Moving boxes, packing supplies and moving tips

3 cubic foot moving box – referred to as the lamp or lampshade box; frequently used interchangeably with the 1.5 cubic foot box

4.5 cubic foot moving box – as the box gets larger, use for lighter objects such as pillows, bedding and stuffed animals

6 cubic foot box – use for light objects; if you pack heavy items in this box it will be difficult to move

 Picture or mirror moving box– a four-piece box that can come in large or small sizes (small shown); can be customized by telescoping in and out; use crumpled packing paper in the corners to add cushion and make sure to wrap your mirror or picture with bubble wrap before placing it in the box

 Wardrobe moving boxes – allows clothes to be transported on hangers; includes a metal bar along top of box to hang clothing

 Boxes for moving dishes – also called a barrel, dish barrel or dish box; it's the strongest box available; pack fragile, breakable items such as china; usually used for kitchen items

 Dish pack inserts – cardboard that goes inside the dish pack boxes to form individual cells for fragile items; inserts adjustable; extra cardboard piece included to be used as springboard to cushion

 

Packing supplies and tips for moving

Packing paper/plain newsprint – used to wrap everyday items to prevent scratching; when crunched up it can be used as cushioning

Tissue paper – softer than newsprint, used for wrapping very delicate items; also provides cushioning and fills in small spaces when packing fragile figurines and china

Bubble wrap – plastic packing material made up of hundreds of tiny "air cushions" or bubbles used to over-wrap small, delicate items after they are wrapped in tissue; also helpful when wrapping larger fragile items such as lamps and pictures

Pink anti-static bubble wrap – used to wrap electronics including stereos and computers. It is similar to traditional bubble wrap but does not cause static electricity. If traditional bubble wrap is used to pack these items, a static electric charge could be created, damaging the item.

Packing  tape/Sealing tape – plastic tape, 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) to 2 inches (5.08 cm) wide; best for packing, test to see if it ruins finish before taping up drawers and canisters

Permanent marker – used to label boxes with contents and destination in new location; mark boxes "fragile" and "this side up" when appropriate

Resealable plastic bags – used for nuts and bolts as you disassemble items, tape bag to disassembled item

Tips on collecting packing supplies:

• Beware of used boxes – People sometimes try to pack their belongings in used boxes to save money. Beware. Produce boxes often become weakened from the moisture of transportation or product spoilage. Additionally, insects often nest in used boxes.
• Use clear packing tape only– Make sure to seal your boxes with packing tape. Duct tape doesn't adhere well to corrugated cardboard. Boxes put together with duct tape will fall apart.