How to Choose the Best Boxes for Your Next Move
One of the key elements of ensuring a stress-free move is choosing the best boxes to pack your belongings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the perfect boxes for a better moving experience.
Each move is unique, and the type and size of boxes you’ll need can vary. So, we’ve got you covered whether you have fragile items, heavy furniture, or awkwardly shaped belongings.
Types of boxes
The first step is understanding the different types of boxes available and knowing which ones are best suited for your needs as not all boxes are created equal, and choosing the wrong type could lead to damaged belongings or wasted space in your moving truck.
Standard cardboard boxes – these are the most commonly used boxes for moving. They come in various sizes, including small, medium, and large.
- Small boxes are great for books and personal items, as well as smaller kitchen items like glasses or mugs.
- Medium boxes are useful for general household items like pots, pans, and clothing.
- Large boxes are ideal for lighter, bulkier items like bedding and towels but should be avoided for heavy items as they can become difficult to carry.
Heavy-duty boxes – these are reinforced with extra layers of cardboard, making them more durable and able to handle heavier items. These boxes are perfect for packing fragile items like kitchenware, glass, and small electronics that require extra protection.
Wardrobe boxes – these are tall, upright boxes that come with a hanging bar inside. This allows you to transfer clothes directly from your wardrobe to the box without folding or wrinkling them. Wardrobe boxes are particularly useful for delicate garments, formal attire, and coats.
Dish packs (cell kits) – often called “cell kits,” are boxes specifically designed to carry fragile items like plates, glasses, and cups. They come with compartments to ensure that each item is kept separate and secure, minimising the risk of breakage during transit.
Picture or mirror boxes – intended for artwork, mirrors, and framed photos. These flat, rectangular boxes can be adjusted to fit different sizes and are designed to protect glass surfaces from breaking.
Specialised boxes – depending on the items you’re moving, you may need specialised boxes like mattress boxes, TV boxes, or bike boxes. These are designed to fit specific shapes and provide additional protection for expensive or bulky items.
MiniMovers offers several high-quality box options that are specifically designed for your moving needs. These boxes are sturdy, easy to handle, and come in a range of sizes to suit everything from delicate crockery to large pieces of clothing.
- Small Boxes: Ideal for heavy or fragile items like books, glassware, and small kitchen appliances.
- Big Boxes: Perfect for lighter, bulkier items such as pillows, linen, and toys.
- Portable Wardrobe Boxes: A must-have for keeping your clothes wrinkle-free and easy to transfer from wardrobe to wardrobe.
How to choose the right boxes
Choosing the right boxes is all about understanding the weight, size, and fragility of the items you need to pack. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider when selecting your boxes:
Weight and durability
If you’re packing heavy items like books, it’s important to opt for small, sturdy boxes to prevent overloading. Using larger boxes for heavy items can lead to damage not only to the box itself but also to your back when you try to carry it. Heavy-duty boxes are recommended for these purposes, as they can handle the additional weight without losing shape.
Size matters
Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Large boxes are perfect for lightweight, bulky items such as duvets, pillows, or large toys, but using them for heavier items will make them unwieldy. So, stick to medium or small boxes for items like pots, pans, and shoes to ensure the boxes are manageable.
Fragile items
For fragile items, choose small, reinforced or specialised boxes, like dish packs, to keep everything safe. Adding extra padding like bubble wrap, packing paper or newspapers can also make a big difference. Remember that packing fragile items in too large a box may lead to shifting during transit, increasing the chance of breakage.
Quantity of boxes
It’s always better to have more boxes than you think you’ll need. Running out of boxes mid-pack can cause unnecessary stress. The general rule of thumb is to estimate roughly one box per room for small to medium-sized items and one large box for bulkier items.
How to pack a moving box properly
Once you’ve selected the right boxes for your move, the next step is learning how to pack them efficiently. Proper packing techniques will not only help protect your belongings but also ensure that the unpacking process is easier and faster.
Plan your packing strategy
Start by packing one room at a time, labelling each box as you go. This will help you stay organised and make unpacking in your new home simpler.
Cushion the bottom of the box
Before placing any items into the box, cushion the bottom with packing paper, bubble wrap, or even towels, clothing or newspapers. This adds a layer of protection and prevents damage to items at the bottom of the box.
Pack heavier items first
When packing a box, always place heavier items at the bottom, creating a solid base, and preventing lighter items from getting squashed or damaged.
Fill empty spaces
To avoid items shifting during the move, fill any gaps in your box with crumpled packing paper or soft materials like towels or clothes. This will keep items secure and prevent breakage.
Don’t overfill or underfill
Make sure your boxes are full, but not overstuffed. Overfilling can cause the box to break or become difficult to stack, while underfilling leaves too much space for items to move around, risking damage.
For more packing tips, check our Packing Guides and Hints as well as blogs on packing.
How to pack fragile items and the right boxes for them
Packing fragile items like glassware, dishes, and electronics requires extra care to avoid breakage. Using the right packing materials and boxes is key to keeping your valuables intact during your move.
Use small or specialised boxes
As mentioned earlier, small boxes and dish packs (or cell kits) are ideal for packing fragile kitchenware. Cell kits have dividers that keep glassware and dishes separate, reducing the likelihood of them knocking together and breaking.
Wrap each item individually
Before placing fragile items into the box, wrap each one individually using bubble wrap, tissue paper, packing paper or newspaper. For added protection, wrap especially delicate items twice, ensuring that even if the box is jostled during the move, the items inside won’t be affected.
Double-tape fragile boxes
When sealing boxes containing fragile items, double-tape the bottom and top seams to provide extra security. The last thing you want is for the box to collapse under pressure.
Label as “Fragile”
Always mark boxes containing fragile items with “FRAGILE” in large, bold letters, or you can simply use fragile stickers. This ensures that movers (whether you hire professionals or rely on mates) know to handle the box with extra care.
Check out: How to Pack Fragile Items as Professional Packers Do and Techniques on Pre-packing Fragile Items
How to pack clothes and linen and the right boxes for them
Packing clothes and linens can be tricky due to their bulk and the need to keep them clean and wrinkle-free. The good news is that with the right boxes, packing your wardrobe can be one of the easier tasks in the moving process.
Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
For clothing that you’d rather not fold – such as dresses, suits, and coats – wardrobe boxes are the perfect solution. These tall boxes come with a hanging rod so that you can transfer clothes directly from your wardrobe into the box without worrying about wrinkles or creases.
Suitcases and duffel bags
If you have suitcases or duffle bags lying around, these can be used to pack clothes, bedding, and towels. It’s a great way to save on boxes and make use of items you already have.
Vacuum-sealed bags for linen
For bulky linens like blankets, comforters, or pillows, vacuum-sealed bags are a space-saving option. These bags compress the air out, making large items compact and easy to pack into medium or large boxes.
How to pack heavy items and the right boxes for them
Heavy items such as books, kitchen appliances, and tools require strong, durable boxes to avoid accidents during the move. Choosing the right size box and packing properly will keep you and your items safe.
Use small boxes
Small boxes are ideal for packing heavy items. Packing a large box with heavy items like books or tools makes it too cumbersome to lift and can increase the risk of injury. A compact, sturdy box filled with these items will be much easier to manage.
Reinforce with double-tape
When packing heavy items, reinforce the bottom of the box with extra tape. This prevents the box from giving way under the weight.
Distribute weight evenly
Try to distribute weight evenly across your boxes to make them easier to carry. If you’re packing a box with a mix of heavy and light items, put the heavy items at the bottom and fill the top with lighter things like towels or cushions.
How to label and organise your moving boxes
Proper labelling and organisation of your moving boxes will save you endless headaches when it’s time to unpack. By taking the time to organise your boxes before moving day, you’ll make the process much smoother on the other side.
Label each box by room
The easiest way to stay organised during a move is to label each box with the name of the room it belongs to in your new home. For example, you might label boxes as “Kitchen,” “Master Bedroom,” or “Bathroom.” This will make it easier for you (and your removalists) to place boxes in the correct rooms, speeding up the unpacking process.
Add a brief description of the contents
In addition to labelling boxes by room, it’s helpful to add a brief description of what’s inside each box. For instance, “Kitchen – Pots & Pans” or “Bathroom – Towels & Toiletries.” This way, if you’re looking for a specific item shortly after moving in, you’ll know exactly which box to open.
Use colour coding
For an even more efficient system, consider colour-coding your labels. Assign a specific colour to each room (e.g., blue for the kitchen, green for the bedroom) and place colourful identification dots or markers on each box. This visual cue will make it even easier to sort boxes quickly when you’re unloading the moving truck.
Choosing the right moving boxes and packing them correctly can take a lot of the stress out of moving house. But, whether you’re dealing with fragile items, bulky clothing, or heavy appliances, there’s a perfect box out there for you, ensuring that your next move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Featured image by Tima Miroshnichenko