Moving Supplies and Boxes

A Moving Box is not just another Box

Find out what makes a moving box special and why you need these types of boxes for your move

Moving Boxes

Those simple, plain boxes that are used for moving are not all made with the same quality and materials and they are not just the common standard boxes that you see in many retail stores. In fact, although it might be tempting to just use the cheapest boxes and packing supplies you can get your hands on, the quality of boxes and supplies you use will have a big effect on whether your items arrive safely and securely at a storage facility or at your new home. If possible, try to choose only boxes specially designed to be used for moving when you're packing.

What makes moving boxes different from other boxes is that they are designed specifically for loading and transporting items onto a truck. Professional moving companies use standard sizes boxes to help them plan effective use of their truck space. Their experience helps them determine how many boxes and the type of boxes that will be needed to complete your move and then from this data they can determine how best to pack these boxes horizontally and vertically onto their trucks. If you use non-standard box sizes, the moving company will have to do their best to try to make things fit properly. (Here's a quick guide on how to organize your packing.) These non-standard sizes create a much greater risk that there is dead weight on the truck and that the boxes shift during the trip.

What is a Moving Box Made of?

Moving boxes are made out of single or double wall corrugated cardboard. The thicker the wall of the box the higher ECT (or Edge Crush Test) rating the box will have. The higher the ECT rating shown on the flap of the box, the stronger the box is and the more it can hold. As you would expect, the higher ECT rating, the more expensive the box will be as the production of the box involved a greater density of materials. Professional movers normally use moving boxes that have at least a 32 ECT rating (or 200 lb test). There ratings are standard across the box industry and provide you with comfort that the box with your household belongings is strong enough to survive the move. Boxes that have an ECT of less than 32 are not designed to be used for moving and should be avoided, if possible.

How to Shop for Moving Boxes?

As we always recommend, planning is the most important first step. Draw up an inventory of what you have to pack so you have an idea of the type and quantity of items that you need to move. You can use our moving box calculator to help you get a sense of what you might need. You can purchase ready made moving kits that provide the right quantity of boxes and moving supplies for your move, and help your moving day go smoothly.

When you are shopping for moving boxes, you will see them presented with their 3 inside dimensions in the following order – their length, then their width and then their height or depth. For example, a standard medium moving box will be shown with the dimensions of 18 x 14 x 12, which indicates the boxes’ length, width and height if you are looking from the top down into the box.

Moving box manufacturers have created several types of boxes, specially designed for moving household items. Normal moving box types and sizes include:

Medium Moving Boxes (18x14x12) – These are industry standard boxes that are versatile and can be used for a number of common household items. You can use these boxes to store books, collectibles, kitchenware and most of your other household items.
Large Moving Boxes (20x20x15) - Large sized moving boxes are all-purpose moving boxes that can be packed with heavy items, but can still be carried easily. Medium sized moving boxes are best suited for a mix of some heavy household goods combined with some light items.
Extra Large Moving Boxes (23x23x16) – Extra large moving boxes are best suited for light goods such as bedding, drapes, towels and clothing that you do not place in a separate wardrobe box. Do not place too many items in a large moving box as it can become unwieldy to lift and carry.