There are a variety of options for moving boxes, each suited for a certain item in your home. Since the security of your belongings in their packaging is so imperative when moving, the proper moving boxes must be used to ensure damage-free transportation.
Below is a list of available cartons as well as a brief description of appropriate items that should be packed in that size carton.
Remember: The heavier the item, the smaller the box.
Small – 1.5 cu. ft.
Durable moving boxes for heavy belongings such as small appliances, canned goods, books, kitchen supplies, hand tools, magazines, photo albums, cd’s, video tapes and dvd’s.
Medium – 3.0 cu. ft.
Average sized moving boxes for general items such as toys, pots & pans, small kitchen and bathroom appliances. utensils and lamp shades.
Large – 4.5 & XLarge – 6.0 cu. ft.
Large, thinly constructed moving boxes for lightweight items such as bedspreads, comforters, linens, pillows, outerwear, lampshades, large pots & pans and cookie sheets.
Stand-up and lay-down wardrobe boxes with bars for hanging drapes, curtains and clothing items.
Dishpacks are moving boxes which are twice as thick for extra protection of glassware, china, plates, bowls, glass bake ware and other small breakables. It will also hold your personal computer.
Mirror moving boxes also work for glass tabletops and large picture frames.
Mattress moving boxes come in sizes ranging from crib to king.
Custom crates are built to fit your unique, oddly shaped belongings such as chandeliers, antiques, statues and items that need more protection.
Unprinted News Print/Paper – Used for wrapping dishes, glasses and any breakable that need extra padding.
Tape – Always tape each box at the bottom before loading.
Bubble Wrap – Used when additional protection is needed for breakables.
Packing Tips
Pack one room at a time and start with the areas that are least used such as a basement or garage. Start packing well ahead of time. Mark all cartons designating the room and contents. As you finish packing the carton, list the room location and a brief description of the contents on the side of the carton. You must complete the high value inventory and notify your mover of any high value items that will be included in your shipment.
Do not seal the cartons containing high value items until the mover has the opportunity to inspect the items. Be sure to have plenty of packing paper available to fill the cartons and to act as a cushion. After the carton is full, fill in any gaps with crushed paper to prevent shifting during transport.
You can also use foam-packing pellets or blankets and towels for fill. Try to keep a per-box weight at a maximum of 50 pounds; it makes moving it a lot easier for both you and the mover. Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are taped securely. Empty drawers of breakables and liquids and anything that would damage the piece of furniture. For example, heavy books, candles, perfumes and glassware should all be removed prior to transport.
Similar items should be packed together. For example, delicate stemware should be packed in the same carton with your china and other fragile items, not with books or other heavy items. Keep items that belong together in the same carton.
For example, remote control and wire for electronic equipment. Wrap items individually in clean white newsprint. Use tissue paper for delicate china and stemware making sure that no edges, rims or corners are left unprotected. Use colored tissue paper for small items that may be lost during unpacking. Unplug all electronic equipment such as television sets, personal computers, stereos, etc., 24 hours in advance of a move so they will be at room temperature on moving day.
Dispose of all flammables such as cleaning fluids, aerosol cans, fireworks and matches. Drain the fuel from your power mower and other machinery. Discard partly used containers of any substance that may leak.
