Moving Home: Tips on Packaging Materials and Boxes

The Different Sizes and Types of Boxes Used for Moving

There are a number of packaging boxes that can be used when moving. The trick is to be prepared and know what you need to be able to pack up specific items in your home.  Moving boxes are available in various shapes and sizes that are specifically designed to fit a variety of household goods.

Take a look the following list of boxes so as to make the process of moving a little less painful.

Large Boxes for as Array of Items

These are big utility boxes that can be used for pots, pans, non-perishable food cans and jars and small appliances. They can normally hold approximately three and a half cubic feet of household items.

Corrugated Cartons for the Kitchen

These are sturdy corrugated cartons made up of double-wall construction and are suitable for all your breakable items. They can be used to pack china, dishes, crystal, and glassware.

Extra Large Boxes

These are super-sized boxes made specially for bulky items such as linens, towels, or lampshades. They are able to hold approximately 4.9 cubic feet of bulky items.

Picture Boxes and Mirror Boxes

These cartons are able to fit nearly any framed picture or mirror boxing and are ideal for transporting artwork and framed pictures or portraits.

Clothing Boxes

These are huge packaging boxes that come equipped with a metal hanger bar to accommodate your clothing. This makes it easy to transport clothing directly from your old closet into your new closet during a move.

By understanding which moving boxes are best for your possessions you are able to make sure that the process is carried out smoothly from beginning to end.

Moving Box Sizes

Small (18″ x 14″ x 12″)

These standard household moving boxes are durable and can be used for a variety of different household items. These boxes can be used to store books, collectables, kitchenware, ornaments and other small household items.

Medium (20″ x 20″ x 15″)

These boxes are built to pack items such as pillows, duvets and towels. They are also suitable for a number of small kitchen appliances like toasters and blenders.

Large (23″ x 23″ x 16″)

These are typically larger boxes that can be packed with bigger items yet are still easy to carry.  They have the ability to fit lamps, larger kitchen appliances and other electrical items and appliances.

What Boxes to Use for Very Heavy Items

When it comes to transporting very heavy items it is good practice to make use of easy-to-handle cartons that are designed for heavy items such as books or other media. These boxes hold approximately 1.75 cubic feet of your belongings.

Tips on Protecting your Items During Your Move

• Boxes need to be well constructed so as to make them as strong as possible. They should have seams that are preferably stitched or stapled.  You can normally check the strength of your box by checking the Box Makers Certificate.  This can be found on the bottom flap of the box.
• Always make sure, before packing, that your boxes have not been compromised by humidity or the wear and tear from previous use.
• Make sure to seal the box with heavy-duty tape. Apply three strips to both the top and bottom of the box. This ensures that the middle seam and the two edge seams are sealed properly to prevent any damage to your items.
• It is important to use only dense cushioning material to protect your heavy contents. It is a good idea to use customised corrugated board or engineered foam enclosures to reinforce the rigidity of the outer box.
• When you band packages together make sure that each package is in a box that is designed to support the total weight of all the packages.
• Tip: Only band same-sized packages together.

Packaging Used to Transport Fragile Items

When packaging your fragile items, it is important to make sure that you have enough cushioning material to surround the contents of the box.  This assists to ensure that your precious items do not move if the box is bumped or shaken during the move.  It is recommended that you cushion your items with approximately 5 to 8cm of packaging material.

A recommendation in the transport and moving industry is that all items are packaged to withstand a one metre drop to prevent item damage.

·      Protective wrap

This first layer of wrap is used to keep your items clean and safe. When it comes to porous items such as artwork and books non-acidic archival tissue can work very well.  

For glass or wood it is advisable to use stretch or foam wrap so as to cover the items completely. Make sure to extend the wrap around any corners and edges. You can also use cloth as a protective wrap.

·      Shock and vibration protection

This layer is used to absorb small shocks that can occur during transportation. You can use a combination of blankets, foam, and bubble wrap to protect your valuables.

·      Protective shell

This is the outermost layer that is used to protect any valuables from the abrupt effects that can occur during the move. The most ideal protective shell is a wooden crate.