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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. 

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

 

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!

What Are Plastic Moving Bins and Are They Better than Cardboard Boxes?

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If you’re friends with me, you likely know three things because I’ve repeatedly shouted them into the side of your face:

I’m a Virgo, I firmly believe Survivor is the best show on television, and I think plastic moving boxes are one of the most genius solutions I’ve stumbled across

The very first time I used plastic bins to move, it spoiled me on cardboard boxes for life and turned me into a big-time proselytizer (that means I’m a fan). 

gorillabins
Gorilla Bins

What are plastic moving bins and why should I care?

Great question. To get super basic, plastic bins (in a moving context) are durable plastic boxes that are designed to be rented for the duration of your move. Then, usually, you return them to wherever you rented them from.

Plastic moving bins are typically:

  • Stackable (!)
  • Sturdy, dry and secure
  • Have handles
  • Standardized in sizes
  • Eco-friendly

The specific company I rented from was called Gorilla Bins, which is now far outside my grasp in L.A., given that it’s local to New York City, which I left in 2019. But there are plenty of plastic moving box companies scattered across the country, just waiting to transform your move. 

“It will vary a lot by company and location, but usually, plastic bins come in just shy of $100 for around 10-20 of them, plus weekly charges.”

My offerings at Gorilla Bins were both stackable and nestable, equipped with ergonomic handles, came with enough stick-on labels for each bin, and closed with hinged lids securable with zip ties. (So no need to clear a massive section of floor while you collect cardboard or wrestle with that temperamental tape gun that you completely forget how to operate in between moves.)

How does ordering plastic moving bins work?

You generally order however many you need online, or over the phone, just like most things.

Then, depending on who you go with, you either go to their store to pick them up, or someone will come drop them off at your place. And generally, you pay for plastic bins by the week. You may also come across moving companies that provide plastic bins as an add-on to your scheduled move for extra money.

Every company works with its own version. Check out a few of the bigger plastic moving bin companies near you:

Who should use plastic moving boxes?

There is one major caveat: most moving bin companies are almost always for local moves only. This may not be the case if the company has two stores exactly in proximity of both your origin and arrival destinations, but even U-Haul requires you to return their plastic bins to the exact store you rented them from.

What if there are no moving bin companies in my area?

Speaking of options available in your area, there’s a good chance you don’t live close enough to NYC to take advantage of Gorilla Bins specifically. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. 

Of course, first try Googling “plastic moving boxes” and your town or city to see if there are reputable companies working nearby. You can also check HireAHelper.com to book a similar moving service that suits your needs for a comparable price to a plastic bin service. I like this option because it’s more flexible and adaptable; maybe you only need a couple of people and not a whole team, for example, especially if you already have your own vehicle and don’t need to pay for a truck.

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

But are moving bins better than cardboard boxes? They are definitely far more environmentally friendly than cardboard boxes (even recycled free boxes). And unless the one part of moving that you absolutely love is scrambling to amass a collection of cardboard boxes that could get squashed or soaked during your move, the value of plastic moving bins security and portability should be obvious. 

Moving bins also make labor-only moves (or any moving service without packing) much more efficient, which may save you serious money if you’re paying movers by the hour.

How much are plastic moving bins?

Uhaul box
Uhaul.com

I got my bins as part of my whole moving package. I paid $462 including tax, tip, and tolls for movers, a truck, plus bins. And that was moving from busy Manhattan to busy Queens, so you can probably do even better than I did. 

What about a la carte bin prices? It will vary a lot by company and location, but usually, plastic bins come in just shy of $100 for around 10-20 of them, plus weekly charges.

For me in New York, they came in sizes ranging from “Studio” (20 bins for $87), up to the “Family Package” (60 bins for $207), and each has a mix of medium and large boxes to suit all your needs. Often, these companies offer things like dollies and other pieces of equipment in their packages, too. For me, I was moving out of a studio, but I went with the “One Bedroom” package because I’d been living in the same place for seven full years, accumulating items like a greedy little magpie. 

You can budget for them however you want, of course, but I highly recommend my particular method: pairing the boxes themselves – no labor included – with a moving company for your own version of a Hybrid Move. That combo offered me control in the areas I wanted while lifting the burden of responsibility off of me and onto others.

How long can you keep your plastic moving boxes?

It depends on the company, but it’s usually for a window of time, probably weekly.

“…(E)ven U-Haul requires you to return their plastic bins to the exact store you rented them from.”

During checkout, I was asked to choose a two-week window during which I’d have possession of the bins—with an option to add a third week in, if need be. I selected one with my move date centered right in the middle, so I could use the week following delivery to pack up my old place, and the week prior to pick-up to unpack at my new place.

It initially felt kind of fast, to me, but I ultimately really appreciated the pick-up deadline, because it meant that I actually unpacked instead of living out of boxes for days or weeks (or let’s be honest, months) like I have in the past.

How do plastic storage bins stack up against other options? (pun very much intended)

Are plastic bins better than cardboard boxes? Heck yes. Are they more expensive? Sure, and way more than free boxes. Are they safer? A lot more. But if you can pair them to your move, try them out. I am a plastic bin convert.

But…I know this whole post has been me gushing about how great my experience with Gorilla Bins was, and all of that still stands. However, one thing I need you to know is that whether you realize it or not, if you have a budget for plastic moving bins, it’s highly likely you can afford actual movers—either in addition or instead.

Check out what other moving options you have, and compare prices at a glance.

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

For me, my plastic bin move was my first adult move, by which I mean my first time hiring movers… and I was genuinely shocked at how affordable it was compared to what I thought it’d be. My assumption up to that point was that big-girl moves were a four-figure proposition, and I’d be better off shredding my relationships to smithereens by trying to do them myself.

But folks, that is very much not the case. 

No matter how micro your moving budget, do yourself (and your relationships) a favor and just run the numbers through a mover marketplace before you start, just to see what’s out there. After that, whether you opt for a plastic moving bins company like Gorilla Bins, a boxes-plus-labor arrangement like MakeSpace, a full-service move, or ignore my advice altogether, I fully support you. Just know your options.

Can Movers Help You With Other Stuff Besides Moving?

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If you thought moving companies do nothing but put all your stuff on a big truck, you’d be right—if you were living sometime in the distant past.

Today’s moving companies are constantly expanding their range of services and offering them all à la carte. That half-job or heavy lifting you need help with? Sure, you can try begging and bribing your friends, or you can call up a few movers in your area. You might be surprised at what they can help you with.

So What Else, Exactly, Can Movers Help With?

More than you can probably imagine. Heck, you don’t even need to be moving to have them give you a hand! More and more, people are turning to moving companies for all kinds of tasks too big to tackle alone. Movers make great day laborers, for things like:

Clearing out your garage or basement

  • Having a couple of sets of hands to move stuff while you figure out whether it goes to the curb or your cousin’s house or back into the garage can save you an entire weekend (if your garage looks anything like mine)
  • This also applies to attics, sheds, or anywhere

Hauling individual furniture from Point A to Point B

  • From your house to the curb; from your bedroom to the basement; to that cousin’s house; to the municipal trash dump; to your local secondhand store or consignment shop

Moving everything out of the room you are repainting or remodeling 

  • And then moving it back when you are done

Hauling stuff to your home from the furniture store

  • Or from your second cousin’s house, or from the garage of the guy selling that big beautiful piano on craigslist

Movers can (and often will) also take care of those jobs tangential to a move:

Even if you’ve managed to tackle your entire move on your own, you may be left with a mountain of unwanted cardboard boxes and unusable packing paper that you just don’t want to deal with. Movers, however, see gold in those mountains. So try giving them a call.

Protip: Most movers tend to charge for a minimum of two hours of labor, due to scheduling their business hours. This is not by any means a hard and fast rule, but make sure you ask before you book your help.

Can I hire movers to JUST help me load and unload my U-Haul?

You betcha!

Renting a truck or a moving container and hiring moving labor for all the heavy lifting is a huge trend—and for good reason. You save a ton of money by renting your own truck, and you save your back by hiring movers.

À la carte movers often:

  • Bring all the equipment
  • Have all the knowledge necessary to do the job right
  • Pack stuff you need packed, wrap stuff you need to be wrapped
  • Load it all up safely and securely

You drive your U-Haul (or Penske or Budget), or have your portable container delivered, and a fresh crew of movers unloads everything at your new home. This is what we call a Hybrid Move. As far as moving goes, it’s the best of both worlds. And it’s what HireAHelper movers do best.

Get an instant quote for local TV mounting services.

Protip: If you are moving locally, your movers may be able to rent you moving blankets for a small fee. But if you are moving out of the area, you might be able to rent them from your rental truck company. You may, however, have to buy them. Just please don’t move without them!

Can my movers do my entire move?

Yes, of course. Your traditional Full Service moving company will handle the whole moving enchilada if that is what you want, including packing up your entire home, right down to your last box of biscuits. This is the easiest way to move. It is also by far the most expensive.

Movers Know Best

Of course, we can’t tell you what’s best for you. But we can say with total confidence that movers know how to best handle your stuff. Whether it’s a single item job or a few pieces of heavy furniture; whether you’re moving one room or one door down or one hundred miles away; whether you need loading help, unloading help, or both, hiring moving labor is the best and most economical way to make sure your belongings are taken care of.

If you’re not sure what to do, that’s cool. Calling a mover and asking a few questions costs nothing. And it could end up saving you a lot.

Illustrations by Rob Wadleigh

The Pros Pack Entire Homes With Just 5 Things

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We are sorry to report – in case you didn’t already know – that packing your entire home into moving boxes is no small task. You’ll be happy to hear, however, that the list of packing supplies you need is short.

But while the list is short, there’s a catch; You’ll need a lot more of each thing than you think.

(more…)

Save Green/Go Green: 5 Moving Hacks That Do Both

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Ah, St. Patrick’s Day! A time for silly green sweaters and spilling green beer on ourselves!

What’s that? You’re too busy moving to a new apartment to get your Irish on? Well take heart, lads and lassies, you can still celebrate St. Paddy’s! With these five tips for saving some green on your move while being greener along the way, you’ll be drinking in the An t-áadh na n Gael more than any of your fellow muckers heading out on the lash for a craic.

Anyway, you get the idea.

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8 Clever Holiday Cardboard Hacks

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Happy Holidays! Whether you just moved into your new place or are an avid online shopper, most of us are guilty of having a little extra cardboard around the house at any given moment. And for most of us, this valuable tool does its job transporting and then quickly gets retired to the garbage.

Instead of hauling that leftover cardboard to the curb immediately, have you ever thought of using it in a new way in your home? Maybe to help stay organized or just to add a little extra holiday spirit around your place?

No, we have not gone crazy and yes, we do believe with a little creativity your old moving boxes can be repurposed to actually dress up your new place for the holiday! Not only would this be cutting down on your waste, upcycling your leftover cardboard could even save you some money this holiday season.

Before you officially think we’ve bought a one-way ticket to Crazytown, check out these super clever holiday cardboard hacks. One moving box at a time, we are determined get in the holiday spirit…. (more…)

Plastic Crates: The Cardboard Box Alternative

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PicMonkey CollageWhen most people have a move looming, oftentimes the first thing they tackle on their moving to-do list is “BUY CARDBOARD BOXES.” That often means a trip to the hardware store for a variety of box sizes, packing tape, and a sharpie marker for labeling.

Packed BoxBut what if I told you that there are ways to transport all of your belongings without going anywhere near a cardboard box. Yeah…this is new to us too. (more…)

10 DIY Halloween Costumes Made From Cardboard Moving Boxes

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Why throw out those old moving boxes when you can upcycle them into the best DIY Halloween Costume on the block? Check out some of these super creative (and some even super EASY!) DIY Halloween Costumes using recycled cardboard boxes. Not only are these costumes adorable, they can all be adapted to fit any age and any style. As long as you have some old boxes and a big imagination… the possibilities are endless! Here are some of our favorites…

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DIY Cardboard Hacks for KIDS

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DIY Cardboard Hacks For Kids

Don’t throw away those moving boxes just yet! We have some MORE creative ways to entertain, challenge and keep your kids involved throughout the unpacking time (and maybe even beyond!) without spending a penny.

Here are 7 DIY cardboard art projects to help the kids have a little fun throughout the move-in process, which will hopefully simultaneously provide all of you parents a chance to GET SOMETHING DONE! For even more information about each project, click on the link provided for the step-by-step tutorial. (more…)

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