Moving day can turn even a tidy home into a mountain of things that all need a box. Packing gets much simpler once you know which box suits which job, because cardboard boxes come in different sizes for a reason. Match the box to the item inside and your household items stand a much better chance of reaching the new address in one piece.
Isaac’s Moving & Storage has spent more than 25 years handling short-distance moves and long-distance moves, so we have packed nearly every object a home can hold. We have carefully created this guide to help you choose the right moving boxes and prepare for a smoother move. Here are the boxes suited for every job and what belongs in each one.
Different Types of Moving Boxes and How to Pick a Box Size
Corrugated Cartons (Dish Pack Boxes)
These stiff, double-walled boxes have corrugation inside and exist to protect fragile items. Wrap each dish, glass, and piece of crockery individually in bubble wrap or packing paper before it goes in to help your breakables ride out the bumps of transport.
Medium Boxes
At roughly 1.75 cubic feet, these are the workhorses of any move and among the best moving boxes for heavy items that can take a knock. Books and other media belong here. Expect medium boxes to make up the bulk of your stack. Standard file boxes fall into a similar size range if you have paperwork to keep in order.
Large Boxes
Around 3.5 cubic feet of space, large boxes handle a wide mix of kitchen and pantry goods. Pots and pans go in easily, along with canned food and small appliances like your toaster or microwave.
Extra Large Boxes
These heavy duty 4.9 cubic foot boxes take on bulky items that need room. Lamps and bedding from the linen closet ride well in extra large moving boxes, and so does most garage storage.
Wardrobe Boxes
These tall boxes hold the contents of an entire closet. Hang your clothing straight from the closet rod onto the bar inside, and your garments can arrive with fewer wrinkles and no refolding on either end.
Picture Boxes
Frames, mirrors, tapestries, and canvasses are an awkward shape for packing. Picture boxes use a telescoping design that stretches or contracts to fit the piece, and many people use them for flat screen TVs as well.
Plan Your Packing Before You Buy Boxes
Before you buy a single box, take stock of what you own. Our ultimate moving checklist helps you figure out how many moving boxes the job will take, and our tips on saving money while moving cover where to source boxes on a budget. If the calendar is tight, read our post on how to pack for a move in three days alongside this one.
Get a Free Quote from Isaac’s Moving and Storage
With over 25 years in the business, Isaac’s Moving and Storage has built its name on short-distance, long-distance, and international moves. Our crews are friendly, efficient, and experienced. Storage is part of what we do as well, which helps when the new place isn’t ready for everything at once. If a move is on your calendar, leave your details below and an Isaac’s Moving & Storage Move Consultant will reach out shortly with a free quote or you can contact us today.
