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The Best Way to Pack Boxes for Moving


Packing things into moving boxes

No matter how you slice it, moving is a process that takes time. There is so much to do and remember. Knowing the best way to pack boxes for moving, what size of household items to pack in large moving boxes, what size a standard moving box is, and how to pack moving boxes efficiently is important. Not sure how much weight a moving box can hold? We can help answer all these questions and more!

At #10 Mini Storage allow our team to alleviate some of the stress of moving by helping you determine what box sizes you should use for your move. Start with these tips for packing and then give us a call if you need further assistance.

How Many Boxes Do You Need?

 Determining how many boxes you need for your move is an important first step. No one wants to run out of boxes once they are on a roll packing. Things to consider when determining how many boxes you need include:

  • How many people live in your home?
  • How large is your home and what is the square footage?
  • What is your lifestyle like?
  • How many rooms do you have?
  • Are you moving everything in your home at once?

A general rule of thumb is to have 10 small, eight medium and five large moving boxes allocated for each room in your house. In addition to this, think about where you may need specialty boxes such as wardrobe boxes or dish packs. [1]

Woman packs fragile items with bubble wrap

What Box Size is Best?

A box is a box, right? It’s not so simple. When it comes to moving boxes, there are SO many options! While this is helpful in the long run, it can be difficult to determine which boxes are right for your needs.

1.5 Cubic Foot Moving Boxes: These are the smallest size of moving box and they can hold roughly 60 pounds. These boxes are perfect for packing small items such as books, small kitchen items, fragile or sentimental items and home décor.

3.0 and 4.5 Cubic Foot Moving Boxes: While these boxes are larger than the smallest size, they do not actually support much more weight. With the ability to hold approximately 65 pounds, these boxes are useful for larger kitchen items, electronics and linens.

6.0 Cubic Foot Moving Boxes: These boxes carry a maximum of 70 pounds and work well for cushions, toys, pillows and blankets. These items are best stored in these boxes because since they are large they can become too heavy to carry easily. Light items like blankets or pillows can be stored in these boxes and still moved easily.

Wardrobe Boxes: Wardrobe boxes are used to move items you would store in a closet. This will save you the hassle of putting clothes back on hangers or ironing everything when you move into your new place because it has been folded and wrinkled.

Picture and Mirror Boxes: These boxes are designed specifically to protect pictures, mirrors and other breakables. However, to be safe, bubble wrap is always recommended.

Dish packs: Dish boxes provide compartments for packing your dishes. These are particularly useful for glasses, cups and bottles.[2]

Tips for Packing Efficiently

Once you have your boxes, the hard part begins – putting all your stuff in them! Here are some quick tips to help your move go as smoothly as possible:

  • Pack your least used items first so that you will not need to access them once packed
  • Label and number your boxes according to what is in them and what room they will go in
  • Keep dresser drawer items in the dresser and simply secure drawers shut
  • Have donation boxes and garbage bins ready as you’re packing so that you can toss unwanted items quickly
  • Pay close attention to where you put screws from furniture you have disassembled
  • Pack an overnight bag for everyone in the family so that you can stay comfortable on your first night without having to unpack multiple boxes in a frenzy
  • Know where your bedding is packed[3]

[1] Updater. This is How Many Boxes You Need to Move. January 16, 2019. Available online: https://www.updater.com/moving-tips/how-many-boxes-do-i-need-to-move

[2] The Spruce. Best Types of Moving Boxes for Your Packing Needs. August 11, 2018. Available online: https://www.thespruce.com/all-about-moving-boxes-2436464

[3] Combiths, Shfrah. Apartment Therapy. Packing and Planning Strategies for Your Most Efficient Move Ever. October 13, 2016. Available online: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/packing-and-planning-the-most-efficient-move-out-ever-235886