Often clients ask me how many moving boxes they need for a move. The answer depends on the household. A minimalist living in a studio apartment might use 20 or 30 moving boxes, whereas a family in a 4-bedroom home would require over 200. But it isn’t just the number of boxes, the type of box also varies. Here is a quick guide to the types of moving boxes you might need.

Aspects to Consider

For this post, I will focus on cardboard boxes because that is what most people use when they move. However, plastic totes are becoming more popular. See my blog post on the advantages and disadvantages of cardboard boxes and plastic totes before deciding which would work best for you. Regardless of your choice, you still need to consider the size and sturdiness of the container, whether you need built-in handles, and of course, the cost.

Moving Box Sizes

Small: Use small boxes for books, CD/DVD collections, or canned foods because even when they are full, they are still light enough to carry. You can pack delicate items in small boxes and then place the small boxes in larger ones for extra protection. Small boxes are easier to manoeuvre around a smaller home.

Medium: Use medium boxes for bulkier items like small kitchen appliances, toys, contents of bathrooms and laundry rooms, and craft and hobby supplies. These boxes are also ideal for bulkier items like linens and clothing.

Large: Save larger boxes for lightweight bulky items (pillows, duvets, stuffed animals, etc.), so you don’t make them too heavy to lift. Large boxes are great for packing empty plastic food containers, picnic ware, and sporting gear (life jackets, bicycle helmets, etc.).

Extra Large: Because of the size, these are harder to carry and transport in smaller homes or through apartment hallways and stairwells. Fill them with lightweight bulky items (duvets, snowsuits, etc.), so they are not too heavy to lift.

Unfolding Moving Boxes

Have you ever wondered why the flaps are stuck together when you unfold moving boxes? I made a short video to show you why.

 

Specialty Moving Boxes

You may need a few specialty boxes for your move to protect your belongings. Here are some of the more common ones.

Dish Pack: This box is similar in size to a large box, but the walls are double-thick cardboard. Moving companies sometimes call them “china barrels” because they can hold an entire set of dishes. These boxes are ideal for packing the small boxes that contain your fragile items. Typically two small (2-cube) boxes will fit in a dish pack, making the contents in these boxes doubly protected.

Hanging Wardrobe Box: These are extra-large boxes with a metal bar suspended across the top. Simply remove clothing from the hanging bar in your closet and place it onto the hanging bar in the box. Unpacking is equally fast. Wardrobe boxes are also great for packing artificial plants, Christmas trees, vacuum cleaners, brooms, or delicate furniture (e.g., lamps, small chairs, etc.).

Flat Wardrobe Box: In this wardrobe box, your clothes remain on the hangers but lay flat so the hangers don’t break with all the jostling during a long-distance move. You can also use them for packing sports gear (snowboards and sleds) or other hobby equipment.

Mirror/Picture Boxes: Whether it’s framed family photos, expensive artwork, or an antique mirror, it’s important to pack it properly. Read how the Out of Chaos team packs and moves artwork in specialized boxes.

TV Boxes: Besides protecting your television or computer monitor, you can also use TV boxes for artwork or mirrors that don’t fit in picture boxes. Some suppliers also provide foam corner protectors with the box to help keep the television centred in the box. We recommend wrapping the screen with clean foam sheets to prevent scratching.

Mattress Boxes: Typically, most moving companies wrap mattresses in heavy-duty plastic bags. However, for overseas moves or if your goods are going into long-term storage, you can opt for mattress boxes.

Bankers Boxes: Filing cabinets are heavy when they are full. And if you move them when they are full, the weight may twist the cabinet out of shape. Emptying the drawers into bankers’ boxes makes it much easier to transport your paperwork. Tape the lids securely, but don’t tape over the handle holes.

For More Information

Do you need help planning your household move? The Out of Chaos team offers a Stress-Free move management service. You don’t have to lift a finger. We build a customized plan for your move and manage all the details, including unpacking and organizing your new home. For more information, contact the Out of Chaos team today.

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