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Too Big, Too Small, or Just Right — Find the Right Size and Type of Moving Box for Your Move

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In a way, moving boxes can be considered the unsung heroes of a successful move. Quietly, they play a vital role in ensuring your belongings reach their new destination intact. But do the types of boxes you move with really matter? Yes, they can. 

(Looking for where to get free moving boxes? Here’s our guide to where to get moving boxes.)

Especially if you’re moving long-distance or have delicate items in your inventory, your choice of moving boxes can make or break  — pun intended — your move, making a significant difference in the safety of your possessions. If you have the time and budget to order the right boxes, you can increase the likelihood that your items arrive in one piece, saving you time, hassle, and money in the long term.

So, let’s explore the world of moving boxes with a guide that will not only help you choose the right types of moving boxes for your move but also help you pack them right.

Moving Box Sizes

a stack of moving boxes under a window that are all of different sizes

Appropriately sized boxes prevent over-packing, ensuring that each box remains manageable in weight. This not only allows for ease of handling but also helps maintain the structural integrity of the box itself — which means you don’t have to worry about collapsed or busted boxes. 

 

“You can find cheap or free boxes on websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or OfferUp, and even at local retailers like grocery or liquor stores.”

 

Overloading a box can lead to it breaking or items getting damaged during the move. On the other hand, using boxes that are too large for the items being packed can result in inadequate support, increasing shifting during transit. 

So before you start packing, take a look at this rundown of the most common moving box sixes to make sure you’re selecting the right size for your items.

Book Boxes

  • Dimensions: 12” x 12” x 12” or up to 1.5 cubic feet
  • Volume: Holds up to 65 lbs.

Book boxes are light, durable, and compact, which makes them suitable for carrying small but dense items. You can use these boxes to transport your books, photo albums, puzzles, board games, DVD collections, and small picture frames. 

There are also best practices for packing your books during a move, which can be helpful no matter the type of box you use.

Three-Cubic Boxes

  • Dimensions: 18 ⅛” x 18″ x16″ 
  • Volume: Holds up to 65 lbs.

Three-cubic boxes are sturdy enough to contain common household items of various weights and sizes. You can use these boxes to transport kitchenware, home decor, linens, towels, pillows, medium appliances, children’s toys, and craft or office supplies. 

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Large Cartons

  • Dimensions: 18″ x 18″ x 24″ (or 4.5 cubic feet)
  • Volume: Holds up to 65 lbs.

Large cartons are made for tall, bulky, or oblong items that require a considerable amount of space. Think: clothing, desk lamps, heavy blankets, curtains, stereo speakers, and small to medium electronics.

Extra-Large Cartons

  • Dimensions: 24″ x 18″ x 24″ (or 6 cubic feet)
  • Volume: Holds up to 65 lbs.

Extra-large cartons have both the depth and roominess to hold your most cumbersome items. You can use these boxes to transport large home decor, TV monitors, floor lamps, curtain rods, winter coats, bed comforters, and other hefty objects.

Moving Box Types

a woman stacks a box on top of a pile. all of them are of different sizes and uses and are labeled for different rooms

Now that we’ve explored all the moving box sizes to be aware of, let’s talk about the types of moving boxes. 

Here’s a guide to the most common moving boxes and how best to pack them to maximize space and ensure your valuables remain intact during transport. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for how to pack and move your items, but these tips can definitely streamline the process for you.

Wardrobe Boxes

What They’re For: Clothes on hangers (coats, blouses, skirts, dresses, pants, suits)

How to Pack Them: 

  • It’s basically like packing a portable closet: Hang each piece of clothing on the box’s horizontal metal bar, spacing the items close together to prevent wrinkling during transit
  • Place accessories like belts or shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe box to optimize space
  • Alternatives: The main benefit of using a wardrobe box is that it’ll keep your clothes organized, clean, and virtually wrinkle-free, while never taking them off their hangers. But there are certainly other ways to pack clothes! Consider vacuum-sealed bags, especially for bulkier coats or winter garments that would otherwise take up a lot of space, or use pieces of clothing (like sweatshirts) as a cushion to pack other delicate items. You can also use plastic storage boxes, as demonstrated in this video

Dishware Boxes

a man packs mugs in a dish ware box

What They’re For: Plates, bowls glasses, utensils, coffee mugs, other cookware

How to Pack Them: 

  • Bundle each item securely in newspaper or bubble wrap to create a protective cushion 
  • Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the box, then stack each piece of kitchenware as tightly as possible so there’s no excess room for the items to shift around while in transit
  • Check out this kitchen packing video playlist for more tips
  • Alternative: Since most kitchenware is fragile, you need a firm, durable box to keep them safe. But if you’re on a budget for this move (or you don’t want the hassle of ordering a specialty box), check out the U-Haul Box Exchange. This online resource will connect you with local residents who are giving away their boxes and moving supplies — or selling them at a discounted rate. You may just find some free dishware boxes, or some sturdy alternatives    

Frame and Mirror Boxes

Church Hill Classics

What They’re For: Photographs, artwork, plaques, mirrors, other framed objects

How to Pack Them: 

  • Bundle each item securely in a blanket, towel, or bubble wrap to reinforce the glass
  • Place the heaviest pictures at the bottom of the box, then stack the others horizontally on top of each other 
  • Make sure there’s no excess room for the items to shift around in transit
  • Got an odd-shaped mirror? Here’s a video on how to pack it 
  • Alternative: Because glass is famously breakable, it’s crucial to protect your framed mirrors and other wall decor as much as possible. But if you don’t have a tall enough box, you can transport them individually. Reinforce each side of the frame with a foam sheet or another cushion material, then double-wrap it in a heavy blanket and tightly secure the corners with moving tape.

Flat-panel TV Boxes

a couple prepares to pack a flatscreen tv into a box

What They’re For: Television and large computer screens (between 32–70 inches) 

How to Pack Them: 

  • Place all electronic cables, remotes, routers, modems, surge protectors, and other external devices in a plastic bag ( and take a picture before you disassemble your setup!) 
  • Detach the monitor’s stand or wall mount, then bundle the screen in a blanket, bubble wrap, or foam sleeve 
  • Need a visual aid? This video shows how the pros pack TVs
  • Alternative: Similar to packing frames and mirrors, you can also transport a television or computer monitor without a box if you use the right protective materials. Bundle the screen with bubble wrap, then reinforce the corners with foam cushioning. Double-wrap the screen in a heavy blanket and tightly secure it with moving tape. This isn’t as effective as a box, but it works in a pinch

Electronics Boxes

uhaul.com

What They’re For: Computers, game consoles, microwaves, stereo systems, other electric appliances or devices

How to Pack Them: 

  • Remove the batteries or cartridges from all electronics to prevent leakage and corrosion
  • Place cables and other external attachments in a plastic bag, and tape the bag with blue painter’s tape to the back of the appliance
  • Bundle each device in a blanket, bubble wrap, or foam sleeve 
  • Place the heaviest items at the bottom, then stack the others as tightly as possible so there’s no excess room for shifting around during transit. 
  • Alternative: Because of their delicate (and often pricey) nature, computers and electronics require sturdy boxes. But, if you don’t want to invest in specialty electronics boxes, normal three-cubic boxes or large cartons with proper cushioning do the job as well. You can find cheap or free boxes on websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or OfferUp, and even at local retailers like grocery or liquor stores.

Plastic Storage Bins

a stack of plastic storage containers in varying sizes

What They’re For: Cleaning products, office supplies, bathroom items, towels, linens, curtains, tools, miscellaneous accessories

How to Pack Them: 

  • Since plastic storage bins are extremely durable, and the objects you’ll pack in them are generally not breakable, there’s no need to wrap each item 
  • Fold towels and linens, place them at the bottom, then arrange the other items compactly inside the storage bin, making sure there’s no excess room. 
  • Reinforce the bin with moving tape
  • Alternatives: If you don’t have plastic storage bins on hand, there are plenty of other organizational containers you can use to transport miscellaneous items. Options include metal or wood crates, industrial wire baskets, collapsible canvas utility totes, or suitcases/backpacks/gym bags. You can even place certain items in empty furniture drawers, then cover each drawer with shrink wrap, so the objects won’t fall out. 

Whether you’re relocating out of state or transporting valuable items that can easily break, there’s no need to stress about which boxes to choose or how to correctly pack them — just follow the tips above, and you’ll be set to hit the open road!

The Stuff That’s Illegal To Bring Into California

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From stunning national parks and perfect sandy beaches to those big-screen Hollywood dreams and beyond, it’s no wonder close to 40 million people like to call California home. But The Golden State is also an economic powerhouse, with a GDP larger than all but a handful of the world’s countries, and a fair chunk of that GDP comes from agriculture. 

Protecting all the fun and farmland begins right at the California border, with officers at sixteen different checkpoint stations enforcing the rules and prohibitions that keep the Golden State running.

To help you cruise through without incident and get to your new home as smoothly and quickly as possible, we’re laying out all the major rules right here about what you can and can’t bring with you.

Pets, livestock, and other animals

animals

 

Here’s some good news: bringing common household pets into California is not a problem at all! Cat owners in particular have it easy: the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) doesn’t require any documentation for domestic felines. On the other hand, dogs require proof of rabies vaccination, but nothing else.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) offers an impressive list of animals that can not be imported into the state. Interestingly, there seem to be no restrictions on the American bison.

 

“One large category of prohibited items might surprise you, and that’s all citrus plants. California is particularly serious about barring all of it, including loose pieces of citrus fruit, from being brought into the state.”

 

The DFW also offers information on restricted species. If you aren’t sure where your iguana stands, check directly with the authorities in your specific region. 

And for all you farmers and ranchers out there, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has information on importing livestock and poultry.

Licensing your dog or cat in California once you’ve moved in is mandated and enforced locally. Check with your city or county for your specific required actions – preferably before you arrive.

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Alcohol, marijuana, and other cannabis products

As long as you are 21 or older you are permitted to bring alcoholic beverages into California provided it is for personal or household use. Transporting alcohol into the state for commercial or business purposes requires a license from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

Persons 21 and older are also legally permitted to possess and use marijuana within the limits of state and (beware) local laws.

 

“[The] AG requires that you…do one of three things within sixty days of moving to California: register your firearm, sell it to a licensed dealer, or sell it to the police or sheriff’s department.”

 

But, there’s a caveat when it comes to transportation of it. Under current federal law, it is illegal to transport marijuana or any cannabis products (like edibles) across state lines. So as you peruse California’s laws regarding using and growing and keeping marijuana in your car, understand that this only applies once you are in-state. 

In short, feel free to bring your Budwiser along (and make sure you pack and move it correctly), but leave your bud behind.

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Open Container Laws

Article 2 Section 23223(a) of California’s State Vehicle Code states it is illegal for any person operating a motor vehicle on California’s highways or public roads to have in their possession “any bottle, can, or other receptacle, containing any alcoholic beverage that has been opened, or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed.” The same goes for any passenger, as stated in 23223(b).

Section 23225 states that the above may not be kept in a vehicle unless it is in the trunk, or out of reach if there is no trunk, or as a last resort inside a locked container.

The same rules apply to cannabis, in a container or otherwise, as stated in Section 23222.

All the detailed (and strangely repetitive) laws can be found right here, starting with the “no drinking or smoking weed by any driver or passenger” law of Section 23220.

 

Firearms and weapons

california illegal

Make of it what you will, but California is tougher on huckleberries than they are on handguns. As California’s Attorney General states regarding firearms information for new California residents:

 

“Any person transporting handguns into California is required under California law to transport those handguns unloaded and in a locked container other than the glove compartment or utility compartment of a vehicle.”

 

In addition, the AG requires that you, as a gun owner, do one of three things within sixty days of moving to California: register your firearm, sell it to a licensed dealer (or to a third party through a licensed dealer), or sell it to the police or sheriff’s department.

While there is no specific mention of the legality of bringing shotguns or rifles into the state, under the Transporting Firearms in California section, the AG explains that these non-concealable firearms are not required to be transported in a locked container, but must be unloaded while in transit.

And just in case you were wondering, it would be best not to try to bring your assault weapon across the California border – or any border for that matter.

 

“Licensing your dog or cat in California once you’ve moved in is mandated and enforced locally. Check with your city or county for your specific required actions – preferably before you arrive.”

 

Unlike firearms (and much more like huckleberries), California “generally prohibits” a wide variety of weapons. California Penal Code 16590 lists nunchucks, cane swords, and lipstick case knives among the wide array of weapons that, if you have them, can land you in hot water. A pity for the aspiring spy, but it’s best to leave all of these behind if you’re moving to California.

 

Plants and produce

california illegal

California is right to be protective of its $30 billion agricultural industry. An outbreak of invasive insects and pests could wreak havoc on the economy of the state, and the supply of fruits and vegetables across the country. Therefore, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is not shy about stopping potential disasters at the border.

Houseplants that have not been grown outside are generally allowed, as long as they are potted in commercially sold soil and not dirt from your old backyard. If a plant shows any sign of infestation or disease it will quickly be confiscated. For more detailed guidelines check out these Q&A by the CDFA 

One large category of prohibited items might surprise you, and that’s all citrus plants. California is particularly serious about barring all of it, including loose pieces of citrus fruit, from being brought into the state. Many other fruits, as well as a number of nuts and vegetables, are also prohibited. This extensive list by the CDFA lays out all the fun and surprises.

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The process — and sometimes the long wait — at California’s border stations can seem like an unnecessary hassle when you’re sitting there in your loaded-up vehicle. But California alone produces a third of the country’s vegetables and three-quarters of its fruits and nuts. It makes sense for them to be tough.

Doing your part when you make your move to Cali makes their job, and the long lines, a little easier to take.

Illustrations by Marlowe Dobbe

Movehacks: How to Unpack and Organize Before, During and After You Open a Box

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Some people tell us unpacking is the most enjoyable part of their move. (“It’s like Christmas!” they say.) Others dread unpacking like nothing else in the world. (“It’s worse than a triple root canal!” they cry.)

Either way, unpacking can quickly turn your new home into an ocean of cardboard and newsprint. To make the process more manageable – dare we say more enjoyable? – here are some industry tips for getting your unpack off to a raging start.

What to Do Before the Unpack

Yeah, you gotta clean before you unpack 

You might not want to hear this right off the bat, but be prepared to clean before you begin to unpack. Even if it’s just wiping the shelves and countertops and giving the floors a quick sweep, unpacking in a clean home is infinitely more pleasant than unpacking in a dusty one. These items definitely take priority when it comes to cleaning:

  • Kitchen cabinets
  • Refridgerator
  • Bathtub and bathtub jets
  • Stove
  • Inside the washing machine

For more a more in-depth look at the how and why for house prep, check out this post.

Don’t unpack from down on the ground, clear some counter space

In the kitchen or dining room, do whatever you need to do so you can get your boxes up high. Why? Because you’ll need that counter space to place boxes on before you carry your things around your new place.

Why on a shelf? Because if you unpack from the place you dropped down that heavy box, you’re going to feel it in your lower back the next day. And week. Trust me, unpack up high. Always.

Unpack to shower and sleep first

No one in the history of unpacking has ever unpacked in one day. Unless you think you can be the first, don’t wait to unpack your bedding, set up your bed, hang your shower curtain and dig out what you need to feel clean and refreshed after a long day (or week? or month?) of moving.

Protip: Yes, this involves a little foresight when packing. Mark the boxes that contain the things you want to access first. (This may also include real plates, glasses and utensils to make you feel more at home when you sit down for dinner that first evening.)

What to Do During the Unpack

Unpack the “easy” boxes first to make room 

It takes almost no time to unpack your books and stick them on the shelves of your bookcase. In a matter of minutes, you can transfer your t-shirts and jeans from boxes to dresser drawers. And for goodness sake, get those massive and bulky wardrobe boxes unpacked and out of the house!

Go about halfway with the pictures 

Unpacking large pictures, mirrors and paintings is also quick, and you can then get rid of those bulky mirror cartons. Some folks, however, suggest hanging your pictures up early on to give your new place that homey feel. I say lean them up in a corner somewhere until you get all your furniture in place. Later on, you can do the “a little to the right…a little more…no back left…no not that much…okay there, no, a shade higher…yeah, that’s perfect” thing.

Make a quota of boxes unpacked per day and stick to it

If you are the motivated type, feel free to skip this tip. If you are easily distracted and tend to put things off, you might find it helpful to …. Hey, are you listening? …  set goals for yourself. Commit to unpacking one room per day, six boxes per hour, whatever. And reward yourself for sticking to your plan by going out afterward. Just remember how satisfying it will be when you’re all finished. 

Repack what you don’t actually need for storage

As you empty your boxes, set aside those items you decide you won’t need right away – or for a long time. Keep a few of those now-empty boxes handy and consolidate those items you put aside for quick transfer to the basement, the attic or the back of your closet.

Protip: Just as you did when you first packed, write the contents of each box with a marker as you go through your consolidation.

Don’t unpack the TV

The ultimate distractor. Do unpack the tunes, though. 

Purge. Again

We suggest purging while unpacking. On move after move, it’s common to see people wait for weeks (or months) for the family’s stuff to arrive. Living without most of their stuff, they often realize that so many things were unnecessary. And while packing stuff in a box allows you to forget about it, having to unpack it and find a place for it helps you decide whether you really need it. As with the stuff you’ll be storing in the attic or the basement, set up a box or two for these things you’ve decided to part with.

What to Do After the Unpack

Hide your paper trail

Keep a couple of medium-sized boxes on hand, and use them to stash all the packing paper that would otherwise turn the floors of your new home into a churning sea of crumpled newsprint. Flattening and folding all that paper will save a lot of space – if you have the time and patience – but doing so also helps you find smaller items that can go unnoticed and disappear forever. I can’t count how many times a customer dropped their used moving boxes off at our warehouse with items still buried in the packing paper inside.

Protip: Packing a large box with flattened paper can make it surprisingly heavy. Medium boxes are more manageable in this respect.

Now, about getting rid of all those boxes…

First, get them out of your way. The garage – if you have one and there’s room – is the obvious choice. (Think twice before stashing them in the basement “temporarily”.) If the weather is good and it feels appropriate, start breaking down your empty boxes and putting them out by the curb. Unless your new home is on a cul-de-sac it may not be long before you see passer-by stop and take those boxes off your hands. If this doesn’t work, here are three ideas that don’t require a box-hungry passerby.

  • If you have the time, the storage space and the mental fortitude try passing on your boxes to someone else who is getting ready to move. Facebook groups and Craigslist are two widely-used resources for advertising moving boxes for sale or for free.
  • Some moving companies will be happy to take your boxes and your packing paper off your hands. If none of the smaller local movers will take them, check for national van line agencies in your area (like United, North American, Atlas and Allied). The agencies I worked for never bought used boxes from people, but we were always happy to take them if they were in decent shape. 
  • Recycle if you can’t find someone who will reuse them.

Unpacking can prove a more formidable task than expected. Whether you think it’ll be like Christmas or a root canal, putting these tips into practice will help you feel at home faster.

Then you can sit back and watch the TV.

A Jumbo Guide to Moving Really Big Stuff

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Do any of you guys have scars that remind you of something? Something crazy you did? Some incredible, life-affirming moment you experienced?

I do. Sort of. I have a scar on my chin that reminds me of a refrigerator, a hand truck and a set of stairs.

When it comes to moving heavy appliances, some things are not so obvious – until of course you get hit in the chin. This month we go over a few things to know before you start wrangling with that big shiny fridge.

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The Ultimate Guide to Background Checks

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[Synopsis: Performing background checks can be tricky. Here are the basics to help get us through.]

For their move from New Brunswick to Newfoundland, one major concern for Lydia Lewycky and Tom Horrocks was that their movers be thoroughly vetted. This was a big reason they hired Premiere Van Lines, whose “No Stranger in Your Home” policy states that that all moving consultants, professional van operators, packers/unpackers and loading/unloading crew members are background-checked before they are hired.

Unfortunately for Lydia and Tom, one of their movers was not checked for any criminal history. A week after their move, they discovered that $17,000 worth of jewelry was missing from a box they transported to their new home – after having left it unattended for several hours in a bedroom while the movers were working.

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