The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Size Boxes for Moving

December 22, 2023Moving Tips
Diana Road

A talented writer from Wichita, Kansas, with a passion for helping people navigate the stressful process of moving. With her extensive knowledge of the moving industry, Diana has become a go-to resource for useful info

With the right tools at your disposal, relocating across the country can be a breeze. Our ultimate guide demystifies the mystery surrounding the selection of the best size boxes for moving. We will cover why the best fit matters, ensuring your items arrive safely at your future abode. If you’re a first-time mover, fret not. You’ll find valuable insights and become a pro in no time at all.

Statistically Speaking – What Are the Best Size Boxes for Moving?

Medium-sized crates strike a perfect balance for storing versatility. They are sufficiently spacious to accommodate a variety of items, from kitchen gadgets to apparel, while remaining compact enough for easy transport, even in the limited space of your car trunk. ABB Group‘s research indicates that the US produces nearly 100 billion boxes annually, with three-quarters undergoing recycling. Laid end-to-end, these crates could encircle our planet 570 times over.

A BETTER WAY FOR MOVING!

Get A Quote

Why Finding the Best Size Boxes for Moving Matters

Selecting the optimal size containers for your relocation to a new home is not just about organization. It can have a significant impact on cost and the safety of your belongings. Let’s see how exactly.

Cost Efficiency – Saving Money by Choosing the Size of Boxes for Moving

Choosing the right size crates is not just about fitting your items snugly. It’s also a strategic financial decision. By selecting the appropriate sizes, you ensure that space in moving trucks is used efficiently. You are even reducing the number of vehicles needed to transport your stuff, and thus save on relocation costs.

Protection of Belongings – How Size Affects the Safety of Items

The dimensions of your crates have a direct correlation to the protection of your items. Small containers are ideal for weightier items that could damage other belongings if not isolated. They even mitigate overpacking and structural integrity issues.

Medium and larger crates, when properly packed, provide a cushioning effect for more fragile items. The correct choice ensures that things don’t shift during transit, minimizing the risk of breakage. So, a perfect match will guarantee the safety of your belongings throughout shipping.

USA Auto Transport
Perfectly sized crate will save you funds and protect your items at the same time

Types of Moving Boxes and Their Best Uses

When it comes to moving to another state, the right choices can make all the difference when it comes to the efficiency of your relocation. Here’s how to select the best options for your belongings.

Small Boxes – Ideal Contents and Uses

Small crates, perfect for dense or delicate items, are essential in any moving kit. They’re best suited for holding books, collectibles, and other weighty objects that require careful handling.

The compact dimensions of these containers prevent overpacking. They can ensure that your heavier items can be transported safely without strain.

Medium Boxes – The Versatile Option

For your moderately sized goods, medium containers are the go-to option. They are especially useful for kitchen items and small appliances.

Their dimensions allow for a snug fit that prevents movement and potential damage. When filling these versatile crates, make sure that you’re distributing weight evenly. Fill any gaps with bubble wrap or packing paper to ensure a safe relocation process.

Large Boxes – Fantastic for Bulky but Light Items

Large crates are indispensable for storing bulky but lightweight items such as bed linens, towels, and larger garments. With generous dimensions, they can house a good volume of goods while keeping them unscathed.

However, it’s vital to exercise restraint and not overpack these containers. Overloading not only makes them unwieldy but also increases the risk of a structural compromise, which can lead to damage to your goods.

Extra-Large Boxes – Know When to Use Them

Extra-large containers are designed for the bulkiest of your possessions, like duvets, pillows, and winter coats. These crates are perfect for items that take up space without adding excessive weight.

They should be used sparingly, as overfilling them can make them difficult to transport. It may even result in damage to the contents. The key is to use them for the right items and resist the temptation to overstuff.

Specialty Boxes – The Best Pick for Wardrobe, Picture, and Dish Packs

For boxing up your clothing that needs to remain hanging, delicate dishes that need buffers, and sensitive electronics, specialty crates are a must. Wardrobe boxes come with a built-in bar for hangers, while dish packs are sectioned off to protect each plate and cup.

Electronic crates often include additional padding to cushion your devices. These specialized containers are pivotal for safeguarding fragile and valuable items, offering tailored protection that standard boxes cannot provide. Their use is a proactive step in preserving the integrity of your most cherished possessions throughout the transition.

A young woman with a pile of packages
Pick the right crate when boxing up your item

Standard Box Sizes and Their Dimensions

Relocating requires a variety of containers, each designed to accommodate different items efficiently. Understanding their dimensions and volume will help you choose the right one for each purpose.

Here’s a handy table outlining the types of containers, their standard dimensions, and volume:

Crate Type Standard Dimensions (inches) Volume
Small 16 x 12 x 12 1.5 cu ft
Medium 18 x 18 x 16 3 cu ft
Large 18 x 18 x 24 4.5 cu ft
Extra-Large 22 x 22 x 21 6 cu ft
Wardrobe Crate 24 x 24 x 40 14.4 cu ft
Dish Packs 18 x 18 x 28 5.2 cu ft
Artwork Crate Varies by artwork size N/A
Electronics Crate Varies by device N/A

Packing Strategies for Different Box Sizes

You should know that efficient packing is an art that can save you time and protect your belongings during a move. Here are some strategies that are tailored to different container types.

Clever Techniques and Strategies to Pack Small Boxes

When loading these crates, always start with putting heavier items at the bottom. Fill any gaps with foam peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent shifting. For extra security, reinforce the bottom with tape.

The Art of Medium Box Packing

These are perfect for mixing moderately heavy and light items. Begin with heavier items at the base and layer upward with lighter ones.

Wrap breakables in bubble wrap and ensure that every item is snug to avoid movement. This tiered approach helps maintain balance.

Large Box Packing Made Simple

Use these for storing cushions, bedding, and clothes that don’t require hanging. Fill empty spaces with soft items or tissue paper to add padding and stability.

Maximize Space in Extra-Large Boxes

Extra-large crates should be used for the bulkiest yet lightest items like comforters and pillows. To maximize space, compress these items as much as possible. Think about utilizing vacuum bags, as this ensures that the crate can fit more of these objects.

Use Dividers, Wardrobe Bags, and Padding in Specialty Boxes

Specialty containers come with features perfectly suited for the items they are created for. Utilize their dividers for dishes and insert wardrobe bags for clothing. Use padding liberally to protect your valuables from jostles and bumps during transit.

Boxes on the floor
Maximize the space in your crates by compressing your bulkier possessions

Some of the Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

Everyone makes mistakes, but failing to pack correctly may end up costing you your precious belongings. That’s why paying extra attention to how you fill your crates is crucial in mitigating mishaps during relocation. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid when packing:

  • Overpacking crates – this can cause crates to break under the weight and make them too heavy to move safely.
  • Using the wrong box size for items – your possessions may shift if the crate is too large or become damaged if the crate is too small.
  • Skimping on box quality – opting for low-quality containers can risk damage from tears or collapses.
  • One box catastrophe – avoid packing all your valuables or essentials in one crate. If it goes missing, the loss is significant.
  • Not fortifying the bottom of your crate – this can lead to the bottom giving out, especially under heavy loads.
  • Skipping on adding a buffer layer at the bottom – this extra padding can protect items from impact when set down.
  • Forgetting to check that the top is flat before taping it – an uneven top can cause instability when stacking.
  • Not putting the heavy stuff first – heavier items should be at the bottom to prevent them from crushing lighter items.
  • Stacking crates randomly when loading a van – properly planning the arrangement can prevent tipping and crushing.

Why Should You Hire Professional Packing Services

Entrusting your belongings to professional packing services can transform a typically stressful process into a smooth transition. Movers bring a level of expertise and precision to the whole process that is hard to achieve on your own.

With their help, every item is packed methodically, using the right materials and techniques to safeguard your possessions. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially when dealing with irreplaceable items or managing a relocation with multiple components.

Benefits of Hiring Professionals for the Job

When it comes to relocating, the benefits of hiring professional movers are manifold. Insured and well-equipped movers provide not only expertise but also peace of mind. Every item, from fragile heirlooms to bulky furniture, is handled with the utmost care. Moreover, in the unlikely event of an incident, insurance coverage offers protection against loss or damage.

The team behind USA Auto Transport prides itself on offering expert moving services tailored to individual needs. Our team is trained to handle all aspects of your long-distance relocation with precision and professionalism. With our expert crew, you can rest assured that your relocation is in the best hands.

Enclosed Auto Transport

Read More

Open Carrier Auto Transport

Read More

USA Auto Transport Company Can Offer More Than One Service

Beyond first-rate moving solutions, USA Auto Transport also excels in shipping cars in the USA. With a fleet of state-of-the-art carriers, we provide a range of relocation solutions.

Those include enclosed auto transport for maximum protection, door-to-door auto transport for convenience, and terminal-to-terminal car shipping for flexibility. This extent of service highlights our commitment to meeting all your needs under one roof.

USA Auto Transport
Book our car shipping company for a smooth relocation and boxing-up experience

Streamline Your Move With the Right Boxes

Every boxing-up process demands thorough organization and meticulous planning. Tackling all the work by yourself can be an overwhelming task, but with the right aid, it can be a breeze. That’s where USA Auto Transport excels.

Our expertise lies in perfectly picking just the right crate for every item and situation. Our crew will streamline your relocation process, making it a stress-free endeavor. Don’t shy away from reaching out. Contact us and book our services for your upcoming relocation, and experience the ease of moving with a trusted partner by your side.

FAQ

What Is the Best Size Box for Moving Books?

For books, you should opt for a container typically no larger than 16 x 12 x 12 inches. They are heavy, and small crates prevent overloading. This can prevent containers from breaking or becoming too cumbersome to handle.

Can I Use Large Boxes for All My Items to Reduce the Number of Boxes Needed?

Using large containers for all your items isn’t recommended. While it may reduce the number of crates needed, it increases the risk of overpacking. Heavy, overpacked crates are prone to breaking and can be unsafe for lifting.

Is It Better to Buy New Boxes or Find Used Ones?

Deciding between new or used crates depends on the condition of the used ones and the nature of your items. New containers are typically sturdier and more reliable. However, for items that are not fragile or heavy, gently used crates can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.

How Many Boxes Do I Need for a One-Bedroom Apartment?

The number of crates needed for a one-bedroom apartment varies. A rough estimate would be around 20 small, 10 medium, and 5 large containers, adjusting as needed based on the specifics of your belongings.

Are There Any Items That Shouldn't Be Packed in a Box for Moving?

Items that shouldn’t be packed in a container for moving include hazardous materials, perishables, and high-value items that require special handling. It’s best to dispose of these items before the relocation or transport them with you, if possible.

Get a Quote

    check mark
    Download as PDF

    Moving Checklist

    Get a Free Estimate 855.675.3451