Buying Boxes for Moving: A Complete Guide
The time has finally come. You’re ready to start the long but exciting process of moving to your new home. Step number one is to buy some moving boxes. Easy enough, right? It sounds simple, but if you’re looking for the best possible moving experience, it’s a good idea to consider your options. The reason being, not all boxes are created equal, and no two moves are the same. To save yourself some time, money, and effort, use this guide to ensure you end up with the right size, type, and number of boxes, all for the best possible price.
Moving Box Sizes: Which Size is Right for You?
Standard moving boxes typically come in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. Not only does the size dictate how much the box can hold, but it also dictates what items should be packed in the box (more on that later). If you’re packing a lot of stuff, you might assume large boxes are what you need. But that’s not always the case. You will likely need a combination of sizes depending on the items you’re packing, the number of rooms in your home, and the space in your moving truck.
Below we’ve outlined the moving box sizes offered by U-Haul and the recommended items for each to get you started.
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 and most affordable of the standard boxes. The compact design is great for packing small, yet dense items, like:
- Tools
- Books
- Small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, etc.)
- Canned food
- Sheet sets
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 affordable price. The versatile size is great for common household items, like:
- Toys
- Medium kitchen appliances (toaster oven, crock pot, etc.)
- Craft supplies
- Office supplies
- Home décor
Large Moving Boxes - 18" x 18" x 24" (L x W x H)
Large moving boxes are perfect the larger, yet light household items. Store all kinds of lightweights in large moving boxes, including:
- Small lamps and medium/large lampshades
- Stereo speakers
- Board games
- Stuffed animals
- Pillows Clothing
Extra-Large Moving Boxes - 24" x 18" x 24" (L x W x H)
Extra-large moving boxes are the largest variety of standard size moving boxes. Our extra-large boxes are ideal for a variety of lightweight, bulky items, including:
- Comforters
- Large pillows
- Towels
- Seasonal bulky clothing
Do You Need Specialty Moving Boxes?
In addition to standard moving boxes, you may also need some specialty moving boxes. These boxes are designed to make it easier to pack the uniquely shaped items around your house and offer specialized protection. Specialty items often include includes TVs, wall art, mirrors, hanging clothing, sports equipment, dishes, glasses, and more. U-Haul has the largest variety of specialty moving boxes at our corporate owned locations.
Wondering how many moving boxes you need? Use the Moving Supply Calculator to get an estimate of the boxes and other packing supplies we recommend you have on hand.
Where to Buy Moving Boxes
You probably know that you can find moving boxes just about anywhere you can find moving or office supplies. But just as not all moving boxes are created equal, not all brands offer the same convenience, savings, and worry-free purchase. For example, to help get DIY movers moving as quick 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 over 2,000 locations across North America.
How to Save Money on Moving Boxes
Moving isn’t always easy on your bank account, especially if you’re moving long distance. That’s why the question for many movers often shifts from "where can I find moving boxes?" to “where can I find cheap moving boxes?” Before you go dumpster-diving behind the supermarket, consider some of the ways you can get cheap or even free moving boxes from U-Haul. Reusing slightly used moving boxes is not only a great way to save money. It’s also great for the environment, as it keeps countless cardboard boxes out of local landfills.
Buying Moving Boxes in Bulk
Buying your moving boxes in bulk is one of the best ways to save money when moving. Especially if you are packing up a multi-bedroom home and know you need many boxes. U-Haul sells standard boxes in bunches of 25, 20, 15, and 10, depending on the size. Save big and pay less per box when you buy your boxes by the bundle!
If you end up with more boxes than you need after buying in bulk, you can return your unused boxes to your local U-Haul and get a full refund with receipt. Our 100% buy-back guarantee is just another way U-Haul makes moving easier.
Tips for Packing Your Moving Boxes
Packing moving boxes isn’t as simple as tossing items in a box and taping it closed. There are some simple techniques that will go a long way toward keeping your items in the best possible shape during your move. Here are some of the basics:
- Group items of similar size and weight (i.e., don’t pack dinner glasses with your book collection)
- Add a layer of padding on the bottom, especially if packing fragile items
- Place heaviest items at the bottom and lightest items at the top
- Don’t overstuff your boxes; keep the weight light enough to comfortably lift
- Fill void space with crumbled packing paper to keep items from shifting during transit
- Tape the tops of boxes using the h-tape method for the best seal
For more packing tips, check out this comprehensive guide to packing boxes for moving.
Box Durability and the Edge Crush Test
Do-it-yourself movers often worry about box durability, especially when packing collectibles, keepsakes, and other valuable items. The good news: Edge crush test (ECT) rating, which measures the strength of corrugated cardboard, tells you exactly how resistant to crushing your moving box is.
U-Haul standard moving boxes have an ECT rating of 32, which is the industry standard among moving boxes, while U-Haul specialty boxes carry an even great stronger ECT rating of 48. Many specialty boxes are double walled for added protection for items like TVs, dishes, glasses, and fragile home decor. By using the packing tips listed above, proper packing supplies, and durable corrugated cardboard moving boxes with an ECT rating of 32 at minimum, you give yourself the best chance to avoid damage to your items during transport.
More Articles About Boxes:
- How to Pack Dishes for Moving Using the Cell Kit
- Where to Get Moving Boxes
- How to Pack Boxes for Shipping