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How to choose the right size moving boxes

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Packing is one of the biggest parts of moving home. You have to pack everything in your home and get it ready for the move. It is usually a lot of work. And one of the most important things to get is proper moving boxes. If you have ever had to buy moving boxes for your relocation, one thing is for sure. You must have noticed how many different types and sizes of moving boxes there are on the market. And, for an average person, making a choice between so many options is next to impossible. However, stick with us. Our movers and packers Brooklyn can help you with this guide. Here is how to choose the right size moving boxes for your upcoming relocation.

First, a couple of useful packing tips

If you don`t know the basics of packing, no right size of moving boxes can help you, and save your relocation. We as experienced and reliable Brooklyn movers know how to pack your house down to the last item, so we have acquired more than enough tips to help you pack like a pro. These are all things you should know and have in mind before you start looking for moving boxes Brooklyn. Here are the three things we think you should learn by heart!

  • Never overpack the boxes! Even if you manage to choose the right size moving boxes, it will be in vain if you overpack them. It`s just a cardboard box at the end of the day!
  • Don’t forget to buy other packing materials. Sure, moving boxes are arguably the most important item for packing. However, you will also need foam peanuts, packing paper, and so on.
  • Never forget to label the boxes. This especially applies to the boxes which contain fragile items. You really want to be careful with those!
Couple packing up boxes with labels
Don’t forget to label once you choose the right size moving boxes.

Now that you know the basics of packing, we feel you are ready to tackle the process of choosing the right size moving boxes. Warning: it is not as easy as it seems!

Different sizes of moving boxes you can choose from

There are many dimensions of moving boxes, and they are all the right size for something you have in your house. You want to get boxes that are of appropriate size for the things that you are packing. So that you don’t overpack, and make the boxes too heavy. But it’s also important that you don’t waste space in the boxes. Today we cover the five primary and essential dimensions of moving boxes.

When are 1.5 cubic feet the right size for moving boxes?

Otherwise known as the small box, this type is the most versatile one, as it can fit and carry numerous things. Some of the things you can safely pack in a small box include books, dishes, fragile and small appliances, and lamps. Of course, when packing, you should remember our rule and not overpack the box. Even though this size of the moving box can carry up to 60 pounds, it is safer to keep the maximum weight under 50 pounds.

Man taping a box with scotch tape
The 1.5 cubic feet box is the most versatile of the moving boxes

When are 3.0 cubic feet the right size for moving boxes?

Similarly to the previous one, this size moving box can carry up to 65 pounds. What can we put in this box and not overload it? Packing clothes in a 3.0 cubic foot box is always a safe bet. Moreover, you can put some smaller electronics in it, as well as pots and pans. Of course, we are merely giving you suggestions. What you use it for is up to you, as long as you don`t overload it.

When are 4.5 cubic feet the right size for moving boxes?

Slowly, we are approaching the larger moving boxes on our scale. There are many things to put and pack in a 4.5 cubic foot moving box, and some of them include larger kitchen appliances, linens, and larger lamps. Just like the previous one on our list, a 4.5 cubic foot box can safely carry up to 65 pounds.

When are 6.0 cubic feet the right size for moving boxes?

The size of this box might easily trick you into overstuffing it with heavy items. However, that is the absolute worst approach! A 6.0 cubic foot box is best for items such as couch cushions, pillows, and toys. Keep in mind that this box can carry up to 70 pounds, so if you overload it, even the professional movers in NYC will have trouble lifting it.

When is a 6.1 cubic box the right size moving box?

Similar in size to the 6.0 cubic foot box, this size works best for the items you were not able to properly fit in the aforementioned box. It has a rectangular shape and is best for blankets and comforters. As you can see, there are no things that cannot be packed within these five dimensions of moving boxes.

Specialized moving boxes

Besides knowing the different dimensions of moving boxes that are offered on the market, you also need to be aware of the types of specialized moving boxes. All of them have a specific purpose, and it is useful to put them to work for your upcoming relocation. Since they are going to protect your more sensitive belongings better than the regular boxes. And that is why it is important to get the specialized boxes too. While they may cost more, they are well worth the money. Because you are going to avoid paying much more to repair or replace your sensitive belongigs if they get damaged. This is likely to happen if you don’t protect them properly during a move. So don’t forget to write down specialized moving boxes too when you are calculating moving costs NYC. So that you can stay within the budget.

Hanging wardrobe boxes

As the name itself suggests, this box is used as a portable wardrobe. You can, and should, use it for those clothes you can`t pack flat. However, you should know that they are heavy and take up a lot of space; you should rely on them only when it is 100 percent necessary to do so. So take your time when deciding which clothes to pack this way, and choose only the most important ones.

Woman checking clothes on a rack
Hanging wardrobe boxes are great, but take up a lot of space, so try to not use too many of them

Picture and mirror boxes

When using this type, it is of utter importance to secure it correctly. Because pictures and mirrors are probably the most sensitive things you are going to be transporting during your move. You should use protective packaging material, such as packing paper, and always put a double layer for additional security. And if you hire local movers Brooklyn they are going to bring their own specialized boxes and pack your pictures and mirrors safely so that they don’t get damaged or destroyed during the move.

Boxes for TV

There are specialized boxes that are made to protect your TV during a move, or whenever you are transporting it somewhere. Most of them can protect a flat-screen TV of up to 32”-70” sizes. So you are most likely going to find one that suits your needs. And make sure that you also use a lot of bubble wrap for additional protection.

Mattress boxes

Of course, since not every mattress is the same, these boxes come in all shapes and sizes. No matter if you want to keep your mattress safe during the transportation, or you want to put it in storage in NYC, these boxes will help keep it from getting damaged or punctured. And they are well worth the money. Because the last thing you want is to have to buy a new mattress once you have moved into your new home. It can be a big expense. And that’s why it is important to properly protect your mattress when moving home.

Dish packs

Your dishes are some of the most fragile things that you are going to be transporting. And they need to be packed properly so that they don’t break. Dish packs are great for packing things like cups, glasses, wine bottles, and similar things. But it is important that you don’t overpack them. Because that makes the risk of them getting damaged during the move bigger. And you want to minimize the risk. So you are better off getting a few more boxes to pack the glasses and everything separately.

A man packing dishes into cardboard box
You need to be extra careful when packing dishes

There you have it – all the different types and sizes of moving boxes. Surely, some of them must be the right size moving boxes for you. And, if you are relocating without the help of professional movers, once everything is packed. Then you need to find a decent moving truck in Brooklyn to fit all of your boxes and life`s worth of possessions. So that you can transport them safely to your new home.

After you choose the right size moving boxes make sure that you don’t overpack

This is one of the most common mistakes people make when packing. Just as it is important to choose the right size moving boxes it is important to not overpack them Generally, the rule of thumb is that none of the boxes should weigh more than 50 pounds. This is important because you need to be able to easily move the boxes around. And you want to avoid moving injuries, which are common from lifting heavy objects, which include boxes. Also, if the box is overpacked and weighs too much, it can damage the box itself. The last thing you want is your box to fall apart and everything to fall to the ground, getting damaged or destroyed. While it is inevitable for some of the boxes to weigh more than 50 pounds, try to not have too many of them. It will make the move safer and easier.

Consider hiring professional movers

While you can choose the right size moving boxes and do other moving tasks on your own, a small mistake can end up costing you a lot of money. And it is a lot of work to pack everything properly and safely, especially the more fragile things. So if you don’t have enough time to do it all properly, that is one more reason to hire movers. Professional and experienced movers are going to pack everything properly and make sure that nothing gets damaged during the move. So it is well worth the money to hire them if you want to make sure that none of your belongings gets damaged or lost during the move. You can easily find reliable full service movers NYC to take care of all of this. Just make sure that you check their reviews and references. And get a quote on the move and packing, so that you know how much it is going to cost.

Woman shaking hands after hiring proffesional movers
The easiest and safest way to move is by hiring professional movers

Where should you go to choose the right size moving boxes

You can buy high-quality boxes at most hardware stores. But you can also order them online if you don’t have time to go to the store. Just make sure that they are going to deliver the boxes on time. Since you are going to need a lot of time for packing, you don’t want to end up starting late because it took a while for the boxes to arrive. There are also many ways to get free moving boxes. But you should only do that if you can’t afford to buy the proper high-quality boxes. Because free boxes could be damaged and their structural integrity could be questionable. While with the new high-quality boxes you won’t have to worry about them falling apart or getting ripped during the move. And your belongings getting damaged because of it. Make sure that you also get other packing supplies:

  • Packing peanuts
  • Packing paper
  • Bubble wrap
Woman buying boxes after choosing the right size moving boxes
Once you choose the right size moving boxes, there are many ways to get them – either for free or by ordering them online

Take your time and be careful when packing your belongings

You might be in a rush to take care of packing before the movers arrive. But you need to be careful so that you don’t damage your things while packing them. Or forget to label everything properly for example. Take your time to do the research and choose the right size moving boxes. Then do the packing slowly and meticulously so that you know that you won’t have anything to worry about later on. It might seem hard to take things slow with so many things to take care of when moving home, but it is important. And you will thank yourself later that you were methodical with everything.

These guys are TRUE PROFESSIONALS! We've now moved with them twice (once in 2017 and then again this week) and we really can't say enough good things about them. Simi is incredibly easy to work with for scheduling and quotes, and the crews - John, Super Mario, and everyone - are just awesome. They're quick, incredibly careful and conscientious, and super friendly. If we ever move again (and god I hope we don't have to) we're absolutely calling them.

Allison "Elnoods" N.

From Brooklyn, NY

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CALL: 718-768-6778

Frequently Asked Questions

U.Santini Moving & Storage Brooklyn has built its reputation on honesty and transparency. We are here to answer all your questions and put your mind at ease when choosing our Brooklyn movers:

What are your working hours?

We are open from Monday to Friday 7:30 AM–5 PM but feel free to contact us through our contact form anytime. We'll get back to you ASAP.

Does U.Santini offer insurance?

Yes. Our company offers several different types of insurance protection, including a full replacement for your belongings. The cost of the coverage will depend on the value you declare for your goods and the level of deduction you select.

How soon should I schedule my move?

It is recommended to arrange for the services of a moving company at least 8 weeks ahead of your planned move. If you plan to move during the holiday season or in the summer, it is advisable to schedule the move 12 weeks in advance. However, for moves that occur between September and May, you may be able to book movers with just 2 weeks' notice. Ideally, you should secure your moving crew as soon as you have all the necessary information about your relocation.

Does your company offer packing supplies?

We do. In addition to providing you with the essential boxes and packing supplies required for your relocation, we offer several "Saver" packages tailored to the size of your home. If you do not use all the boxes you have bought, you can return them to the moving team at the end of your move, and we will reimburse the remaining amount.

What type of storage does your company offer?

U. Santini Moving & Storage Brooklyn provides comprehensive storage solutions in climate-controlled units. Our units are supervised round-the-clock, ensuring the safety of your belongings, whether you store them for a short or long duration. Additionally, we offer storage services for very brief periods, including as little as 24 hours.

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Our professionalism and experience extend throughout the boroughs of New York City. If you want a tailored moving process with a responsive team of our Brooklyn-based movers, get your quote today!