Packing for a move seems like a pretty straightforward and easy thing to do – you just wrap up items in paper or bubble wrap (or both!), and then transfer those items into cardboard boxes. Right?
Well, not exactly. Once you actually start packing up your stuff, you’ll quickly realize that a successful home packing experience is much more than just wrapping things with whatever you have on hand and throwing them into random boxes.
The success of packing when moving comes from 1) understanding well the different types and sizes of moving boxes, 2) being aware of how to protect items using appropriate packing materials such as packing paper and bubble wrap, and 3) knowing how to arrange the protected items safely into the cardboard boxes.
That’s right – using the proper moving boxes when packing for a move is just as important as using the proper packing techniques. The sooner you understand the distinctive purpose and function of each type and size of moving box, the easier and safer your packing task will become.
And now that you already know what to pack in small moving boxes, let’s take a more detailed look at what to pack in large moving boxes.
What are large moving boxes?
Large moving boxes are very convenient when packing to move out. While it’s true that small and medium-sized boxes are the most commonly used containers during the tough job of packing an entire home for a local or long-distance move, big moving boxes will prove irreplaceable when packing larger and lighter items – see below for more details.
Large moving boxes come in two different sizes:
- Large. Box dimensions: 18″ x 18″ x 24″ (W x L x H). Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet. Gross weight limit: 65 lbs. Approximate price: $2 per box.
- Extra-large. Box dimensions: 24″ x 18″ x 24″ (W x L x H). Capacity: 6 cubic feet. Gross weight limit: 65 lbs. Approximate price: $2.50 per box.
Technically speaking, the things that won’t fit into a large box should fit into an extra-large box as the latter gives you that extra room to work with. You may think that the difference in size between the two types of large boxes is too small to make a difference, but sometimes all you need are several extra inches to fit some of the lightweight yet bulky items you’re moving to the new home.
Read also: What specialty boxes will you need when packing for a move?
What items to pack in large moving boxes
You may already know that small and medium-sized boxes are used to hold smaller yet heavier household items such as books, small kitchen items, canned foods, small appliances, and so on. When it comes to big cardboard boxes, it’s the other way round – you need those large containers to transport your large yet lightweight belongings. But why?
Imagine what would happen if you filled an extra-large box with books – the safety limit of 50 pounds per box would be reached and surpassed too quickly, maybe even before you’ve filled it halfway through. Remember that while that weight limit is not set in stone, it’s been established for your own safety – overpacking moving boxes is a rookie packing mistake that may lead to various types of moving day accidents.
Bear in mind this simple packing rule: small boxes are for heavy items, large boxes are for light items.
So, what to pack in big moving boxes?
- Pillows;
- Comforters;
- Duvets;
- Quilts;
- Blankets;
- Bed sheets, and other types of bedding;
- Towels;
- Tablecloths;
- Bulky winter clothing – winter coats, winter jackets, wool sweaters, hats, scarves, mittens, etc.;
- Folded clothes that you’re not moving in suitcases;
- Shoes, especially when you don’t keep the original shoe boxes;
- Stereo speakers and a number of other electronic devices that will fit comfortably inside, especially when you don’t keep the original boxes;
- Small appliances such as a toaster, a blender, a coffee-maker, etc.;
- Pots, pans, trays and other large but not too heavy kitchen items;
- Lamps and lampshades;
- Stuffed animals that are usually too bulky but almost always lightweight;
- Board games, LEGOs and other children toys;
- ANY household items that happen to be large in size and light in weight.
Good to know: How to pack boxes for moving
Where to get large moving boxes
The good news is that you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to getting the right amount of big moving boxes for your packing needs. Even if you’re moving on a tight budget, you should still be able to get your hands on large moving boxes – either for a minimal charge or even free of charge.
- ONLINE. There are many online stores where to buy large moving boxes. A simple Google search should give you a great number of places that offer strong large moving boxes.
- LOCAL MOVING COMPANIES. Local movers will have a variety of moving boxes of different sizes. All you need to do is pay a visit to a local professional mover and you’ll get all the boxes you’ll ever need, plus the required packing materials.
- LOCAL TRUCK RENTAL COMPANIES. Similar to local moving companies, truck rental agencies also offer all types of cardboard boxes and other packing supplies to satisfy your packing needs. The best truck rental agencies in the country also sell Boxes & Packing Supplies online.
- THE HOME DEPOT, LOWE’S and other big home improvement stores also offer new large moving boxes, purchasable directly from the store or online.
- FREE LARGE MOVING BOXES you can acquire from several sources: friends, online, local retail stores, and recycling centers. CLICK HERE to see the complete checklist of places that offer big moving boxes for free.
Oh, and in case you are wondering how many large moving boxes you will need to pack up your things, you can find the right answer here.
Safety tips when packing large moving boxes
Finally, here are several safety tips for packing items in large moving boxes. Keep in mind that safety remains of paramount importance when you’re packing your things in boxes and later when you’re lifting and carrying those cardboard containers outside to the moving vehicle.
- INSPECT all cardboard boxes before using them – something that is particularly important when those packing boxes are second-hand. All boxes should be strong, dry, damage-free and infestation-free.
- TAPE the bottom of each large box prior to using it to increase its overall strength.
- PLACE the heaviest and largest items on the bottom of the box so that they can withstand the weight of the things on top of them. If you do it in reverse, then the lighter items may get crushed under the extra weight.
- KEEP the weight of each large box you pack at no more than 50 pounds, even when the gross weight limit of the cardboard container is a bit more than that. It’s simple: going over the safe weight limit can compromise the stability and integrity of your large boxes, so it’s always better to stay on the safe side of things.
- HIRE PROFESSIONAL PACKERS to help you out if you don’t have enough time to tackle the packing task properly. Also, professionals will give you a hand when you’re not sure how to protect some of your more fragile, expensive and valuable items.
See also: Should you hire professional packers?
