Moving boxes are corrugated cartons of standard shapes and sizes that movers have found to be convenient.
We'll describe about 10 different sizes of moving boxes. Other moving box sizes exist, but they are less common.
Moving
boxes are, generally, the same weight and quality as ordinary shipping
boxes. They sell at somewhat lower prices because the sizes are widely
used -- not because they are of inferior quality.
For the most part, choose small moving boxes. We feel it's important to
choose moving boxes that pack light enough to avoid back strains.
Even if you intend to have professional movers handle the boxes,
you'll generally need to carry the boxes from where you packed them to
a staging area.
Many stores offer "over runs" and
"misprinted" boxes for use as moving boxes. Some of these boxes are
good deals, but be careful not to buy boxes larger than the moving
boxes described below. In fact, for ease of handling, we'd recommend
not using boxes significantly different in shape from the first three
moving box sizes described below.
The Most Important Ones
Small Carton or Book Box or 1.5 cubic foot moving box -- 16 x 12½ x 12½ Box is rated to safely carry 65#
The handiest size of all. This box was intended for holding books but
it works well for all sorts of small fragile items like dishes and
ceramics. Use it for general packing. Use this one for packing the
heavy stuff in the garage.
Medium Carton or 3.0 cubic foot moving box -- 18 x 18 x 16 Box is rated to safely carry 65#
A good, general purpose packing box. Use it for clothing or for large
pots and for larger kitchen appliances. Use it whenever the 1.5
is too small.
Large Carton or 4.5 cubic foot moving box -- 18 x 18 x 24 Box is rated to safely carry 65#
Used
for blankets, larger pots, board games and table lamps. Be careful!
This one will get too heavy (about 70 pounds) if packed full of
clothing.
The Big and Bulky Ones
Do not use these boxes for packing clothing. They will weigh 90 pounds full of clothing.
Extra Large Cube or 6.0 cubic foot moving box -- 22 x 22 x 21 ½
This size is intended for pillows, cushions, stuffed toys and comforters.
Extra Large Rectangular or 6.1 cubic foot moving box -- 24 x 18 x 24
Same volume as the 6.0 above. This shape may turn out to be a bit more useful. Use it only for light, bulky items.
Dish Packs
There are 2 sizes of these heavy duty doublewall bruisers. They're great packing boxes.
.Dish Pack or 5 cubic foot -- 18 x 18 x 28
This is a strong, large box with a very convenient shape. Works great
for packing expensive lamps and statuary. Widely used for
packing dishes, but it gets quite heavy. A great box for shipping
clothing. --will weigh about 70 pounds. The size is OK for the
post office, but may be too heavy. Will ship UPS and FedEx.
TV/Microwave/Computer Box or 6.6 cubic foot -- 24 x 24 x 20
This
is a strong, large box which can be awkward to handle. Frequently works
for computers and printers. Rarely does this box ever fit either a TV
or a microwave oven. Ships UPS and FedEx, but not Post Office.
Hanging Wardrobe Boxes
These
boxes resemble clothes closets. A metal hanger bar across the top
permits hanging clothing in the box the same as in a closet. They're
great time savers, but they use a lot of space. (A few local San Diego
movers lend these things out to their customers during a move. Check
this with your mover before buying.)
Small Wardrobe Box -- 20 x 20 x 45 3/4
There is a 20 inch long hanger bar across the top of this box. There
are hand holds on the side. It is intended for hanging clothing,
but you can think of it as a strong, large box for packing large, bulky
items. Works great for packing large lamps and statuary. Will ship UPS
and FedEx, but not post office.
Large Wardrobe box -- 24 x 20 x 47 3/4
Same as a small wardrobe except the hanger bar is 4 inches longer. Too
big to ship either post office or UPS. Ships FedEx.
Lay Down Wardrobe or Flat Wardrobe Boxes
Lay Down Wardrobe Box -- 32 x 19 7/8 x 9
This
box is about the proportion of a large dresser drawer, permits
clothing to be folded with a minimum of wrinkling. It's slow and
tedious to pack, but it will save space. It will ship UPS and FedEx.
Mattress Boxes
We
carry 6 sizes of mattress boxes. Enough to pack all sizes of
mattresses. Some people just use these boxes as sources of large
sheets of corrugated cardboard. Mattress boxes tend to be a bit
expensive. Many people use plastic mattress bags, instead.
Plastic bags provide less protection but cost about 1/3 as much.
- Crib
- Single/Twin
- Double/Full
- King/Queen Combo
- Extra Thick King/Queen Combo
- King/Queen Pillowtop
|