Moving Box Guide: A List Of Boxes You Need For Your Upcoming House Move

When you’re getting ready to move, one of the most important things to do is make sure you have enough moving boxes. You don’t want to run out of boxes halfway through your move! However, sometimes, it can be challenging to know exactly what type and how many boxes you’ll need.

Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the most common packing boxes you’ll need for your move. So, before you start packing, make sure you have the following boxes on hand.

Type Of Moving Boxes You Will Want For Every House Move

There are several types of boxes you will want for your house move. Below are the standard types of boxes and what they are typically used for:

Regular Cardboard Boxes

Regular cardboard boxes are the most common type of box and are perfect for packing various items around your home. Such boxes come in different sizes and are often the most accessible out of all the box types.

From small boxes for packing fragile items to large boxes for heavier objects, regular cardboard boxes are versatile and perfect for most household moves. Such boxes are also your best option when you want to store your belongings in a storage unit. After all, they are durable and can hold a significant amount of weight.

READ: Benefits of Using Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

Wardrobe Boxes

Wardrobe boxes are large boxes that can be used to store clothes and other large items. Such boxes come with a bar inside that allows you to hang clothes on hangers. This is a great way to avoid folding clothes and save you a lot of space.

Moreover, you will find that using a wardrobe box helps keep your belongings safe during transport, as they are less likely to get wrinkled or damaged.

Hanging clothes when you unpack will also be a breeze with a wardrobe box, as everything will be ready to go without having to take the time to fold them and put them away.

Book Boxes

Book boxes are small boxes that are specifically designed for packing books. This is a great way to protect your books from getting damaged during the move.

In addition, book boxes are a space-saving option as they take up less room than regular cardboard boxes.

Mirror Boxes

Mirror boxes are large boxes that are used to pack mirrors and other large objects. Such boxes come with built-in protection for your belongings and have special inserts that help keep mirrors in place.

If you are packing a mirror, it is highly recommended that you use a mirror box to avoid any damage.

Plastic Storage Boxes

Plastic storage boxes are a great option for packing away seasonal items or other belongings that you do not need to access often. Such boxes are made of durable plastic and can be easily stored away when not in use.

You will also find that plastic storage boxes are useful when you plan to relocate electronics, as they can help protect them from any damage. After all, it keeps moisture and dust at bay.

Wooden Crates

Wooden crates are perfect for packing heavier and bulkier items. Such crates come in different sizes and can be easily stacked on top of each other. In addition, wooden crates are a great way to protect your belongings during transport, as they are sturdy and unlikely to break.

This is best used for fragile and antique furniture, as they are less likely to get damaged in a wooden crate.

Where To Get Free Moving Boxes

When you’re on a tight budget, the thought of having to purchase a handful of moving boxes can be discouraging. However, there are several ways you can get free moving boxes:

Ask Friends and Family

One of the easiest ways to get free moving boxes is by asking friends and family for any extra boxes they may have. Most people have unused cardboard boxes lying around their homes, so it never hurts to ask.

In addition, you can also ask friends and family if they need any help with packing. This can be a great way to get help with your move and score some free boxes in the process.

Check Craigslist

If you’re not able to find any free boxes from friends or family, your next best bet is checking Craigslist. Often, people post ads looking for someone to take their old moving boxes off their hands.

All you have to do is search for “free moving boxes” in your area, and you will likely find several ads from people who are willing to give away their boxes.

Hit Up Local Stores

Another great way to get free moving boxes is by hitting up local stores. Many stores, such as grocery stores and liquor stores, often have boxes lying around that they are willing to give away.

All you have to do is ask the store employees if they have any extra boxes, and they will be more than happy to help you out.

Search Online

If you’re not able to find any free boxes in your area, your last resort is searching online. Several websites, such as Freecycle and Craigslist, allow you to post ads looking for free moving boxes.

In addition, there are also several Facebook groups dedicated to giving away free moving boxes. All you have to do is search for “free moving boxes” in your area, and you will likely find several groups that are worth checking out.

Ask Your Man And Van or Removals Company

If you are hiring a man with a van or a removals company and having them pack up your stuff, their services will include providing the moving boxes for your move. This is a great option, as you will not have to worry about finding any moving boxes on your own.

Other Packing Supplies You Need For Your Upcoming Move

Besides moving boxes, there are a few other packing supplies you will need for your upcoming move:

Packing Tape

When it comes to packing tape, the thicker, the better. This is because it helps keep boxes together during transport and prevents them from opening up. In addition, packing tape is also great for taping down furniture pads.

Furniture Pads

Furniture pads are essential for protecting your furniture during transport. They come in different sizes and can be easily wrapped around furniture. In addition, furniture pads also help keep the moving boxes intact, as they add an extra layer of protection.

Packaging Peanuts

Packaging peanuts are a great way to protect fragile items during transport. They come in a variety of colours and can be easily disposed of after your move.

Packing Paper or Bubble Wrap

Packing paper or bubble wrap is excellent for packing glasses and dishes. It helps keep them from breaking during transport. It is also essential to pack your breakable items in separate boxes so that they are not damaged if other boxes are broken during transport.

Garbage Bags

Garbage bags are great for packing clothes and linens. They help keep them from getting dirty or wet during transport. In addition, garbage bags can also be used as a “packing quilt”. This is when you fold the garbage bag in half, then place your clothes and linens inside. This will help keep them from getting wrinkled during transport.

Markers

Markers are essential for labelling your boxes. This way, you will know exactly what is in each box and where it needs to go when you get to your new home.

How Do I Make Labels For The Boxes?

After you sort out your items by category, you can start packing. It would be more stressful if you do the packing in one day so we recommend that you do it little by little. Just remember to not write moving labels for boxes before you fill them up. Label only after packing and sealing.

Sort By Category And By Room

To speed up the unloading process, you should sort your box contents by room. For example, your stuff in the dining room and the living room shouldn’t be mixed up in a single box. It will be easy for you and the movers if the boxes are stacked and loaded according to rooms.

Do A Colour-coding Or A Number System

Colour-coding is often the number one go-to technique of organizing. A lot of us are visual-oriented, which means it’s easier to recognize categories by colour. For this, you can use permanent coloured markers to write on boxes, or you can stick coloured packing labels on them.

However, if you’re better with numbers, you can create a number labelling system. You can then make an inventory of your things based on the box contents. For example:

Box No. 1 has an equivalent Room column and a Content column.

Box No. 1 = Living Room = Books and Magazines

Label The Sides Of The Boxes

It’s essential to label accurately and clearly. The boxes will surely be stacked inside the vehicle, so movers won’t be able to see the top of the boxes. It’s best to put packing labels on every side where they can easily read them.

Print Labels For Fragile Items

Every fragile item should be properly packed and labelled. Packing labels such as “Fragile”, “This Side Up”, and “Handle with Care” are readily available on the internet. You can download these printable moving box labels and print them for boxes containing items that need extra care.

Have A “Open First” Moving Box

You can’t possibly unpack all your items on the first day, that’s why having a box of essentials is suitable for a house move. In the Open First box, you can put in a change of clothes, your toiletries, phone charger, and other stuff that you might use on your first night. You can also put in essential documents like passports and house title deeds in a separate box.

Final Thoughts

When packing all your belongings for your house move, it is important to use the right type of box. By using the boxes that we have mentioned above, you can ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible. Need more information on moving? Check out our other articles on moving tips and advice.