moving box guide

If you have moved before, you know the feeling of staring blankly in a room, trying to figure out how many boxes you will need and what to start packing. And, if you haven't moved before, take note. The feeling is real! 

Moving boxes can seem overwhelming. There are many different types of moving boxes and most have a specific purpose. What type of box is best for clothes? Is there a specific box for kitchen glassware? What is the weight limit for boxes? These are all questions we often get asked. Have no fear, we put together a moving box guide to help you pack like a pro! 

Moving Box Tips

  • Keep each box under 50 lbs. 
  • Small boxes = heavy items
  • Larger boxes = lighter items
  • Get a combination of different size boxes

Standard Moving Boxes

Small - 1.5 Cubic Foot Moving Box

  • This is the smallest moving box
  • Use: heavy items such as books, kitchen items, and small appliances.
  • Dimensions: 16 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches

Medium - 3.0 Cubic Foot Moving Box

  • This is the most common moving box size
  • Use: clothing, pots, pans, office supplies, and electronics
  • Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 16 inches

Large - 4.5 Cubic Foot Moving Box

  • Use: great for larger lamps, linens, children's toys, plastic kitchen containers
  • Dimensions: 18x 18 x 24 inches

X-Large - 6.0 Cubic Foot Moving Box

  • Use: perfect for pillows, toys, large blankets, comforters
  • Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 22.5 inches


Specialty Moving Boxes

Phoenix Moving Box Guide

Wardrobe Boxes

  • Each box has a metal bar and is shaped like a wardrobe
  • Holds about 2 feet worth of hanging items
  • Use: great time saver to pack hanging clothes, also perfect for pillows, blankets, and lamps
  • Dimensions: 24 x 20 x 46 inches
  • Tip: pack shoes or light items at the bottom of the box

Flat Wardrobe Boxes

  • Perfect for folded clothing or other shorter wardrobe items
  • Use: suits, dresses, folded clothing
  • Dimensions: 40 x 18 x 8 inches

Mirror Boxes

  • Designed to be telescoped, these boxes can be put together to protect pictures and mirrors
  • Use: mirrors, artwork, pictures, frames
  • Dimensions: custom
  • Tip: be sure to use strong tape to secure them together

Lamp Boxes

  • Designed for tall or oddly shaped household items
  • Use: lamps, golf clubs, telescopes, vases
  • Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 40 inches

Dish Packs

  • Double corrugated boxes to protect fragile items
  • Use: glasses, cups, kitchen plates, china
  • Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 28 inches

Mattress Boxes/Bags

  • These bags or boxes are used to protect mattresses during a move
  • Dimensions: come in different sizes to fit your mattress and box spring

TV Boxes

  • Specially designed boxes with foam inserts to protect the corners of TVs and convenient handles for safe transportation

Places to Purchase Moving Boxes

​Home Depot and Lowe's are great places to pick up standard moving boxes, as well as wardrobe and TV boxes. If you need specialty moving boxes, such as mirror, mattress, and lamp boxes, rental truck places like U-Haul should have them in stock. 

Many moving companies also have standard and specialty moving boxes for sale. You can either purchase them and pack them yourself or you can hire their moving team to pack your belongings. 

Selecting the correct size moving boxes for your relocation can save you money, provide the best protection for your belongings, and make the move easier for yourself or the movers.