (3-5)
- Small containers for hardware
- Drawer organizers
- Heavy-duty garbage bags
Cleaning
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Microfibre cloths
- Sponges and scrub brushes
- Rubber gloves
First Night Box
- Paper plates, cups, utensils
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Trash bags
- Flashlight and batteries
- Snacks and bottled water
Tools and Accessories
- Grip gloves
- Bungee cords
- Box cutter
- Basic screwdriver set
Need Help With Your Move?
Dollar store hacks can save you money on supplies, but sometimes you need professional help with the heavy lifting. President Movers helps people across Metro Vancouver move safely and affordably.
We handle the hard part, including driving, loading, and unloading your belongings. You handle the packing with your dollar store supplies, and we take care of the rest. Our team is careful with your stuff and knows how to protect fragile items during transport.
Whether you are moving a studio apartment or a four-bedroom house, we can help. We serve Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, and all of Metro Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dollar Store packing tape as good as expensive tape?
For most moves, yes. Dollar store tape sticks well and holds boxes closed. For very heavy boxes, use two strips of tape for extra strength. The tape works just as well as the $8 rolls from hardware stores.
Can I really pack dishes with foam plates?
Yes, this is a tried and tested method that professional organizers recommend. Put a foam plate between each dish and wrap the stack in plastic wrap. Your dishes will be protected and easy to unpack. This method is faster than wrapping each plate in paper.
Should I buy boxes at the dollar store?
Not usually. Dollar store boxes are often too small and flimsy for moving heavy items. Get boxes from liquor stores, grocery stores, or buy proper moving boxes. Many stores give away boxes for free if you ask nicely.
What is the colour-coded tape trick?
Buy different colours of tape and assign each colour to a room. Seal boxes with the matching colour so you and your helpers know where each box goes without reading labels. Make a key on cardboard. This simple system saves hours during unpacking.
How much can I save by shopping at the dollar store?
Most people save $75-$150 on moving supplies by shopping at dollar stores instead of hardware stores or moving supply companies. That is real money you can put toward other moving expenses.
What is a first-night box?
A box or bag you keep with you on moving day with essentials for your first night: toilet paper, paper plates, snacks, phone charger, and basic toiletries. Stock it with dollar store items and keep it in your car, not the moving truck.
Are dollar store cleaning supplies effective?
Yes, for basic cleaning, they work fine. All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and microfibre cloths from the dollar store will get your old place clean and your new place ready. You do not need expensive brand names for move-out cleaning.
What should I NOT buy at the dollar store for moving?
Skip the cardboard boxes, moving blankets, heavy-duty tools, and electronics like power bars or extension cords. These items need better quality than what dollar stores typically offer for safety and durability reasons.
Do I need bubble wrap from the dollar store, or is there a cheaper option?
Foam plates, coffee filters, and your own socks work just as well for the most fragile items. Bubble wrap is nice to have, but not essential. Use it for your most delicate items, and use the cheaper alternatives for everyday dishes and glasses.
How early should I start buying dollar store supplies?
Start collecting supplies 2-4 weeks before your move. This gives you time to make multiple trips if needed and stock up on items that might sell out. You can also spread the cost over a few paychecks instead of buying everything at once.