Moving boxes and packing supplies are some of the most important aspects of a successful move. Many consumers incorrectly assume that any type of box and supplies will work for their move. In fact, moving boxes are specifically manufactured for household moving and the packing supplies used by professional moving companies provide the best protection for your items.

Moving box basics

Moving boxes are not all made with the same quality and materials, and they’re not the common cardboard boxes that you see left outside a Wal-Mart or grocery store. While it’s tempting to save money on boxes, using corrugated moving boxes are likely to make a difference on whether your items arrive safely at a storage facility or new residence. So only use moving boxes that are specially designed for hauling household items.

Professional movers use standard-sized boxes designed specifically for loading and transporting items onto a moving truck with effective use of truck space. Experienced movers can determine the type and number of boxes that will be needed to complete your move. They can also figure out how to best pack these boxes horizontally and vertically in the truck. If you use nonstandard box sizes, the movers will have to do their best to try to make things fit properly. Nonstandard sizes are more likely to create dead space on the truck that will cause them to shift during the trip.

Moving boxes are manufactured using single- or double-wall corrugated cardboard. The thicker the wall of the box, the higher the Edge Crush Test (ECT) rating the moving box will have. The higher the ECT rating (shown on the flap of the box), the stronger the construction and the more items the box will be able to safely hold. The higher the ECT rating, the more expensive the box will be due to the greater density of materials used to produce the box. Professional movers normally use moving boxes that have a minimum rating of 32 ECT (or capable of passing a 200 pound test). These ratings are industry standards and give you the assurance that boxes holding your household items are strong enough to survive the move. Boxes that have an ECT of less than 32 are not designed for moving and should be avoided.

Standard moving boxes

When you’re purchasing moving boxes, you will see them presented with three inside dimensions in the following order: length, width and height or depth. For example, a typical moving box with dimensions of 18x14x12 inches indicates the box’s length, width and height, from the top down into the box.

There are several types of boxes specially designed for moving household items. Normal moving box types and sizes include:

Medium (18x14x12 inches). These are industry-standard boxes that are versatile and can be used for a number of common household items. Use these boxes to store books, collectibles, kitchenware and most of your other household items.

Large (20x20x15 inches). These are all-purpose moving boxes that can be packed with heavy items, but can still be carried easily. Medium-size moving boxes are best suited for packing some heavy household goods along with lighter items.

Extra-large (23x23x16 inches). Extra-large boxes are best suited for light goods such as bedding, drapes, towels and clothing that you do not place in a separate wardrobe box. Don’t place too many items in a large moving box, because it can become unwieldy to lift and carry.

Specialty boxes

Wardrobe (24x24x40 inches). Wardrobe boxes are a valuable time saver, because they allow you to move your clothes directly from your closets right into the wardrobe box. These sturdy boxes can protect your clothes from wrinkling or damage. When you arrive at your new home, you can easily remove the clothes from the wardrobe boxes and place them in your new closet.

Kitchen (8x18x22 inches). These are heavy duty boxes with a 44 ECT rating and are designed for packing dishes, glasses, china and cookware.

Frame (41x6x26 inches). Frame boxes are made to store and ship large picture frames, mirrors and any large thin items. You should always wrap the corners of these items with Bubble Wrap. Depending on the value of each item, you may be able to place multiple items inside a single frame box.

File (16x12.5x10 inches). Use these boxes to keep your legal- and letter-size files organized. File boxes are ideal for all of your paperwork, important documents, manuals, receipts and even coin collections. They have an attached lid and do not require tape.

Other standard packing supplies

These items will also come in handy on moving day:

• Packing tape
  
• Labels
  
• Box markers
  
• Packing paper
  
• Bubble Wrap
  
• Sofa covers
  
• Furniture pads
  
  

Shopping for moving boxes

As with all aspects of moving, planning is the important first step. After you have made a detailed inventory of the items you’ll be packing, purchase ready-made moving kits that provide the right amount of supplies for the equivalent number of boxes.

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