Getting the right moving box isn't going to make or break your move, but it will help to ensure your stuff arrives at its new home all in one piece...and it may save you some time, perhaps some money and a few days stuck on the couch with a sore back or strained muscles from lifting boxes that are too heavy or too cumbersome to manage. So find out what kind of boxes are avaliable, what you might need to move your stuff, then get packing.
How to Shop for Moving Boxes:
Planning is the most important first step. Complete an inventory of what you have to pack so you can get an idea of the type and quantity of items that you need to move. You can purchase ready-made moving kits online – often delivered overnight -- that provide the right quantity of boxes and moving supplies for your move.When you are shopping for moving boxes, you will see them presented with their 3 inside dimensions in the following order: length, width and then height or depth. For example, a standard medium moving box will be shown with the dimensions of 18 x 14 x 12, which indicates the boxes’ length, width and height if you are looking from the top down into the box.Moving box manufacturers have created several types of boxes, specially designed for moving household items. Normal moving box types and sizes include:
- Medium Boxes (18x14x12) – These are industry standard boxes that are versatile and can be used for a number of common household items. You can use these boxes to store books, collectibles, kitchenware and most of your other household items.Medium sized moving boxes are best suited for a mix of some heavy household goods combined with some light items
- Large Moving Boxes (20x20x15) - Large sized moving boxes are all-purpose moving boxes that can be packed with heavy items, but can still be carried easily.
- Extra Large Moving Boxes (23x23x16) – Extra large moving boxes are best suited for light goods such as bedding, drapes, towels and clothing that you do not place in a separate wardrobe box. Do not place too many items in a large moving box as it can become unwieldy to lift and carry.
Keeping Items Safe:
The most common cause of damage during a move comes from the vibration of items inside your box during transport. If you leave space within the box or you have not properly wrapped the items in padding and bubble wrap, you will leave open space that create movement of your items inside the box.
With too much space, a sudden jolt could cause your items to penetrate the box and be left open or exposed in the truck for the remainder of the trip.Insist your movers use quality packing tape, packing paper and bubble wrap. Even if you fill up boxes with clothes, blankets or pillows, you are providing more protection against shifting of items inside the boxes.This small extra investment upfront can pay big dividends. Just a few damaged dishes or other expensive items can create an expense far exceeding the cost of the extra packing materials. (And as always, check out moving insurance for futher protection.)
Other Important AccessoriesOther items that are important to have on hand, along with your quality moving boxes, include:
- LabelsBox
- Markers
- Sofa Covers
- Packing Tape
- Packing paper
- Bubble Wrap
- Furniture Pads
How many boxes do I need?
Determining the number of boxes you’ll need for your move can seem like a daunting task, but there are some general guidelines that can assist you for estimation. You may choose to purchase one of the moving box packs available, which include a variety of boxes in a quantity that meets the needs of the average mover according to the size of their home. There are also online calculators that will provide you with a recommended number of boxes in relation to the size of your residence and the quantity of materials you’ll be transporting.
Few factors will weight on the success of your move like moving boxes. It might sound like an exaggeration, but think about it: if you have cheap, flimsy boxes, there's a much higher likelihood that they'll fail, and your things will break, plan accordingly.
