moving boxes

Did you know that moving boxes come in many different sizes–and they’re designed for different uses? There’s a little bit of science behind properly packing for your move. When it comes to doing it right, here are a few tips from experienced residential movers.​

1. Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes

Standard moving boxes come in small, medium, and large sizes. The small size is intended for heavy items, keeping the weight-per-box manageable. For example, books and canned goods which are each modest in weight individually, quickly add up to heavy weights when grouped together. Medium-sized moving boxes are good general use boxes, good for most of your packing needs. And, large-sized boxes are best suited for bulky, lightweight items like blankets and stuffed animals.

2. Stick to Specialty Boxes for Certain Purposes

Have you ever wondered why moving companies sell so many different types of boxes? From dish-packing boxes to TV and electronics, there are specialty boxes designed with protecting certain common household goods. Dish boxes are small, sized just large enough to fit common dinner plates and coffee cups while accounting for the bulky weight that porcelain quickly adds to each box. Another common household item that is high-value and fragile include televisions and other electronics. These boxes have specific dimensions to fit the electronics items they are designed for.

Here are a few options for specialty moving boxes:

  • Wardrobe Boxes
  • Electronics Boxes
  • TV Boxes
  • Mattress Bags
  • Large Pictures & Mirrors
  • Extra Tall Boxes
  • File Boxes

3. When All Else Fails, Use Custom Crating

If you’re at a loss for what to do with your largest items that are awkwardly shaped or unusually fragile for their size–like art sculptures, custom crating can provide a good solution. With custom crating, professional movers essentially build a box using 2x4’s and various packing materials to partition and protect certain oversized items from the rest of the items in the moving truck. 

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Moving Boxes

Packing your things for a residential move can be a tedious task. Don’t let complacency compromise the safety of your personal belongings. When it comes to ensuring that your stuff is well-protected for a big move, there is a little more to it then simply throwing things in boxes. Take care to plan in advance and buy the right boxes for the job. Our long-distance movers can help you choose the right mix of moving boxes for all your needs. At Reliable Van & Storage, we’ve been helping New Jersey residents plan, pack, and move for decades.