- Small Boxes (Heavy Items): Perfect for books, canned goods, tools, kitchenware, or other dense, heavy items. The smaller size prevents them from becoming too heavy to lift.
- Medium Boxes (Everyday Items): Ideal for most household items like decor, electronics, toys, bathroom essentials, small appliances, and folded clothing. These are your most versatile boxes.
- Large Boxes (Bulky, Lightweight Items): Best for bedding, pillows, duvets, cushions, and other lightweight but space-consuming belongings. Avoid packing heavy items in these to keep the box manageable and reduce the risk of breaking.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Boxes for Your Move
Choosing the right moving boxes is key to a smooth move. Discover the best box sizes, packing tips, and where to get them in our ultimate guide to moving boxes.
Written by Liz
Updated 1 day ago
Updated 1 day ago
Not all cardboard boxes are created equal when it comes to moving house—choosing the right ones can make everything much more manageable. Overloaded boxes break, oversized ones waste space, and flimsy ones risk damaging your valuables. So, how do you figure out the perfect mix of boxes for your move? Let’s break it down so you can pack smarter, not harder—saving time, money, and a whole lot of hassle, letting you get on with the rest of your moving house checklist. In this post, we'll dive into the art of selecting the perfect moving boxes so you can avoid packing pitfalls and keep your stress levels to a minimum.
Picture this: It's moving day. You're standing in the middle of your living room, surrounded by bubble wrap, packing paper and a sea of boxes in every imaginable size. Some are overstuffed and threatening to burst, while others seem laughably small for the task at hand. Not only that, but the ones you’ve already packed are so heavy you can barely lift them. Sound familiar?
The struggle is real. I’ve seen it (and unfortunately lived it…) time and time again. It’s tempting to grab a random assortment of moving boxes and bubble wrap wherever you can, but when it comes to packing up your entire life, the wrong choices can lead to a chaotic and stressful experience.
Second-Hand vs. New: Picking the Best Boxes for Your Needs
When sourcing moving boxes, you have plenty of options. Free packing materials can be a smart solution, but they come with limitations. In today’s budget-conscious, eco-friendly world, saving money where you can makes sense. When I tackled my first house move (with a toddler in tow), I discovered that the industrial-sized nappy boxes I hadn’t gotten around to recycling were perfect for books—not too big to become back-breaking, plus they came with built-in hand holds I could easily reinforce.
That said, not all free boxes are created equal. Most large cardboard boxes from supermarkets are designed for lighter items. They aren’t as sturdy as purpose-made removal boxes. If those boxes buckle or rip, you’re looking at damaged belongings, hours of repacking, and a whole new level of frustration. I’ve learned the hard way that spending on at least a few quality boxes should be part of every mover’s budget.
Box Basics: Size, Quantity, and Purpose Made Simple
You don’t need a dozen different box sizes. Getting a good selection of small, medium, and large moving boxes will cover almost everything - whether you're looking for boxes for a studio flat or a 4-bedroom house with a loft to clear.
Having modular boxes that stack easily will also help when loading the moving van, saving space and making it easier for everything to fit in the van securely along with your furniture and anything else you need.
Since you most likely don't have the time to calculate the volume you need to pack on your own, the easiest choice is to get a pack of moving boxes which give you a great selection of sizes based on the needs of average movers.
You may want a few more boxes depending on your personal needs - more small for books if you have an extensive collection or more medium boxes if you have a lot of decor or kitchen items you’ll need to pack. It's easy to add to an order separately.
Packing Smarter: Tips for Efficiency
The key to straigtforward packing is to plan thoughtfully, fill space efficiently, and use practical solutions to streamline your approach.
Here are 10 helpful packing tips:
- Bundle clothes on hangers together and protect each set with clear bin bags for an easy wardrobe transfer.
- Take the time to declutter first - fewer things to pack means fewer boxes to load. This is a perfect use of free boxes since you can just leave them at a charity shop or fill them with recyclables to throw.
- Use vacuum seal bags for bulky items like duvets and pillows to save space and protect them from dust.
- Repurpose free boxes by cutting them into dividers for fragile items like glassware or wrap strips around large items, like plant pots and vases, for extra protection.
- Keep a small box for “essentials” that you’ll use for items you’ll need straight away at your new home, like the kettle. Use suitcases for personal essentials - it will make it easier to identify what you need rather than searching through boxes.
- Use towels, sheets, or clothing as padding for fragile items, cutting down on bubble wrap expenses.
- Label box content clearly and colour code by room to make unpacking faster and more organised. This way, you can identify what box goes where at a glance.
- A good rule of thumb is to make sure each box is easy to lift—if it feels like a struggle, it’s probably overpacked.
- For fragile items, avoid putting too many together in the same box; instead, cushion them with packing materials like bubble wrap or towels.
- Finally, remember to distribute weight evenly, keeping the heaviest items on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
Where to Source the Best Boxes for Moving House
Finding quality moving boxes is essential to ensure your belongings are safe during transit and to reduce stress on moving day. You can find sturdy moving boxes at various retailers, including Argos, Amazon, and specialist suppliers like RemovalBoxes.co.uk.
Specialist box companies provide heavy-duty double-walled boxes designed to handle the weight and wear of any move. They also offer moving house kits tailored to different household sizes so you can get exactly what you need without having to do any guesswork. RemovalBoxes.co.uk also provide next-day delivery, which is great if you're short on time. You'll also be able to get other packing materials like bubble wrap, good-quality packing tape, and marker pens.
Wherever you choose to shop, it's always worth prioritizing strength and durability to avoid boxes breaking or valuables being damaged.
From Packing Preparation to Moving Day Success
By choosing the right boxes and packing efficiently, you’re setting yourself up for success. At Find My Man and Van, we take the stress out of moving so you can relax and save your energy for settling into your new home. With our 5-star customer rating, we're proud to be known for our reliability, affordability, and friendly service. Get the best prices and book trusted movers in minutes — no hidden fees, no hassle. Whether it’s a small flat or a family home, we handle your perfectly packed boxes with care, ensuring everything is loaded and stacked safely for a smooth move. Our UK-based customer service team is on hand to answer any questions you have about your service, and our helpful guides keep you organised through the process of moving