How do I choose moving boxes?

If you’re planning a move, you will need a variety of items to properly pack up your belongings. In addition to standard cardboard boxes, there are other options such as plastic moving boxes that are light and water-resistant. Some even come with lids to protect your contents from weather and insects, as well as locks to keep them securely shut during transit.

The right size of box is essential for minimizing damage during the moving process. Too large, and your belongings may break while they’re being packed; too small, and you risk losing valuables that could be buried in the bottom of a packed box. The best way to choose the right box size is to take an inventory of your belongings and determine which size will accommodate them.

For instance, medium packing boxes are 18 x 18 x 16” and can hold up to three cubic feet of goods. They’re suitable for clothing, accessories like vases and knick-knacks, toys, and most kitchen items. They’re also ideal for linens such as sheets, towels, and blankets.

There are also a number of smaller boxes that can be used for other items such as videos/DVDs/CDs, tools, books, paper, and more. However, you should keep in mind that larger items such as stuffed animals and pillows may be too large for these smaller boxes.

When it comes to purchasing new boxes, you should always consider buying a set that includes uniform boxes. This way, the boxes will be easy to stack, and you can clearly label each one for its contents. This makes it easier to find what you’re looking for when you need it. It also prevents a building employee from mistaking your boxes for trash and accidentally tossing them in the dumpster.

It’s also worth investing in a set of high-quality boxes, rather than cheap ones from a discount store or free boxes from your local grocery or liquor store. Besides being less sturdy, these boxes can contain unwanted pests that you don’t want to transport into your new home. Bedbugs are a common issue, but other pests such as clothes moths and cockroaches can hide in the folds of reused boxes.

Whether you’re packing up your entire apartment or a single room, the right box sizes will make the transition to a new location much easier. You can get a set of new boxes from a moving company, a large retailer such as Home Depot or Wal-Mart, or a website that specializes in box rentals.

Aside from having the right types of boxes, you’ll need a variety of other moving supplies such as tape, bubble wrap, and foam peanuts to protect your belongings. Additionally, if you’re moving long distances, you may need a hand truck or dolly to help transport the boxes from your apartment to your vehicle and then onto your new home. A good quality dolly and hand truck are available for rent or purchase online, so you can save time and effort while moving.