Knowing how stressful and time-consuming moving homes is, one may wonder why people endure this torture.
Well, most likely because they want to better their living conditions in a new and better home. And while there are some techniques to reduce the stress while moving, in general, you can’t avoid the most tiresome of all tasks – packing your belongings.
It can be tempting to throw everything randomly in the truck and be done with it, but that simply isn’t viable. Instead, you need to find boxes, pack everything, label it and carefully place it in a Tetris-like fashion in the moving vehicle.
Needless to say, choosing the right size boxes is instrumental to your success. Since we want to help, we have a few tips you can use to complete this task seamlessly.
Be aware of what you need to put in the moving boxes
Before you start packing, knowing what to put in the moving boxes is important. List all the items you’ll be moving, and consider their size and weight. Doing so will reveal exactly how many boxes you need and the right size and strength of the boxes.
For example, heavy items (such as books) should be packed in smaller boxes to avoid the box becoming too heavy to lift. On the other hand, placing bedding in smaller boxes is practically impossible, let alone needlessly complicated.
So, while making the list of what you will put inside the boxes, try to assess what can be shared in a box.
For example, some fragile items can be paired with pillows or bedding. This will reduce the number of boxes you need while ensuring that your fragile items are safe during transportation.
Consider how long your moving boxes will travel and how
When choosing the right moving box size, it’s important to consider how long the boxes will travel and how they will be transported.
For example, if you’re moving long-distance or using a moving company, your boxes may be stacked on top of each other in a truck or container, so you’ll need more robust boxes to withstand the weight.
That’s why it makes sense to consider using plastic boxes, as they are much stronger and can protect your belongings from getting crushed under the weight of other boxes and keep any dust, pests or moisture away.
Additionally, if your boxes travel for an extended period, you’ll want to consider using larger containers for items you’ll need immediately upon arrival.
Understand the different types of moving boxes
There are two main types of moving boxes: standard and specialty. Standard boxes are the most commonly used type of moving box and come in various sizes. They are designed for general-purpose use and are produced from corrugated cardboard and are.
Such boxes can be purchased or rented from several places like hardware stores, removals companies or delivery companies. Some removal service providers even offer to deliver boxes to your doorstep, which may be handy.
On the other hand, speciality boxes are designed for specific items such as clothing, mirrors, and TVs. These boxes are usually more expensive than standard boxes, but they offer added protection for your items.
Unfortunately, they are a bit harder to find, though some removal service providers may offer such.
Standard types
Standard boxes come in various sizes–from small boxes for books and other heavy items to large boxes for lighter items such as clothing and linens.
The most common sizes for standard boxes are:
- Small boxes. These boxes are typically used for heavy items such as books, CDs, and DVDs. They are usually around 40cm x 30cm x 30cm and can hold up to 20 kilograms.
- Medium boxes. These are the most versatile sizes and can be used for various items such as clothing, kitchenware, and small appliances. They are usually around 45cm x 45cm x 40cm and can hold up to 30 kilos.
- Large boxes. These boxes are best for lightweight items such as pillows, bedding, and lampshades. They are usually around 60cm x 40cm x 40cm and can hold up to 40 kilos.
Depending on the quality and strength of the box, its weight limits can vary significantly.
Specialty types
Specialty boxes are designed for items like mirrors, TVs, and clothing. These boxes are usually more expensive than standard boxes, but they offer added protection for your items.
Some common types of specialty boxes include:
- Wardrobe boxes. These boxes are designed for hanging clothes and can be used to transport your wardrobe from one home to another without having to take everything off the hangers.
- Mirror boxes. These boxes are designed to protect mirrors and other fragile items during transport.
- TV boxes. These boxes are designed to fit most standard-sized TVs and come with foam inserts to protect the screen.
Know the size and weight of items you need to move
As you can imagine, before purchasing boxes, you need to measure the bigger items in your possession to see whether they will fit in standard boxes. For example, you might need an extra-large box to accommodate an item such as a large lamp.
And, if you have smaller items such as books or kitchenware, a standard or medium-sized box may suffice. Consider the dimensions of each item and choose a box that provides enough space and protection for it.
Moreover, you need to estimate the item’s weight and group items accordingly, so they will fit each box’s weight limit.
For example, you may want to group heavier items, such as books or electronics, together in smaller boxes to prevent them from becoming too heavy to lift or transport. Lighter items like linens or clothing can be packed in larger boxes without worrying about weight limits.
Always check the weight limit of the boxes you choose, and do not exceed it to prevent damage or accidents.
Make sure you organize your boxes well
Organizing your boxes properly is as important as choosing the right size and weight capacity. Label each box with its contents and room destination, and keep an inventory list to help you keep track of your belongings.
