What are the best boxes for moving?

Moving boxes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

There are also boxes for lighter items, as well as more sturdy boxes which can house heavier items.

For moving the average house or apartment, you will need a range of different boxes.

The best boxes for moving will be the ones which are best suited to housing all your possessions for your move.

Smaller is often better than bigger

Many people who move regularly swear by using larger numbers of smaller boxes rather than cramming too many things into lots of bigger boxes.

Smaller boxes can be easier to handle at both ends of your move and you can pack them full with more related items meant for the same room at your new house.

Using too many bigger boxes can make your unpacking duties more difficult if you fill them with some items meant for the kitchen, some items meant for the laundry and some items meant for the bathroom.

Get a mix of standard and sturdy boxes

Some household items might take up a bit of room but don’t weigh too much. Think about the linen cupboard, with towels and sheets. Meanwhile, other items like cutlery and crockery take up less room but are far heavier. Given this, you should source a mix of both standard and sturdy boxes. Standard boxes may suit lighter towels and sheets when their loading guidance allows, while sturdy boxes are a far better option for things like cutlery and crockery. The more sturdy boxes are often sold as ‘Heavy Duty’ boxes.

Source the right boxes for the job

There are all types of moving boxes available for packing all types of items. Of course, the most common boxes are standard rectangle moving boxes which come in a range of different sizes and are good for packing most things. But do you have a wine collection that you are looking to move? There are boxes specifically made for transporting bottles of wine. There are also boxes made to fit and protect flat-screen televisions, while there are even ‘wardrobe’ boxes which allow you to keep some of your clothes on hangers during a move. This can simplify transferring hanging clothes, but does not guarantee that garments remain uncreased.

Are cardboard or plastic boxes best for moving?

Most people use cardboard boxes to pack away most of their possessions for a move. Cardboard boxes are widely used for moving and can be convenient to flatten after use. Compare the actual price, strength, reuse and disposal options instead of assuming every cardboard box is cheaper or has a lower environmental impact than every plastic container. Sourcing a few plastic boxes can also be handy, especially to house items which you might want to keep in storage in a garage or shed at your new property. However, cheap plastic boxes can easily crack during a move if they are overloaded with heavy items or have too much weight stacked on top of them.

Need the best boxes for your next move?

At Fragile Removals & Storage, we are more than just expert removalists. We are your one-stop-shop for everything related to your next move – including packing boxes.

If you are in Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth, you can purchase a comprehensive range of packing boxes from us at highly competitive prices – and we can move them all for you when you’ve finished packing them.

For all your moving needs – including the best boxes – give us a call today on 1800 500 584

Choose by contents, loaded weight and dimensions

Start with what must fit inside and how the packed box will be handled. Dense contents such as books or crockery can become heavy before a large box is full. Bulky linen can need more space without the same density. Use several suitable sizes rather than forcing every room into one box format.

The packing materials page lists small boxes at 403 × 301 × 330 mm, about 40 litres; medium boxes at 406 × 298 × 431 mm, about 52 litres; and large boxes at 431 × 406 × 596 mm, about 104 litres. These published dimensions and rounded volumes help compare formats. They are not maximum loaded weights or proof that every item of the same volume will fit.

Check the supplier's load and stacking guidance for the specific box. A description such as heavy duty is not a universal weight rating. Allow for wrapping and fitted supports when checking internal fit, and confirm dimensions and availability when ordering rather than relying only on a category name.

Inspect reused boxes before committing the load

Check for damaged corners, torn panels, moisture, weak seams and closures that no longer work as intended. A box that held a light product in a shop may not suit dense household goods. Do not conceal a damaged structure with additional tape and assume the strength has been restored.

Make sure old markings will not confuse the destination or handling instructions. Add a clear room label and a useful description of the contents. Keep each box's purpose manageable so the person unpacking does not need to carry it between several rooms to find where everything belongs.

For plastic containers, inspect the body, lid and handles and follow the maker's instructions. Confirm whether the container is suitable for the intended stacking and transport. A lid that closes is not evidence that the container can carry any weight placed inside or on top of it.

Match specialist formats to the actual item

Wine, television and wardrobe boxes are examples of specialist formats, not interchangeable solutions. Check bottle dimensions and dividers, the television's model and supports, or the hanging-clothes arrangement before buying. The article describes these box types generally; confirm which ones are available from Fragile Removals for your location.

For a television or other electronics, consult the maker's packing instructions and use the electronics guide. For crockery and glassware, use packing glasses and plates. The right outer box still needs suitable internal protection.

Test the packing arrangement before sealing every box

Prepare one representative box for a group of similar contents. Check that items are supported, the box closes normally and the intended handling is appropriate. Adjust the size, quantity or protection before repeating a weak arrangement across the whole room.

Keep the packed boxes in a dry, suitable place away from the main moving route. Tell the team about delicate contents and any containers that require assessment. If a box bulges, sags or will not close without pressure on the goods, unpack it and change the arrangement.

Fragile Removals describes packing-box supply in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Ask about the required sizes, quantities, current prices and collection or delivery arrangement before planning your packing day. Use box sizes explained to compare the formats and 1800 500 584 to discuss the order.