Organization is key to any successful move, especially when it comes packing your personal belongings. Here’s a guide for packing boxes and other materials to help you pack your house.
Which boxes are best for moving houses?
Which type of box should you use to pack?
Use sturdy boxes and boxes designed specifically for moving. These boxes will be constructed of high-quality cardboard that can hold heavy items and protect them from damage during transit.
Are supermarket boxes allowed to be used for moving house?
It all depends on the quality of the boxes. The weaker boxes are at greater risk of being dropped, knocked on, or rained upon during the move.
This packaging material should be sturdy and you should check for any smells from the contents before you use them.
Which size of moving box should you use?
It all depends on the items that you are moving and whether you need multiple boxes. These are the most common types of packing boxes:
Standard (medium) packaging box
Size of the box: 45cm by 47cm by 51cm
This is used to pack china, glassware and small appliances.
Usually holds: The contents of one kitchen cupboard
Small packaging box
Size of the box: 45cm by 33cm by 33cm.
This is used to pack books, records, tools and heavy items.
A 3ft shelf of books is typical
Large packing box
Box dimensions: 46cm by 47cm by 78cm
It is commonly used to make linen, clothes, and soft toys.
Usually holds: One single-bed bedding
Packing box for lay flat packaging
88cm by 45cm by 26cm
It is commonly used to fold clothes, linens, and curtains
It usually holds: a 2ft rail and 2 drawers of clothing
Wardrobe boxes
You can load your clothes onto hangars to ensure that they arrive in perfect condition at your new place.
Box size: The cartons are available in two lengths (104cm and 125cm).
Hanging clothes typically hold 1.5-2ft.
Picture/Mirror cartons
These narrow boxes are used to wrap mirrors or pictures in bundles or individual pieces.
For common items, the best size boxes are:
What is the best box to pack china and glass in?
A medium (standard) packing box.
What is the best box to pack books in?
A small box, also known as a book case. A book is very heavy, so a larger box may make it difficult to lift.
What is the best box to pack clothes in?
Large packing box. They can be either a taller standard or a flat lay-flat carton. OR
A wardrobe box. They allow you to hang clothes hanging from the ceiling without having to take them down or fold them. This helps to reduce creasing.
Which box is best for packing frames?
As padding, a picture box or large packing container with soft items (like pillows/pillows).
What other packing materials should I use to pack my house?
You will also need your packing boxes
Unprinted packing paper – For wrapping fragile items or stuffing gaps in boxes to prevent them from moving. Avoid newspaper because the print could rub off on your belongings.
Bubble wrap – Extra padding for fragile items
Packing tape – wide, strong tape that seals the box
Permanent Marker – To label boxes (and labels, if they don’t need to be written directly on them). Scissors/or pocket knife
I need packing boxes to move.
Most packing boxes can be purchased directly from the removal company. They may have a selection of second-hand or brand new boxes. These boxes are specifically designed to be used for house moves, so you can rest assured that they will do the job.
You can ask your local moving company if they will sell you boxes. Many will also have a shop that stocks packing materials for self-service movers. You can also search online for packing material.
Professional removal packers are what should I use?
There are no restrictions on what you can do. However, it is a good idea to have your removal company pack for you when you:
You own a large property
There are many valuable or fragile items in your home.
There is not much time
Long distance means a longer journey.
You are moving abroad
You will be moving through a storage facility, where your items might stay packed for some period of time
