If you’re packing and moving yourself, you’ll have to come up with some boxes… maybe quite a few boxes! But not all boxes are created equal. Should you pick some up at the local supermarket or liquor store, or buy them from a moving or storage company? What if you end up with fifty boxes of the same size?
Here’s a guide to help you understand your moving box options.
Standard rectangular boxes come in a number of sizes. In general, the larger the box, the more careful you have to be about overloading the weight. Here’s a general guideline to which items belong in which box:
Book box or small moving box (1.5 cubic feet): books, silverware, other heavy items, such as shoes
Book box or small moving box (1.5 cubic feet): books, silverware, other heavy items, such as shoes
Medium moving box (3.0 cubic feet): small appliances, kitchen utensils, toys
Large moving box (4.5 cubic feet): electronic equipment, clothes that can be folded, small furniture items, such as bathmats or lampshades
Extra large moving box (6.0 cubic feet): large, but light, items, such as blankets (if you’re not using them to wrap furniture)
Extra large moving box (6.0 cubic feet): large, but light, items, such as blankets (if you’re not using them to wrap furniture)
There are also boxes specially tailored to a particular type of item. You won’t need as many of these as you will standard boxes.
Wardrobe boxes have a metal rod from which to hang clothes. They can simplify packing your closet and allow you to transport items that might wrinkle, such as suits.
A sport utility box is tall and narrow, and thus good for moving golf clubs. (Depending on the size, it might also fit a short lamp.)
Mirror and picture boxes are thin to package mirrors and artwork, while minimizing room for the item to bounce around in the box.
Dishpacks and “cell kits” allow you to place multiple dishes or glasses in one box with dividers to keep them from hitting each other in transit.
Wardrobe boxes have a metal rod from which to hang clothes. They can simplify packing your closet and allow you to transport items that might wrinkle, such as suits.
A sport utility box is tall and narrow, and thus good for moving golf clubs. (Depending on the size, it might also fit a short lamp.)
Mirror and picture boxes are thin to package mirrors and artwork, while minimizing room for the item to bounce around in the box.
Dishpacks and “cell kits” allow you to place multiple dishes or glasses in one box with dividers to keep them from hitting each other in transit.
Tote boxes, in letter and legal size, are especially designed to hold files and other papers.
Some moving companies offer boxes specially designed to hold flat-screen televisions or other electronic equipment (if you don’t have the original manufacturer’s packaging.)
A good question to ask yourself is how much delicate treatment any particular item needs. Assess the items you are packing to determine whether regular cardboard boxes will work or if you need specialized packaging, such as for delicate or valuable items.
You’ll likely need a combination of different boxes for your move, and there are a number of places where you can find the right moving boxes.
Some moving companies offer boxes specially designed to hold flat-screen televisions or other electronic equipment (if you don’t have the original manufacturer’s packaging.)
A good question to ask yourself is how much delicate treatment any particular item needs. Assess the items you are packing to determine whether regular cardboard boxes will work or if you need specialized packaging, such as for delicate or valuable items.
You’ll likely need a combination of different boxes for your move, and there are a number of places where you can find the right moving boxes.
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