Packing boxes seems easy enough, right? You pack up your things and then unpack them at your destination. Well, it may not be as simple as one would think. When preparing to pack up your home, you may start to realize there is more to packing than just loading up a cardboard box. Packing can be one of the most frustrating parts of your move. Many of our customers utilize our moving packing services as part of their move to save time (and stress). However, a lot of our customers buy shipping boxes from us and pack their own homes. These customers will often ask us for best packing practices. For this reason, MiniMoves has provided a breakdown of tips and tricks of what should be packed into each box.
Small Boxes:
12″ x 12.5″ x 17″ / 1.5 c.f.
for small and heavy items
A good general rule of thumb for the small boxes, sometimes referred to as book boxes, is to pack your smaller, fragile and heavier items. If the box is smaller, you can add more weight to it. The larger boxes do not hold the heavy weight as well. That might make deciding how many books to fit in a book box difficult. Here are some examples of what to pack in your small book boxes:
(12) Cleaning Products
(12-15) Hardcover Books
(30-40) Paperback Books
(30-50) Magazines & Folders
(8-15) Photo Albums
(100) CDs
(60) DVDs
(10) Wine Bottles
(5-15) Unopened Food Products
(24) Utensils and Cutlery
(15-30) Stationary and Office Supplies
Medium Boxes:
16″ x 16″ x 18″ / 3Â c.f.
for general stuff
Medium boxes are typically best for packing your bulkier and awkward items in boxes for moving. 1-3 items with an average weight or awkward shape would be best in the medium box. Here are some examples of what to pack in your medium boxes:
(4-8) Handbags and Purses
(15)Â Folded Clothes
(8-15)Â Shoes and Boots
(2-4)Â Kitchen Appliances
(4-6)Â Full Sets of Sheets / Linens
Large Boxes:
20″ x 20″ x 18″ / 4.5 c.f.
for large and light items
Each large box should contain your light and/or bulky items. As long as your box doesn’t get too heavy, feel free to stuff it full. Some examples of what to pack in your large boxes are listed below:
(3-6)Â Blankets
(2-4)Â Pillows
(12-20)Â Towels
(12-18)Â Toys
(2-5)Â Gym or Duffle Bags
Dish Pack Boxes:
18″ x 18″ x 28″ / 4.5 c.f.
for fragile items
These boxes are obviously great for their name, dishes. But, they are also great for other fragile items. The best thing about these boxes is that they are double-walled and are strong and protect your breakable items. Always be sure to use packing paper and wrap your items to make cushion at the top and bottom of your box. Some examples of what to pack in your Dish Pack boxes:
(32-48)Â Cups, Glasses and Mugs
(25-40)Â Plates
(10-15)Â Pots and Pans
(10-18)Â Serving Plates
(4-6)Â Vases / Tea Pots
Wardrobe Boxes:
24″ x 23″ x 48″ / 15.5 c.f.
for clothing on hangers
Wardrobe boxes will become your best friend while moving. Your clothes will stay wrinkle free and the time saved when unpacking is a plus too. You can also use the bottom of the box to store more shoes or bags. Here are some examples of what to pack in your wardrobe box:
(10-16)Â Coats on Hangers
(25-30)Â Dresses on Hangers
(18-24)Â Suits on Hangers
(30-40)Â Shirts on Hangers
(5-10)Â Shoes on the bottom
Picture/Mirror Boxes:
for pictures and mirrors
Last but not least is our Picture/Mirror box. These boxes are most convenient for, you guessed it – your pictures and mirrors. You can usually fit more than one picture or mirror in each carton to save yourself time and money. Using bubble wrap or packing paper will also add a layer of protection, especially if the frames have glass. You can use these boxes for the following:
Mirrors
Pictures
Canvas Paintings
Other Decorative Wall Hangings
