A Guide to Moving Boxes

If you’re planning or in the middle of a move, it’s important to be prepared for carrying all your belongings. Storing them can be another thing that people tend to brush over and the importance of choosing the right box or container is often overlooked. Here are some questions we think are important to consider when moving;

1. Am I overpacking?

2. What's the best type of box for moving?

3. Should I buy brand new boxes or ask for used boxes?

4. What should I put in the boxes based on size?

This simple guide will help you choose the right boxes when it comes to moving houses.

Why is it important to choose the right box?

When moving, you don’t usually intend to keep your items inside boxes for an extended period of time. As such, you might consider getting cheap moving boxes, knowing you will discard them as soon as you get to your new place.

However, cheap boxes can be easily crushed or damaged during transit. If you want to make sure that your belongings won't be damaged, sturdy containers are recommended. Boxes in different sizes is also recommended.

 

Don’t Overpack

It seems a bit excessive to have plenty of boxes for moving when you can probably squeeze your belongings into five or six large containers. But if your box exceeds 22kg, you may have a hard time lifting it. Even with hired movers to help you, you will still be moving the boxes from one room to another. Make sure you don’t overpack so that you can still carry the boxes without straining yourself.

It is also a good idea to get different boxes because it may become hard to track down if you put all your things together. You’ll want to pack your clothes separately from your shoes; electronics from kitchenware; books from kids’ toys; or documents from accessories and toiletries.

 

What's the best type of box for moving?

Corrugated cardboard is the most commonly available type of box, coming in different sizes and weight support. Also known as kraft boxes or shipping boxes, corrugated cardboard boxes actually have to pass a strength test, so you can be sure they are durable.

Movers, manufacturers and shippers seem to favor Uline corrugated boxes. This supplier has thousands of selections of containers in their catalog, where you can buy a minimum of 10 to 25 pieces in a bundle, depending on the size and weight of your package.

Home Depot moving boxes are alternatives to Uline and you can conveniently purchase them as single boxes. You can also return unused boxes to any Home Depot store if you still have the receipt of purchase.  

 

Should I buy brand new boxes or ask for used boxes?

Depending on the amount of stuff you want to pack, you can spend about $50 on brand new packing boxes alone, and this estimate does not include the cost of the bubble wrap, packing and tape. So you might want to consider getting used corrugated cardboard boxes before buying brand new ones to save some money.

Don’t be shy to ask store managers or owners in your area if they have boxes that you can utilise when they would otherwise be discarded. You can check from these establishments:

• Liquor store, for small boxes

• Grocery store, for sturdy medium to large boxes

• Bookstores, for packing heavy items

• Recycling centers, for all shapes and sizes

 

What should you put in the boxes based on size?

Small boxes

Small boxes are best for transporting heavy items like canned goods, books and magazines, your media collection (movies, video games, records) and small electrical appliances like game consoles and toasters.

Medium boxes

You will need medium corrugated cardboard boxes for packing most of your breakables like dishes, glassware and crystals. For extra measure, you can also get corrugated cardboard dividers to cushion and organize inside the box. You can also put toys, blenders, pots and pans into these medium boxes.

Large boxes

You may want to pack lighter items in large boxes such as your linens, pillows, curtains, towels and bedding. Your children’s stuffed toys can be placed in large boxes as well.

Specialty boxes

These are custom boxes made for packing and storing specific items that could have unusual sizes and shapes.

Wardrobe boxes

These are specifically made so you don't have to fold dresses and suits, preventing creasing. They can be hung directly in the box with enough room to breathe and enough height to lie on the box floor.

Mattress boxes

Whilst movers typically wrap mattresses in plastic, you might want to get a box to further protect it from being punctured.

Flat boxes

These are great for mirrors, picture frames and artworks. Make sure to use bubble wrap for these items before putting them in the box. 

People don’t usually give moving boxes a great deal of thought until they are actually dealing with packing. Hopefully, this guide will help lessen your trouble and stress when preparing for the big move. If you can’t bring all your things and need a temporary storage space for them, check out Spacer for options.