With so much happening during a relocation, finding the right size boxes might not be on the top of your to-do list. However, if you’re planning a DIY move or if you’re only using residential movers for part of your relocation, then taking some time to learn a little about moving boxes can be a big help. Below are some basics about how you can choose the right boxes for your move based on the type of items you are packing.

Bulky, Light-Weight Items

Large boxes are great for oversized items that don’t weigh a lot, like blankets, comforters, sheets, and pillows. That’s because these items usually take up a lot of space, but they won’t weigh down those bigger boxes, making them difficult or impossible to move safely.

Heavy or Grouped Items

Small boxes are ideal for small and heavy items, like books and canned goods. Small boxes are also useful for collections like CDs, DVDs, and other items that you want kept together when moving. When using smaller boxes, you will have to use more of them, but this will reduce the risk of damaged belongings and injury.

Average, Everyday Items

For most of your household belongings, medium-sized boxes will work best. Just make sure that you observe the weight limit on the box, be careful that you do not over-fill the box, and stuff any open spaces or gaps with packing paper to help protect your belongings.

Dishes and Glassware

A dish pack box is a cardboard box with dividers that allows you to separate small, fragile items while keeping them together at the same time. This is great for packing dishes and glassware and other small, fragile items.

Formal Wear

Everyday clothing can be boxed or placed into plastic bags, but for formal wear or other items that you want left on hangers, a wardrobe box is best. Wardrobe boxes contain metal rods that you can use just like the rods in your closet, and the box keeps your clothing protected from dirt, moisture, and other elements.

Household Electronics

When moving heavy items like sound systems, desktop computers, monitors, and kitchen appliances, use boxes that are made specifically for electronics. These boxes are thicker than standard boxes, allowing them to carry more weight without breaking.

Televisions

Unless you have the original packaging for your television—and chances are good that you don’t—then invest in a television box. These are made specifically for relocating flat screen televisions, which can go a long way towards keeping your TV screen from breaking during the move.

Mattresses

You can wrap your mattress and box spring in plastic wrap or moving blankets, but a plastic mattress bag or mattress box will work much better. These keep your mattress and box spring from getting dirty during the move and helps preserve the shape of foam mattresses.

Large Pictures or Mirrors

Large picture or mirror boxes are the best way to protect large mirrors or wall art from damage during your move. Some of them even come with handles that make it easier to load and unload your belongings safely. It’s well worth the investment, especially when dealing with fine art or other sentimental pieces.

Tall, Narrow Items

This might go without saying, but your tall, narrow items will not fit in standard boxes. Thankfully, there are cardboard boxes available that are made for things like floor lamps, fishing equipment, golf clubs, and other extra-tall items.

Personal Files

File boxes are made for safe storage and moving of organized documents and personal files. If you don’t plan on leaving your documents in a desk or filing cabinet during the relocation, then this type of box will serve you better than a standard, medium-sized box because it will keep your papers neat and organized.

Items That Need Extra Care

Some items will not fit into a moving box safely, no matter the shape or size of this box. These items might include artwork, collectables, antique furniture, and sculptures. For belongings that need a little extra care, contact a reliable residential mover for custom crating services. Enclosed wood creates are specialty made for every item.

Do You Need Help from New Jersey Movers?

Now that you know how to use the various types of moving boxes, the next thing to consider is whether you want to handle the move yourself or hire professionals. For New Jersey long-distance movers that can provide you with quality packing materials for a safer DIY or pack for you, contact SeaCure Moving and Storage. Get a free, no-obligation cost estimate today!