Moving Boxes- How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?

Moving Box Question:

 

How many moving boxes will I need?

 

Moving Box Answer:

 

Every household is different, which makes every move different.  That also means that there can be a large amount of variation in the number of type of moving boxes they’ll need.  For example, if you have a large number of filled bookcases, you’re likely to need more small boxes to hold all the books (larger boxes can’t take the weight of heavy books without breaking).  If you’re a “pack-rat”, that also means you need more boxes, just as you do if you have been living in the same place for a larger number of years.

 

That being said, here is a table of recommended box quantities: 

 

·         1-2 Rooms:

 

·         7-10 Small Boxes

·         3-5 Medium Boxes

·         3-5 Large Boxes

·         2 Dish Pack Boxes

·         1-2 Wardrobe Boxes

·         1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

 

·         3-4 Rooms:

 

·         15 Small Boxes

·         8-10 Medium Boxes

·         6-8 Large Boxes

·         2-4 Dish Pack Boxes

·         1-2 Wardrobe Boxes

·         1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

 

 

·         5-6 Rooms:

 

·         20-25 Small Boxes

·         12-15 Medium Boxes

·         8-10 Large Boxes

·         3-5 Dish Pack Boxes

·         3-4 Wardrobes Boxes

·         1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

 

 

·         7-8 Rooms:

 

·         30-40 Small Boxes

·         20-25 Medium Boxes

·         12-15 Large Boxes

·         4-5 Dish Pack Boxes

·         4-5 Wardrobe Boxes

·         1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

 

 

One of ways to save money on moving boxes for your move is to purchase moving box packs or bundles.  Most online moving box websites, as well as retail locations that focus on selling moving boxes (such as self storage and moving truck rental locations), offer boxes in these packs.  They often also include things like packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and black markers.

 

You should always check to make sure that you will need all, or most, of the boxes that are included in any kit.  You should also check to be certain that returns are accepted if you don’t use all the boxes that you purchase.  It’s always better to have a few extra boxes and not need them than to run out of boxes as your deadline approaches.  By arranging to purchase your boxes from a retailer who accepts returns, you can have those few extra boxes handy without worrying about over-paying.

 

Here are the guidelines on the box sizes mentioned above.  NOTE: Box sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so if you need exact dimensions, please verify the sizes before you purchase them!

 

·         Small moving boxes: approximately 15" x 12" x 10"

·         Medium moving boxes: approximately 18" x 15" x 12"

·         Large moving boxes: approximately 18" x 17" x 20"

·         Dish pack boxes: approximately 18" x 18" x 28"

·         Wardrobe moving boxes: approximately 24" x 24" x 40"

·         File boxes: 15” x 12” x 10”

 

 

Two other notes:

 

For more free moving tips and advice, please visit the following moving blogs:

• http://moving-hq.blogger.com
• http://moving-tip-of-the-day.blogger.com
• http://moving-tips-hq-.blogger.com
• http://moving-to-hq.blogger.com
• http://relocating-hq.blogger.com
• http://relocation-hq.blogger.com

 

Posted via web from moving-tips's posterous

Labeling Boxes- Part 2

Last time I wrote about some of the basics of labeling your moving boxes. Now I'll finish up with some final tips:

• Mark one or two boxes per room as "Open Me First" boxes with a red, wide-tipped marker. These are the boxes that contain the "absolutely can't live without" stuff. For me, one example would be the coffee maker and coffee for the kitchen. Using these labels make it easy to get settled in quickly as soon as you arrive.
• Don't forget to indicate "Fragile" on all boxes containing anything breakable. Yes, it may seem obvious, but you don't want to run the risk of forgetting prior to Moving Day.
• Label at least two sides of each box, preferably the two broadest sides opposite one another. That way, if boxes get turned, you'll still be able to find what you need.
• Don't use the box tops for labels. The reason is simple: when your boxes get stacked, you won't be able to see them!
• Indicate the contents on the labels. Yes, this is a pain, but not nearly as painful as not being able to locate your possessions. You want to be fairly specific, but you can safely group obvious things ("spice rack" is a better option than writing out "Anice" through "Zedoary" is probably overkill).

If you follow this simple guidelines, you should be in good shape of being able to identify all your boxes quickly and easily. Check out all our tips at http://www.Movers-Edge.com.

What are your best labeling hints? I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Box Labels (Part 1)

It's not unusual for a relocation to involve over 100 moving boxes- that's a lot to keep track of! You can eliminate a lot of stress unpacking by using clear labels on your boxes. Here are a few quick tips to get you started:

• Label your boxes as you go. Some people decide that they will pack things first and then label a whole room's worth at the end. Unfortunately, they tend to both run out of time and forget what's buried in the bottom of most boxes.
• Make you labels legible. Use block letters to make your labels easy to read. You don't need to win a penmanship contest, but labels you can't read won't help you much.
• Use wide-tipped markers. When your boxes are stacked or scattered during unpacking, you'll want to be able to read your labels from across the room. Pencils, pens and thin markers' letters are almost invisible even a few feet away.
• Use a room labeling system. Try to use room labels such as "BTH2- 4," where "BTH2" indicates the second bathroom, and the "- 4" identifies it as the 4th box. This helps movers know exactly where items go, and allows you to quickly know if one of a room's boxes have gone missing.

Next time we'll talk about what other information should be on your box labels.

What about you? What was the best, or worst, system you ever tried to use in labeling your moving boxes? Be sure to check out our other moving tips and suggestions.