Choosing the Right Box: A Guide to Packing Box Sizes & Uses

Moving house or relocating an office is an exciting milestone, but the packing process can often feel overwhelming. You’re standing in a sea of belongings, wondering which box should carry what, how many boxes you need, and whether your treasured items will survive the journey. Choosing the right packing box is not just about finding something that fits; it’s about protecting your items, making unpacking easier, and ensuring your move goes smoothly.

Whether you’re preparing for a residential move or shifting your business premises, selecting the correct box sizes and packing supplies is a crucial first step.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss different types of boxes and their ideal uses to help make your move efficient and hassle-free.

Small boxes are often underestimated, but they are vital in any move. These boxes are approximately 40cm x 30cm x 30cm and ideal for heavy, compact items.

Why Small Boxes Matter

• Perfect for packing books, paperwork and small tools without making them too heavy to lift.
• Useful for fragile kitchenware like mugs, glassware, and canned goods.
• Prevent overpacking, which helps avoid back strain and damage during transit.

Packing Tips

• Use quality packing tape to reinforce the bottom.
• Wrap fragile items with packing paper or bubble wrap.
• Label contents clearly to make unpacking more efficient.

With the right small boxes, you can safeguard your heavy, breakable items while keeping the boxes manageable to carry.

Medium boxes are versatile, generally around 60cm x 40cm x 40cm. These are the boxes you’ll likely use most often during your move.

Ideal Uses for Medium Boxes

• Pack kitchen appliances, pots and pans, and larger crockery sets.
• Great for packing bulkier clothing items like jackets and shoes.
• Electronics such as gaming consoles, small stereos, and desktop computers fit well with proper cushioning.

Packing Advice

• Distribute weight evenly to prevent boxes from collapsing.
• Cushion fragile items with foam or padded inserts.
• Avoid stacking medium boxes too high to maintain stability during transport.

Medium boxes efficiently use space while still being manageable to lift, making them indispensable for most households and offices.

Large boxes, often 80cm x 60cm x 40cm or larger, are best suited for light but bulky possessions.

Best Items for Large Boxes

• Soft furnishings like pillows, cushions, and bedding.
• Lightweight clothing such as dresses, t-shirts, and children’s garments.
• Lampshades, plastic toys, and other odd-shaped, lightweight items.

Caution with Large Boxes

• Avoid packing heavy items like books; they’ll quickly become unmanageable.
• Fill gaps with packing paper to prevent contents from shifting.
• Use proper tape and consider double-taping the base for added security.

Using large boxes for volume rather than weight prevents injuries and ensures your items remain safe during the move.

Typically tall and narrow, wardrobe boxes come with a built-in hanging rail.

Benefits of Wardrobe Boxes

• Keeps your clothes on hangers, preventing wrinkles.
• Simplifies unpacking directly into your new wardrobe.
• Ideal for suits, dresses, and delicate garments.

Additional Uses

• Can also house tall, awkward items like sporting gear, golf clubs, or large framed prints.
• Protects garments from dust, dirt, and damage during transit.

Wardrobe boxes bring ease and convenience, saving you hours of ironing after the move.

Artwork, framed prints, and mirrors require specialised boxes to fit their shape and protect the glass surface.

Features of Picture & Mirror Boxes

• Adjustable sizes to fit frames snugly.
• Durable cardboard provides structural integrity.
• Foam corners and protective wrapping add extra safety.

Packing Suggestion

• Wrap each item in bubble wrap.
• Use corner protectors for fragile frames.
• Clearly label the box as ‘Fragile - Glass’ to ensure careful handling.

Using these specialised boxes significantly lowers the risk of accidental damage to valuable or sentimental pieces.

For high-value or particularly fragile items, heavy-duty boxes are worth the investment. Constructed from double-walled cardboard, they offer extra strength and durability.

Ideal Items for Heavy-Duty Boxes

• Kitchen appliances such as microwaves or coffee machines.
• Electronics, including desktop computers, monitors, or printers.
• Delicate heirlooms or expensive glassware.

Added Benefits

• Withstand stacking pressure better during transport.
• Reduce the risk of boxes collapsing and causing damage.
• Reinforce overall stability for complex moves involving multiple transport stages.

Heavy-duty boxes act like a security blanket for your most valuable possessions.

Office relocations are challenging, particularly with sensitive documents, IT equipment, and supplies.

Why Office Boxes Make a Difference

• Archive boxes keep important documents organised and secure.
• File boxes allow you to transport hanging files without disassembly.
• Specially sized boxes accommodate monitors, keyboards, and other peripherals.

Office Move Tips

• Use anti-static bubble wrap for sensitive electronics.
• Colour-code boxes by department for easy unpacking.
• Prioritise labelling to maintain business continuity during the transition.

Having the right office packing supplies reduces downtime and ensures your business can resume operations swiftly in the new location.

Boxes are only one part of the equation. Accessories like packing tape, bubble wrap, and mattress protectors significantly protect your belongings.

Must-Have Accessories

• Bubble wrap for delicate glassware and electronics.
• Packing tape for secure sealing.
• Mattress protectors safeguard bedding during transit.
• Packing paper to fill empty spaces and cushion items.

Investing in quality packing supplies increases the likelihood that everything will arrive at your new location safely and intact.

At Greater Newcastle Removals, we’re committed to making your move seamless and stress-free. Our wide range of moving boxes and packing supplies in Newcastle ensures you have the right tools for every item, from your most fragile glassware to your bulkiest bedding. Get in touch with us via our contact page or give us a call to discuss your packing needs, request a quote, or book your move with us. Our team of removalists is here to help you pack smarter and move more easily.