Moving Box SIzes Explained

Packing up your personal belongings into boxes and moving homes is a daunting task that most homeowners tend to dread. However, with the right moving supplies, packing materials, and moving boxes, you’d be surprised at just how easy this process can be.

So, how many boxes should you buy? What box dimensions are available? Stick around as the experts from XYZ Storage explore the different moving box sizes and packing materials below!

What are the standard sizes for moving boxes?

Moving boxes come in a variety of different sizes to help homeowners safely move their possessions from one spot to the next. Knowing which sizes are available and what kinds of items should be stored within them can prevent breakage and reduce the load you have to carry.

Here are some standard moving box sizes:

Extra small boxes (15 x 12 x 10 inches)

Extra small moving boxes are designed to hold items that are compact, but heavy, given that their dimensions make them incredibly strong, despite their small demeanor. Some common items you should consider for these boxes include DVDs, CDs, small electronics, and any similar sized belongings that pack weight.

Small boxes (16 x 12 x 12 inches)

Next, you have small boxes. These guys are typically measured at 1.5 cubic feet. Given the similar dimensions as the extra small boxes, small boxes are ideally made to store heavy items that are again, relatively compact. You should consider items like books for this size box and any other belongings that are similar in size and weight as a book as well, such as smaller electronics and other devices.

These types of moving boxes are also great for fragile items. Just note that valuable and fragile possessions should be packed with packing peanuts to avoid the risk of damage.

Medium boxes (18 x 18 x 15 inches or 22 x 16 x 15 inches)

Moving up in size, we have medium or 3 cubic feet boxes. Generally speaking, medium-moving boxes have a maximum weight capacity of about 60 pounds. So, consider using these moving box sizes for smaller items that still carry a decent weight.

For example, you could put in small kitchen tools and appliances like pots, pans, cutlery, and even the base of any lamps you have around your home.

Large boxes (18 x 18 x 24 inches)

Moving on to our larger, 4.5 cubic feet boxes these are some of the most popular, and most used moving box sizes that homeowners tend to go for. So, when you’re purchasing all of your sizes, ensure that you have a larger number of these compared to your extra small and small- size moving boxes.

For large boxes, we recommend packing clothing, bedding, and other larger items that don’t have a significant load to them. Note that the large moving boxes are designed to carry up to 65 pounds of your items.

Extra-large box (22 x 22 x 21.5 inches)

And that brings us to the last of our moving boxes. Extra large moving boxes are perfect for packing bulkier items that aren’t as heavy. For example, packing any stuffed animals, outdoor wear, pillows, lampshades, blankets, and a variety of other items similar in size and nature.

How many boxes should you purchase?

Ultimately, when moving from one home to the next, you’ll realistically need to buy a variety of different moving box sizes. Before heading into the store, you’ll need to take a look at your items and determine the number of moving boxes you need and how much of each size as well.

If you’re still unsure, speak with an employee from the store you’re buying your moving boxes from. They’ll be able to better help you with your specific moving needs.

What is the standard moving house box size?

While the size of standard moving boxes may vary depending on where you live, the most common box size in Canada is an 18 x 18 x 24 inch box. These moving boxes are perfect for smaller kitchen items and appliances. They are easily stackable and you should be able to move them from one place to the next. These boxes are also designed to be highly sturdy and versatile.

Another standard moving box size that is popular amongst Canadians islarge box sizes. They can hold up to 65 pounds in weight and are great for larger items that aren’t too heavy, like clothing, blankets, bed sheets, and other similar-sized items.

What size is a 1.5 cubic foot box?

A 1.5 cubic feet box is equivalent to a 16 x 12 x 12 inches, or small box. Again, these small moving boxes are going to be perfect for smaller items that are heavy, like books, smaller devices, and office supplies as well.

Items you shouldn’t be packing in boxes

It goes without saying that some of your personal items shouldn’t be packed in boxes and moved on a moving van. So, what items should you avoid packing away? Here are some examples:

Fragile items

Items that are fragile, such as picture frames, statues, china tableware, and other valuables are tricky. While you shouldn’t technically be packing these items, sometimes you don’t have a choice. If you need to pack these in boxes, make sure you’re wrapping each item individually, use dividers for glassware, fill any gaps in the boxes with foam, and ensure that you specifically label said boxes as fragile.

Perishable items

Instead of packing food and drinks in boxes, make sure to use a cooler instead. These will keep the items fresh, and make sure that you won’t have to throw any of your food away during your actual moving date.

Important documents

Any type of important document like a passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, financial documents, and more should be brought with you in your own vehicle for safekeeping during your move.

Hazardous materials

This is a given. Any flammable, corrosive, or chemical cleaners need to be transported safely, rather than be thrown into a box and placed on a moving van.

Essential medications

The last type of items that should not be packed into boxes are essential medications. Again these should only be packed in a backpack or box that you are taking with you in your vehicle to guarantee that it doesn’t get lost in the hustle and bustle of your moving day.

Can’t fit all your belongings into your new home? Contact XYZ Storage today!

We get it –you’ve got stuff. And lucky for you, XYZ Storage has solutions just for you.

If you’re ready to start packing up your home, we’ll give you a hand by supplying the tape, packing popcorn (or whatever name you have for  them), and of course, extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large moving boxes at affordable prices, so you can pack your items with ease!

With XYZ Storage, you won’t have to part with your belongings. Instead, you can store them in a secure location at one of our many facilities throughout the GTA!

Give XYZ a call today to learn more about the storage solutions we’ve got waiting for you!