Your Guide to 6 Kinds of Moving Boxes

As moving day draws near, you’re probably dreading the task of packing those moving boxes.

Packing is one of moving’s biggest headaches, and it can’t be avoided. Rooms full of loose knick-knacks, huge pieces of furniture, and personal wardrobes all present their own packing challenges.

Types of Boxes

Boxing up your goods doesn’t have to be burdensome. By understanding which moving boxes to use for specific items, you can easily and safely help your prized possessions arrive at your new home.

Moving Box Sizes

Professional moving boxes and cartons come in a variety of shapes and sizes—specifically suited to fit a variety of household goods.

Check out the following list to learn how make packing a little less painful.

1. Corrugated Carton for the Kitchen

This is a sturdy corrugated carton of double-wall construction suited for all breakables. Use them to pack your china, dishes, crystal, and glassware. You may also want to use cellular dividers inside the carton as an extra measure of protection.

2. Medium Box for heavy items

An easy-to-handle carton designed for heavy items such as books or other media. These moving boxes hold 1.75 cubic feet of your belongings.

3. Large Box for a Variety of Items

These big utility boxes are usually used for pots and pans, toys, non-perishable food (cans and jars) and small appliances. They hold three and a half cubic feet of household items.

4. Extra Large Box for bulky items

These super-sized boxes are made for bulky items including linens, towels, or lampshades. They hold 4.9 cubic feet of the awkward or cumbersome things that need to be packed.

5. Wardrobe Box for the Closet

This huge box comes equipped a metal hanger bar to accommodate your clothes. You can transfer items directly from your closet into this box with minimal effort.

6. Picture Boxes

These telescoping cartons fit almost any framed picture or mirror. These moving boxes are perfect for transporting your artwork, framed family portraits and kids’ posters.

Updated from an earlier version by Rick Hazeltine.

For more help with packing, check out our handy Packing Calculator.