Warehouse Packaging Supplies Checklist for New Businesses (2026)

If you’re setting up a new warehouse operation—e-commerce, wholesale, or local distribution—packaging is one of the first places where small mistakes turn into big costs. The right supplies reduce damage, speed up packing, and keep your shipments consistent.

This checklist covers the essential warehouse packaging supplies most new businesses need, plus practical buying tips so you don’t overbuy the wrong items. If you’re in South Florida, Gpack Supplies can help you choose the right materials for your products, with local pickup and delivery available in Miami and surrounding areas.

Quick Start: The Core Packing Station Setup

Most new warehouses can start with these five categories and expand later:

• Boxes (right size + right strength)
• Tape (reliable seal, fast application)
• Labels (shipping labels + barcode labels)
• Stretch Film (pallet stability and protection)
• Mailers (poly mailers / padded mailers for lightweight shipments)

1) Boxes: Sizes, Strength, and What to Stock

Boxes are your foundation. New businesses usually waste money by stocking too many sizes or choosing cartons that are too weak.

What to stock first

• 2–3 “high volume” sizes that fit most orders (start simple, add sizes once data proves you need them)
• 32 ECT for most standard products
• 44 ECT or double-wall for heavier items, dense products, or anything that stacks high

Tip: Right-sizing boxes reduces dimensional weight charges and lowers damage by reducing empty space.

2) Tape: The Fastest Way to Prevent Claims

Tape is cheap compared to a damaged shipment. Pick tape based on box weight and your packing speed.

What to stock first

• 2" carton sealing tape (standard for most operations)
• Hand tape dispensers to speed up packing and keep seals consistent
• Heavy-duty tape for heavier cartons or rough handling

Tip: Use the “H-tape” method (center seam + both edges) for better strength on heavier boxes.

3) Labels: Shipping, Barcodes, and Organization

Clean labeling prevents carrier delays and warehouse confusion. Thermal labels are a standard upgrade for new businesses.

What to stock first

• Thermal shipping labels (clear, smear-free barcodes)
• Permanent adhesive labels for cartons and product ID
• Barcode labels if you use inventory scanning or sell on marketplaces

Tip: Place labels flat, away from seams and corners, and never cover barcodes with glossy tape.

4) Stretch Film: Pallet Stability and Protection

If you ship pallets, stretch wrap is non-negotiable. It keeps loads stable, reduces shifting, and protects cartons from dust and light moisture.

What to stock first

• Hand stretch film for smaller operations
• Film with good cling so layers lock together
• Corner boards (optional but recommended) to protect edges and improve stacking strength

Tip: Wrap the base of the pallet first (anchor), then work upward with consistent overlap.

5) Mailers: Save Money on Lightweight Shipments

Many new businesses ship items that don’t need a box. Mailers reduce cost and speed up fulfillment.

What to stock first

• Poly mailers for soft goods and non-fragile items
• Bubble mailers for small items needing impact protection
• Return-ready options (dual-strip mailers) if you handle frequent returns

Tip: Use mailers when you can—boxes are stronger, but mailers often win on shipping cost for lightweight orders.

Buying Checklist (Copy/Paste)

• Boxes: 2–3 core sizes, 32 ECT + a stronger option (44 ECT or double-wall)
• Tape: 2" carton sealing tape, dispensers, heavy-duty tape for heavier cartons
• Labels: thermal shipping labels, permanent carton labels, barcode labels (if needed)
• Stretch Film: hand stretch wrap, optional corner boards
• Mailers: poly mailers + bubble mailers (sizes based on your SKUs)

Final Tip: Start Simple, Then Scale

Don’t build a “perfect” packaging catalog on day one. Start with what covers 80% of orders, track what actually ships, then expand sizes and materials based on real data.

If you want a faster setup, tell us what you sell, your average order size, and whether you ship parcels or pallets. Gpack Supplies can recommend the right starting list so you avoid overbuying.

Gpack Supplies
Packaging Supplies in Miami, FL
Local Pickup & Delivery Available