What type of moving boxes do you need?

Moving boxes are a necessary part of the moving process. Since the packing part can be stressful, it is helpful to have a sufficient amount of all packing materials. You might want to consider several features before you supply yourself with suitable boxes. Keep on reading to learn what type of moving boxes you need.

How to choose moving boxes

The answer is usually found in a combination of need and cost. Once you get in touch with the NYC moving company and make all necessary arrangements, the company will deliver moving boxes. They can also and offer you some guidelines on how to pack a moving box if you’re not sure how you should properly pack them yourself. Also, when using plastic moving containers or bins, your moving service Manhattan will handle them easily since they are stackable and fit perfectly in a moving van or truck – more importantly, it helps fragile items arrive safely and undamaged to your new location.

Fragile items

For expensive, fragile or sentimental items that you don’t want to be damaged in the move, it’s always best to be on the safe side and purchase new moving boxes for packing fragile items.

Heavy items

Moving boxes are usually the same weight and quality as ordinary shipping boxes. On the other hand, you can purchase some made from thicker cardboard that allows you to pack some heavier items.

Eco-friendly

If you are concerned about the environment and want to make your move environmentally friendly, you may choose to buy or rent reusable plastic moving containers. Professional moving companies like Dumbo Moving and Storage in Brooklyn, New York City offers a variety of plastic and cardboard moving boxes.

What to have in mind before choosing moving boxes

When choosing your moving boxes, whether you are purchasing new ones or decided on renting plastic containers, you need to ensure that you have:

Sufficient amount of moving boxes

You want to make sure that you have enough boxes to safely pack all of your belongings. If you are packing yourself, make a plan on how you can pack in an efficient way. Always plan in advance, so that you can have enough time to get more boxes if necessary.

Correct weight

As a rule, each box should not weigh more than 50 lbs. Even if you’re using services of professional movers, remember that you’ll probably be moving the boxes from one room to another yourself, so make sure you’re able to lift them. Some boxes, such as a wardrobe or electronic box, may naturally be heavier. Just try to keep the number of boxes over 50 pounds to a minimum. Smaller boxes are usually suitable for videos/DVDs/CDs, household items, books, tools, and other smaller heavy items, as well as individual fragile items when used with bubble wrap or packing paper and lastly tape is used to secure the individual box.

How to choose a type of moving boxes

There are many types and shapes, which allows you to choose depending on the features of your household belongings. Here are a few sizes that you may need and their general purpose:

Small moving box

1.5 cubic foot moving box, which is 16 x 12½ x 12½ inches – the box used the most and can safely carry up to 60 lbs. Again, keep weight under 50 lbs. This box is great for books, for packing kitchen items, dishes, fragile and small appliances, packing lamps or shades.

Medium moving box

It is a 3.0 cubic foot moving box, which is 18 x 18 x 16 inches and can safely carry up to 65 lbs. It is perfect for clothing, pots and pans, and for packing electronics. A medium moving box is generally considered a multi-purpose box.

Large moving box

This is a 4.5 cubic foot moving box which is 18 x 18 x 24 inches and can safely carry up to 65 lbs. It is great for larger lamps, linens, and larger kitchen appliances.

Extra Large Moving Box

This is a 6.0 cubic foot moving box that has dimensions of 22 x 22 x 21 ½ inches and can carry up to 70 lbs. But don’t overpack this box as it can become very heavy to carry. This box can be used for pillows, toys, large blankets, and couch/chair cushions.

6.1 cubic foot moving box, whose dimensions are is 24 x 18 x 24 inches. This extra-large moving box is a rectangular shape and is ideal for moving or storing those really bulky but lightweight, items such as comforters, pillows, and towels. It is useful for objects that do not fit properly into the 6.0 cubic boxes.

Wardrobe box

Save time when packing up your clothing, and keep it wrinkle-free, by using a hanging wardrobe box. You can keep items on the hanger and the shape of the box is just like a wardrobe. They are great for hanging closet items that you can’t pack flat. Just remember that they are heavy and take up a lot of room. If you can pack clothes flat, this will save you some money. Some movers use these boxes to move chandeliers or delicate wind chimes that are better to move to hang than flat. There is also room at the bottom of the box for other items, such as blankets, shirts. Just remember not to over-pack this box as it cannot withstand heavy items.

A flat-screen TV and Picture Box

TV boxes for shipping or moving your flat screen. Moving companies give you an option on how to pack a TV box that offers you protection when moving your TV.

Picture and/or Mirror Box

Mirror boxes are designed to handle framed pictures, artwork, and mirrors. Bubble wrap is recommended for all framed items. All mirror boxes can be telescoped, meaning that two can be put together to get a longer fit. When fitting two boxes together, make sure you use strong tape to secure them together and to handle the additional weight.

Dish pack box

These are great for packing dishes, glasses, cups, or liquor/wine bottles. There are various options on the market that include custom adjustable cardboard dividers, protective foam pouches that can fit within a moving box. Check the weight to ensure they are still manageable. Overpacking dish packs can result in dropped boxes and shattered items.

Mattress boxes

These boxes aren’t necessary as most movers will wrap your mattress in plastic bags which are much cheaper to purchase. However, boxes will keep your mattress from being punctured, or if it’s being stored for a while, it’ll protect it better from outside forces. Mattress boxes come in many sizes from cribs to twin to king-size.

How to get moving boxes

There are several ways to boxes for your move. You can choose between:

Purchase

You can purchase new moving boxes from your moving company, or from one of the large retailers like Home Depot, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Costco, etc. You can also order them online from Amazon, or check out one of the websites that specialize in moving boxes like Uboxes and Boxes.

Reuse

There are places where you can get boxes for free. A friend that recently moved might still have some. Local grocery or liquor store is always a great option because they have plenty of boxes left after their supplies arrive. They will probably be eager to give them away for free. You can also research online where to get free cardboard boxes and find some slightly-used that will do the job.

Rent

On the other hand, you may decide to rent plastic moving containers. They can be very useful and convenient for packing delicate and fragile items. In that way, you can avoid unwanted clutter after the move, and you don’t have to worry about recycling. One more advantage of renting is in its materials. If you are conscious about the surroundings and you want your move to be as green as possible, this will be a good choice. There are eco-friendly boxes for rent that are made of recycled plastic, and they are very durable and waterproof.

Our top moving company also has green bins to rent.