When it comes to moving, boxes aren’t one-size-fits-all. So if you think that it’s OK to use any box for packing your items, you’re gravely wrong. You’ll need specific types and sizes for the contents you’ll be packing up to ensure the security of the items during transit. Finding the ideal shape and sizes might be somewhat challenging for a beginner. However, it shouldn’t be as complicated as you make it seem to be. With the right knowledge, choosing the appropriate box is easy enough.
Here’s a quick guide on what boxes you should use for your move to make sure all your items arrive at your home safely.
Various Sizes
Just like your items, boxes come in different shapes and sizes, and it’s important to know what works the best for your stuff. These are the most commonly used sizes for boxes:
Small Box
A small box is typically 1.5 cubic feet (16 by 12 ½ by 12 ½ inches) in size. It’s the perfect container for books, shoes, small appliances, kitchen items like dishes and glasses, canned goods, and DVDs. This box can carry up to 50 pounds.
Medium Box
With a size of 3 cubic feet (18 by 18 by 16 inches), this box is also known as the “all-purpose box” thanks to its versatility. It’s also the kind that you’ll likely need the most. Use it to pack your clothing, electronic devices, toys, pan and pots, and kitchen supplies. One of these can hold 65 pounds.
Large Box
These boxes are usually 4.5 cubic feet (18 by 18 by 24 inches). It’s the best for clothing, pillows, beddings, and blankets. They can also be used for medium to large appliances and disassembled furniture. Although big, it doesn’t mean you can make it heavier. For your safety and easier transportation, try to keep it at about 65 pounds.
Specialty Boxes
Standard boxes aren’t enough to ensure security for some items. In that case, you’ll need specialty boxes. Yes, it costs more. But they also guarantee that your stuff arrives in one piece. Here are some types of specialty boxes that you might need:
Dish Pack
The kitchen is perhaps the hardest place to pack and move with so many fragile and irregularly shaped items. That’s precisely why you’ll need dish packs. Also called dish boxes, they’re specifically designed with dividers and are protected inside-out to make packing simpler and help keep your breakables, such as stemware, plates, cups, and bowls, safe and sound.
Mattress Box
Most professional movers cover mattresses with plastic bags, which are a lot cheaper. However, it doesn’t protect against punctures and outside elements. If you want better protection for your mattresses, especially when moving long distances, this box is what you’ll need.
Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe boxes aren’t entirely necessary as you can just fold your clothes and place them in regular ones. Nevertheless, it’s still a good idea to buy at least one, particularly if you have expensive clothing. With a metal bar inside, you can just hang your clothes to avoid them getting wrinkled and crumpled. It also saves you time folding your clothes, packing and unpacking, and unfolding them after the move.
Custom Crates
Not everyone will need custom crates. But if you have weirdly shaped, heavy, delicate, and valuable items, you might need to order some. They can be pricier, but they safeguard specialty items much better than standard boxes. Examples of these items are antiques, artworks, guitars, chandeliers. These things need extra attention and care as they can quickly get damaged.
Where to Find Boxes?
Searching for sturdy boxes is not a problem at all. They’re virtually everywhere. You might even find some lying around in your house, so it’s the first place you will want to look. Second, visit local groceries, movie theaters, offices, and bookstores to see if they have any. If you’re lucky, they might give it for free or sell it to you at the lowest price. Don’t forget to ask your friends and family, too. This way, you can significantly cut the costs of packing materials. If the boxes still aren’t enough, check out Craigslist, Nextdoor.com, and Facebook Marketplace listings. But the best place to purchase not just boxes but also all other packing materials is from moving companies. They sell professional-grade materials that guarantee the integrity of your belongings. Better yet, when you hire them for a full-service package, they can handle everything – from packing to unpacking.
Conclusion
Boxes aren’t just boxes. They’re key to making sure your items never get damaged during transportation. So when choosing which one to use, let this article guide you to assure you pick the right one.