Have you got questions about moving house boxes? We have the answers for you!
One of the first things you have to do when moving house is get your moving boxes. This can be tricky, because there are many different sizes and styles of box, and some are more suitable for moving than others. Choose the wrong type and your possessions may get damaged or fall out the bottom!
Plus, there’s the fun task of estimating how many packing boxes you’ll need.
To make things easier for you, we’ve drawn on our professional expertise to answer all your questions and provide you with the ultimate guide to moving house boxes.
Moving House Boxes – All Your Questions Answered
In this blog, we’ll address everything that’s on your mind about moving boxes:
- What size packing boxes should I get?
- How many boxes do I need?
- Where can I get proper packing boxes?
- What other packing supplies do I need?
Plus, we’ll link you to other handy blogs that tell you exactly how to pack your stuff, so nothing gets damaged in transit.
What Size Packing Boxes Should I Get?
It’s important to choose the right size and type of box for each item you pack. Heavier items need to go in small, sturdy boxes, so they can be lifted safely and won’t fall through the bottom.
Lighter, bulky items belong in larger boxes, which may not need to be reinforced.
The following moving house box size guide is based on the packaging materials sold by Pinder Tower Movers in Melbourne, but you can find similar sized boxes from most removalist box suppliers in other areas.
Small Box
44cm x 41cm x 30cm
These reinforced boxes are ideal for heavy items such as:
- Books
- Wine
- Dinner plates, mugs, glasses and other crockery
- Heavy kitchen appliances
Large Tea Chest Box
62cm x 41cm x 30cm
Ideal for lighter items. If you need to put heavier items in this sized box, place the heavier item at the base and fill the rest of the box with light-weight items. Use these boxes for:
- Plastic containers, pots, pans, kitchen utensils
- Linen, cushions, bedding
- Shoes
- Toys
Porta-Robe Portable Wardrobe Box
110cm x 60cm x 47.5cm
These boxes include a rod across the top and are specially designed to transport your clothes while still hung on their coat hangers. They are a great time-saver, as you don’t need to fold your clothes into boxes, and you can simply hang them straight back up when you arrive at your new house. Plus, they keep everything nice and wrinkle-free.
How Many Packing Boxes Do I Need?
The answer to this question depends on how much stuff you’re wanting to move. One person’s house may be fairly minimalist, while another may be full of collected items. However, here are some general rules of thumb based on the number of rooms in your house.
Small move – 1 to 2 bedroom home
- 10 – 20 small boxes
- 10 – 20 medium boxes
- 10 – 20 large boxes
Medium / Large move – 2 to 3 bedroom home
- 15 – 30 small boxes
- 20 – 30 medium boxes
- 15 – 25 large boxes
Large move – 5 + bedroom home
- 20 – 40 x small boxes
- 30 – 40 medium boxes
- 30 – 40 x large boxes
It is recommended that you pack as many of your possessions as possible in boxes, rather than leaving them loose. It will take your removalist much longer to pick up and secure odd items than it will boxes, so plan to pack most of your items away.
If you want to get a more specific idea of how many moving house boxes you’ll need, speak to your removalist. If you’re moving in Melbourne, Pinder Tower Movers will be only too happy to speak to you about your specific circumstances and provide a more accurate guide.
Where Can I Get Moving House Boxes?
We highly recommend obtaining proper moving boxes, rather than collecting a random assortment of cartons.
Proper packing boxes are reinforced and built for purpose, so will be sturdy enough to hold items safely without the bottom falling out. Also, their uniform size and closed lids will be quicker and easier to stack, which will save time during the move.
You can purchase packing boxes from removalists, storage facilities and office or hardware suppliers. You might also get lucky finding second hand packing boxes on a Facebook buy-swap-sell page, but check that they are still in good shape.
While you may have to spend money to purchase proper moving boxes, it is money well spent as they will reduce the time (and therefore cost) of your removals job, not to mention saving potential moving headaches!
What Other Packing Supplies Do I Need
Don’t forget you’ll also need the following supplies to complete your packing:
- A large roll of bubble wrap
- Sheets of packing paper or newspaper (~250 sheets for small move, 500 sheets for larger move)
- 4-8 rolls of packing tape.
- A packing tape dispenser (recommended for larger moves).
Bubble wrap or packing paper will ensure your goods won’t move around inside their boxes. Paper is useful to layer in between plates and other stackable items. It’s also a good idea to bubble-wrap fragile items that won’t be going in boxes, such as artworks or desktop computers.
We also highly recommend buying quality packing tape, as cheaper versions can come unstuck. A packing tape dispenser will also save you a lot of time and is well worth investing in for a house move.
Final Tips – How To Pack Your Stuff For Moving House
Getting the right supplies is only the start – it’s important to know how to pack your possessions so they can be moved safely.
Check out our packing tips, our guide to packing glasses and plates, and blog on how to unpack after moving house.
If you’re moving in or from Melbourne, Pinder Tower Movers can provide you with high grade moving house boxes in Melbourne, offer a packing and unpacking service, plus all the advice you need for a smooth, stress-free move. Contact Pinder to find out more.