Buying Boxes for Moving: A Complete Guide

Moving boxes come in all shapes and sizes; some are made of cardboard, while others are made of plastic. This guide will ensure that you end up with the right size, type, and number of boxes, all for the best possible value.

Moving Box Sizes: Which Size is Right for You?

Standard moving boxes come in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. Specialty boxes accommodate unique items and come in a range of sizes. You’ll need a combination of box sizes depending on the items you’re packing, the number of rooms in your home, and the space in your moving truck or portable storage container.

Below, we’ve outlined the moving box sizes offered by U-Haul and the recommended items for each to get you started.

Extra-Small Moving Boxes/Book Boxes – 12” x 12’’ x 12’’  (L x W x H)

 

Extra-small moving boxes (book boxes) are the smallest box size. The compact design is great for packing small, heavy, and awkward to carry items. These moving boxes are also ideal for shipping.

Recommended Items:

Books	Small antiques
Game consoles	Dumbbells

Small Moving Boxes - 16-3/8" x 12-5/8" x 12-5/8" (L x W x H)

Small moving boxes are the smallest standard moving box. This moving box design is great for packing small but dense items. Easy-to-lift handles make the small box a great box for all moves.

Recommended Items:

Power tools	Small appliances
Canned food	Large delicate items

Medium Moving Boxes - 18 1/8” x 18” x 16” (L x W x H)

Medium moving boxes offer the best combination of size and affordability. Their size is fits versatile items and is great for moving and storage alike. This moving box is great for kitchens, bedroom décor, office supplies, and more.

Recommended Items:

Medium kitchen appliances	Small electronics
Craft and office supplies	Home décor

Large Moving Boxes - 18" x 18" x 24" (L x W x H)

Large moving boxes are perfect for larger, but light, household items. Store all kinds of larger and heavy objects (like cushions or large décor) in large moving boxes to keep them neatly bundled and organized.

Recommended Items:

Small and medium lamps	Board games
Large décor	Stuffed animals

Extra-Large Moving Boxes - 24" x 18" x 24" (L x W x H)

Extra-large moving boxes are the largest of standard-size moving boxes. Our extra-large boxes are ideal for lightweight, bulky items such as quilts and oversized pillows. Extra-large boxes are also great for fragile, large décor items when used with biodegradable packing peanuts for extra protection. Your items will be safe for the whole move.

Recommended Items:

Comforters	Towels
Large pillows	Bulky, seasonal clothing

Need Heavy Duty Moving Boxes?

U-Haul offers small, medium, large, and extra-large heavy-duty moving boxes that are double-walled for added protection for items like TVs, dishes, glasses, and fragile home decor.

Do You Need Specialty Moving Boxes?

These boxes are designed to make it easier to pack uniquely shaped items around your house and provide specialized protection. Specialty boxes include TV moving boxes, picture moving boxes, wardrobe boxes for hanging clothing, sports equipment like golf clubs and hockey sticks, and dish boxes. U-Haul has the greatest variety of specialty moving boxes at our U-Haul moving and storage centers.

Where to Buy Moving Boxes

To help get DIY movers moving as quickly as possible, U-Haul offers same-day delivery in most US metro areas when you buy moving boxes online. You can also get free in-store pickup at more than 2,300 U-Haul Moving and Storage Centers across all 50 states and all Canadian provinces.

Find your local U-Haul here!

If you end up with more boxes than you need after buying, you can return your unused boxes to your local U-Haul and get a full refund with a receipt. Our 100% buy-back guarantee is just another way U-Haul makes moving easier. is just another way U-Haul makes moving easier.

Go forward with your new knowledge and get the right moving boxes today! Don’t forget about the U-Haul Moving Supplies Calculator so you get all the boxes you need.