Choosing the Best Kinds of Boxes for Moving
Do you need moving boxes? As moving day approaches, you need to make sure you have the best kinds of boxes for moving. If you want to make sure your possessions are protected, and I’m sure you do, your choice of moving boxes can make the difference between a hassle-free move and a disaster.
Boxes for moving are available in all different sizes and types. You need to ensure that your moving boxes are strong enough and the right type to withstand the rigors of your move. Get this right and your move will be less stressful.
It is possible to get free boxes for moving, however, the cost of buying boxes is going to be relatively slight compared to the rest of your expenses during a move. You can avoid breakages by buying boxes that are designed to make sure your possessions are protected during a move.
If you choose free boxes, they will come in all different shapes and sizes, not being designed to load in a truck or store in a unit. While free boxes can seem like a great way to save money on your move, if they collapse or fall when loaded on the truck, your cost savings could be wiped out.
Where to Find Moving Boxes?
It is easy to purchase the best kinds of boxes for moving with availability at Walmart, Home Depot, U-Haul, and online with Amazon. Local self-storage providers could also be a good source of moving boxes.
Lots of folks will start their moving process by searching where to get moving boxes. There are numerous stores and businesses where you will be able to find boxes for your move.
You can see my article that showcases tons of places to find your boxes. Another quick method of finding boxes nearby is to do an online search. A few search terms you might try are moving boxes near me or moving boxes nearby. You should see quite a few options.
Lots of folks do searches for the cheapest moving boxes. You will just need to be careful as previously mentioned not to have the bottom of the box fall out with any delicate or valuable items hitting the ground.
For a little extra money having the best moving boxes is worth it.
What Should You Look for When Choosing Boxes?
Moving boxes are normally brown and made from corrugated cardboard. Corrugated cardboard offers a number of benefits for moving boxes.
Let’s take a look at some of the considerations for choosing the best moving boxes.
Strength of The Boxes
The corrugated design offers reduced weight thanks to being constructed with two layers of flat paperboard, with a corrugated paper layer in between. This allows for the box to be stronger and take more damage than a single layer of cardboard.
The strength of moving boxes can be measured in a few different ways. They use the Edge Crush Test, which measures how well boxes can be stacked before the edges collapse. Also used to compare boxes is the Bursting Strength Test, and this considers how much force is required to break through the side of the box.
You are probably thinking to yourself who cares, I just want boxes for moving that won’t fall apart. I hear ya!
Value of The Boxes
Cardboard boxes are relatively cheap to manufacture, which makes them cheap to purchase when you need them for moving. This is why cardboard is the gold standard for moving boxes.
How Recyclable Are They?
Once you have finished with your moving boxes, they can be recycled. This type of cardboard is easy to recycle, and you will often find that the boxes have often been made from recycled materials in the first place. Alternatively, you can pass them on to someone else to help with their moving requirements.
Giving You More Options
Since cardboard boxes are easy to manufacture, there are a lot of different sizes available. This means that if you need a particular size or type of cardboard box, it will probably be available.
Despite the range of cardboard box options, you can expect to find and specific types and strength ratings on moving boxes available. Standard moving boxes might be able to carry 40 pounds before there’s a risk of failure.
Heavy-duty boxes might be able to take up to 65 pounds of weight, with 80 pounds maximum load for heavy-duty double-walled boxes.
Box manufacturers will often include details of Bursting Strength Test and Edge Crush Test results. Higher numbers are better for both of these types of tests so that you can work out which boxes better meet your needs.
Choosing the Right Size Moving Boxes
When you are choosing boxes for moving you shouldn’t just assume that larger boxes are going to be the best choice for everything. While you can pack more stuff into a larger box, it might not be the right option if you have heavy items.
Generally, you would want to put heavier items in a smaller box and reserve large boxes for those lighter items like clothes or cushions.
You can normally expect moving boxes to be available in 3 different sizes regardless of where you purchase them. The exact dimensions of the boxes can vary between suppliers, but this should give you a general idea.
Large Boxes
Able to store around 4.5 cubic feet of your possessions, typical dimensions are 18” x 18” x 24”. You can use these boxes for bulky items, and with the extra room, you should be able to keep similar things together.
Medium Boxes
With around 3 cubic feet available to you, these box dimensions will be 18” x 18” x 16”. You can use these types of boxes for general items, just remember to pack your heavier possessions near the bottom so that lighter things don’t get crushed.
Small Boxes
The dimensions of these boxes will be around 18” x 12” x 12” giving you 1.5 cubic feet of space. The best use of these types of boxes is for your more heavy possessions, so you don’t have to worry about the box giving way, and it isn’t too difficult for people to carry.
If you are renting from a self-storage facility, make sure you place the largest boxes in the back of the unit. Doing so will make it easier to get access to things you need as well as, making the space most efficiently used.
What About Specialty Boxes For Moving?
While the standard sizes of boxes are going to be right for most of your possessions, purchasing some specialty boxes will make sure more difficult and fragile possessions are kept safe.
TV or Picture Boxes
If you don’t still have the box your television came in, this type of box can really help make sure the TV screen isn’t cracked during transit. These boxes are usually adjustable allowing them to be used for TVs between 32 and 70 inches in size.
As the name suggests, they can also be used for framed pictures to keep them safe. You will even be able to store a few framed pictures in the same box. Moving boxes for the TV are smart to acquire as it is a valuable the whole family will be disappointed about if it breaks.
Wardrobe Boxes
You can save yourself a lot of time and make sure your clothes are kept in in in better condition by using a wardrobe box. Transfer your clothes straight from the closets into the wardrobe box without the need to remove the hangers and fold them. You can use any space that remains for awkward items that you might have difficulty fitting elsewhere, as long as they aren’t too heavy.
Moving boxes for your wardrobe will keep them in great shape during transit.Click To TweetExtra-Large Boxes
If you have some items that you don’t think will fit in the large boxes, there is a larger option. Typically measuring 23” x 23” x 16” these boxes can store around 5 cubic feet of your items. As well as oversized items, these types of boxes can be great if you have a lot of linen or similar items to pack.
Bankers Boxes
If you have a lot of documents to store, banker boxes can be the right solution. These small boxes offer you 1 cubic foot of space and measure 15” x 12” x 10”. They are different from other boxes as they don’t require tape to assemble and have a lid, but if you have lots of important documents or a few small items to move, they could be a possible option.
You will probably want to keep these boxes close by if you are storing anything you’ll need access to.
The Cost of Boxes for Moving
Though cardboard boxes are relatively cheap, you are likely to need more than you expect. It is very easy to underestimate the number of boxes you’ll need for all of your things.
If you aren’t sure how many you need, you can check with a moving company for advice or purchase a moving kit that should have enough for specifically sized moves.
Typical prices start at around 75 cents for small boxes, $1.30 for medium-sized boxes, and $1.50 for larger boxes. The specialty boxes cost more as they are larger and include more than just cardboard, for example, wardrobe boxes can cost around $10.
When you are ordering boxes, don’t forget the packing tape and materials to keep your items secure during the move. You will also need the space to store the boxes before filling them up. They need to be stored in a dry place, and you may want to set aside a part of your home for your boxes once filled.
Here is some additional help on pricing out moving boxes.
What About Used Boxes?
Another choice you can make when gathering boxes for moving is to go with used ones. You can purchase used cardboard moving boxes at this site. The UsedCardboardBoxes company gets tons of quality used boxes from large companies to make earth-friendly moving kits that save money, time, and trees.
Cardboard vs. Plastic Boxes
Another option is plastic tubs. They do have some benefits, with handles, lids, and are more waterproof. For longer-term storage, they can be better as well, since insects aren’t going to attack them, and there should be less risk of water damage. If you are going to be renting a moving POD that can be susceptible to moisture plastic boxes could be an excellent alternative.
The downsides of plastic boxes are their cost. Standard size plastic containers will cost around $5 or $6, and for large containers with wheels, you can expect to pay $20 or more.
Storing the plastic containers when not in use is also more difficult. Though they do normally stack, it isn’t the same as being able to fold them flat.
You can rent plastic storage bins to help with your move instead of purchasing. They will deliver and collect them when you have moved, normally giving you a few weeks to pack and unpack. Though with this option you might find it tricky to pack some of your more difficult items, and still need some cardboard boxes as well.
When renting plastic containers, you will have to do most of your packing shortly before the move. If you buy your own boxes, you can take things slower and do the packing at your own pace.
Can You Rent Moving Boxes Instead?
Some folks ask if there is an option for moving box rentals instead of buying them. The answer is yes you can. There are a few companies you can rent moving boxes from. One of them is Boxbee. They deliver reusable plastic moving boxes to your home. You do the packing and then when you are done with your move they will come and pick them up.
You can get a full accounting on their website but you can expect to pay around $99 for 25 boxes and $269 for 120 boxes. There are quite a few options in between as well.
How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?
The number of boxes you will need for your move will depend on a few factors. These are some of the considerations for determining your moving box needs.
- What is the size of the house you are moving from?
- How many people do you have in your family?
- What are the sizes of boxes you already have?
- How many bedrooms does your home have?
- For how many years have you lived in your house?
- Do you lean towards the side of being a hoarder or are you a minimalist?
While these are excellent questions to ask yourself, Moving.com has a helpful guide on the number of boxes based upon your moving stats. You can use their moving box calculator to help determine what you will need.
Accessories For Your Boxes
Don’t forget you will need a few accessories to go along with your boxes for moving. Some of the items you will want to have handy for your move include:
- A magic marker to label the boxes for easy unloading.
- Packing tape to make sure your boxes remain closed during transport.
- You might like to have some bubble wrap for more fragile items.
- Packing paper can come in handy to make sure things do not move around or get damaged.
Can You Get Moving Boxes Delivered?
Yes, there are a few companies that will deliver boxes right to your home. One of the best moving companies for box delivery is U-Haul. Take a look at their page with all of the different types of moving boxes they will ship to your home.
Another perk would be doing some one-stop shopping and do a U-Haul rental for one of their trucks. Have a look at the complete U-Haul pricing guide. By bundling services you might be able to make your move a little bit more stress-free. If you are a do it yourself kind of person, U-Haul is an excellent option.
If you run into problems finding boxes, Point2news offers some handy tips on where to get them.
Final Thoughts on Picking Moving Boxes
Moving is stressful and exciting at the same time. While it is an arduous task, you’ll probably be thrilled in your new place once the move has been completed. Finding the right kind of moving boxes should be one of your top priorities when moving right up at the top of the list with forwarding mail with the USPS. Nobody wants to have missing or late mail right?
Hopefully, you have found this guide for moving boxes to be useful.
About the author: The above Real Estate information about the best kinds of boxes for moving and storage was provided by Bill Gassett, a Nationally recognized leader in his field. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of many Metrowest towns for the last 34+ years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
