How To Choose The Right Moving Boxes For Your Move
hero

How To Choose The Right Moving Boxes For Your Move

Dec 09, 2024

If you are planning to move, you may wonder about what kinds of supplies you’ll need and how much of it. Among the various packing materials, one thing you’ll need in large quantities is boxes. But what kind of boxes do you choose? – Tall ones, small ones, plastic ones or cardboard ones? With all the different types and brands available in the market, choosing the right one is important to ensure your belongings are packed in an optimal manner.

Optimal packing will mean less stressful moving. In this article, we will take a look at all the things you will have to consider before making a selection of boxes. Whether you’re doing a DIY house move or working in collaboration with Removalists Canberra, these considerations will help you pack your belongings safely and systematically. So, let’s ponder on which boxes will best suit your moving needs.

1. Assess Your Belongings

One of the first things you need to do before choosing boxes is evaluating your belongings. Make an inventory of the items you have – their size, weight, fragility, etc. Heavy items like books or tools would require small and sturdy boxes, while lighter and bulkier items like bedding or clothes can be stored in larger boxes. For fragile items like glass or electronics you’ll have to use special boxes that are custom designed to protect these items. Having an accurate assessment of your belongings will give you a better estimate of the quantity and the type of boxes you’ll need to pack them safely.

2. Understand the Types of Moving Boxes

couple with some moving boxes during the moving process

Just like the wide range of items you have, there are a variety of boxes to choose from. Let’s try and understand the different types of boxes you can use:

  • Standard Boxes: This type is very versatile and comes in various sizes. They’re typically used for storing general household items.
  • Wardrobe Boxes: These boxes are specially created for transporting clothes on hangers, as there is a metal bar fitted into them so that you can hang them up during transport.
  • Dish Boxes: These boxes are designed with double-walled cardboard to prevent any damage to your fragile dishware.
  • File Boxes: These are ideal for packing important documents and files.
  • Specialty Boxes: These boxes are custom-made to protect your valuable and fragile belongings like electronics, mirrors, artworks, or even TV screens.

Be sure to assess the type that is suitable for your particular items.

3. Go For Quality Over Cost

Many grocery stores offer free boxes for you to take, as they are left over from the goods they’ve brought in. But don’t be tempted to get them, as they often lack durability or strength and may not be able to withstand the weight of your belongings.

Instead, invest in high-quality boxes that you can get from moving supply stores or from your Removalists in Canberra. These boxes will ensure the items are securely packed and will be less prone to sustaining damage during transit. You can also get strong corrugated cardboard boxes for the heavy and fragile items. These boxes are a little on the costly side but can ensure that the items in them remain damage-free.

4. Choosing the right Size of Boxes

Another important thing to make a note of is the size of the box needed to pack your stuff. Using the right size box will help you pack your items safely.

  • Small Boxes (1.5 – 2 cubic feet): These are best for transporting heavy items like books, canned goods and small appliances.
  • Medium Boxes (3 cubic feet): These are perfect for packing your kitchenware, toys and decorative items.
  • Large Boxes (4.5-6 cubic feet): They are ideal for storing lightweight and bulky items like bedding, pillows, cushions and lampshades.
  • Extra-Large Boxes (over 6 cubic feet): These boxes tend to get very heavy when they are over-packed, so use them sparingly.

While choosing the size, also make a note of the material of the boxes and whether it will be appropriate for your items.

5. Consider Using Eco-Friendly Options

If you’re aiming to be sustainable during your move, look for eco-friendly box options. There are many supply companies that offer boxes made from recycled materials. In addition to buying eco-friendly boxes, there are also companies that rent out plastic boxes, which you can you as an alternative to the more traditional cardboard ones. Many removalist companies like Removalists Canberra also offer this renting service for plastic boxes as this helps in reducing waste and also offers more sturdiness.

6. Get Packing Accessories

Along with buying boxes, be sure to buy packing supplies like bubble or plastic wrap, packing paper, tape, labels and markers. These materials are essential to allow the packing of your belongings in a systematic and secure manner. For dish boxes be sure to also get dividers or corner protectors for extra protection (if you needed). Investing in these accessories will ensure proper care and protection for your items.

7. Put Strategic Labels

Along with packing properly, labelling is also important. Poorly made labels will make it harder for you to organise your stuff during both loading and unloading. Clearly mark the contents in each box and the room it belongs in. For items that require extra care, use labels that indicate “handle with care” to alert the person moving them that the contents are highly breakable. All of this will help you in streamlining your move better.

8. Where To Source Moving Boxes

In terms of acquiring boxes, you can get them from various places like home improvement stores, online retailers, and even moving companies. If you’re hiring expert removalists Canberra, they often provide high-quality boxes as part of their services at a very reasonable rate. In addition to this you can check out your local community groups or social media platforms for people giving away used boxes to save money and reduce waste.

Tip to Choose the Right Moving Boxes For Your Belongings

choosing the right moving boxes

Wrapping Up

Packing is an important part of moving and whether you’re relocating far away or planning for a short distance transit, taking time to consider how you can pack your items is a good decision. If you find the process overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask for help. All the best!