Moving Boxes and Supplies

We Sell Moving Boxes

Our boxes come in many sizes. However, the following types of boxes are the most commonly used by professional moving companies. If you want to be 100% safe with your choice of boxes, you’ll want to stock up on some of these quality moving boxes.

Shop for Corrugated Cardboard Boxes / Moving Boxes in a Variety of Sizes

Most Connecticut Moving Companies recommend purchasing boxes in a variety of sizes. The items you are moving come in many different shapes, sizes, and weights, so each item will not fit in the same size box. Generally, heavy items should be packed in small boxes, and light items should be packed in large boxes.

Moving boxes are specially designed and manufactured for moving. For example, a dish barrel box (China Box) is extremely sturdy because of its corrugated, double-walled construction. In general, moving boxes are known to endure a more significant load than the boxes sold by the “big box” stores.

The moving boxes sold and used at Collegian Movers have a 32 Edge Crush Test (E.C.T.) rating or higher. The E.C.T. is a test method used to measure the durability and strength of a moving box. Moving boxes are worth the extra money because they add additional protection for your items during transport.

Choosing the Right Packing Supplies

Below is a guide for which boxes to use based on the item you are moving. Each box size has specific measurements. The description includes names, sizes, and basic uses. If you need further information on boxes, please contact our sales office. Standard moving boxes come in a variety of sizes: small (1.5 cubic feet), medium (3 cubic feet), large (4.5 cubic feet), extra-large (6 cubic feet), and specialty boxes like dish-packs (about 5.2 cubic feet), wardrobes (10.5 to 16 cubic feet), and mirror cartons (various sizes).

Small Box (Book Carton) – 1.5 cubic feet

Small boxes are commonly used for papers, magazines, records, CDs, tools, canned goods, and other heavy items, etc. Our book carton boxes are small in size and are easy to handle.

Medium Moving Boxes – 3 cubic feet

Medium moving boxes are designed to hold the majority of household items. These boxes are durable. They are versatile and suitable for shoes, t-shirts, linens, kitchen items, and sporting goods. Also, large boxes are often used for bed pillows, comforters, sweaters, bulky holiday decorations, and plastic toys.

Large Moving Boxes – 4.5 cubic feet

Large boxes are used for light items. Be sure to keep the weight of your boxes reasonable. You don’t want them to become too heavy to carry. Large boxes are used to move items such as speakers, pillows, blankets, bedding, curtains, linens, stuffed animals, and clothing.

China Box (“Dish Barrel”) 5.2 cubic feet

These extra-large boxes are frequently used by movers, while dish-packs are ideal for breakable items like dishes, glassware, and small appliances. These corrugated cartons are commonly used for packing the kitchen and dining room. We suggest you also have bubble wrap and packing paper on hand for this job. By protecting your dishes in bubble wrap or with crushed paper you add an extra level of cushioning to your fragile items. It also helps to eliminate the shifting of items inside these heavy-duty moving boxes. Our warehouse can be used to store business records, overflow inventory, seasonal items, files, unused furniture, and more.

Tips on How to Pack Dishes in a China Box – It may not seem like common sense, but when packing a China box, it is a best  to pack the dishes vertically. Dishes have more strength on their side than when stacked horizontally or flat. So, don’t stack them on top of one another, from the bottom of the box. Place your dishes in a vertical direction. This increases your chances of a smooth move without damage. In addition, place a balled up layer of packing paper on the bottom of the box for extra protection.

Wardrobe Box – 2 linear feet

Wardrobe boxes are designed to move and store hanging clothing. In particular, items that cannot be folded work well in these boxes. Each wardrobe carton includes a 24-inch bar to accommodate up to 2 linear feet of items. To calculate the number of wardrobe boxes you need, measure the total feet of the hanging bars you use. Every two feet is equal to one box. In addition to the bar, there is plenty of space at the bottom of each box for your shoes and belts or other lightweight items you store in your closet.

Special considerations: For wardrobe boxes, it is advised to fasten hangers to the bar using twine or moving tape to prevent hangers from bouncing off during long-distance moves.

Picture / Mirror Carton (Adjustable Box)

Safely transporting mirrors, pictures, glass tabletops, oversized breakable items, and televisions. Mirror carton boxes are ideal for this type of work. Mirror cartons should be loaded upright in the truck to prevent damage to flat, oversized, breakable items. These boxes come in 4 pieces. The overlapping pieces adjust to allow for a wide variety of sizes and uses. The pieces provide exceptional protection. Special considerations: When packing breakable items in mirror cartons it is recommended to wrap each item with packing paper or bubble wrap, a large paper pad, a moving blanket, or an old sheet before placing it in the box, for extra protection. This cushioning also limits movement during transport

Mattress Carton

The average person sleeps for one-third of their life, 8 hours a night. So, it makes sense to protect your mattress during your move. During transport, mattress boxes provide a layer of protection for your bed. This Corrugated Cardboard box is available in king, queen, double, and single (twin) bed sizes. We recommend using one for each box spring and the mattress you are moving.

Packing Materials for Moving

We offer packing materials you may need for your move, including:

• Boxes
• Packing tape
• Packing pads and covers
• Permanent markers for labeling boxes
• Moving Box Labels (Printable)
• Custom crates and containers
• Strapping
• Bubble wrap
• Packing paper
• Moving plastic wrap – good for large furniture (sofa, overstuffed chairs, etc.)
• Packing peanuts

RELATED READ: Must Have Moving Supplies

Tips to Save on Moving Boxes & Supplies

When moving to a new home or storage unit, two key goals are saving money and reducing clutter. One way to achieve both is by downsizing your belongings. It’s surprising how much we accumulate over time, and sorting through closets, attics, basements, or garages can unearth many items we no longer need or use.

Declutter

Remember, when you move locally, you pay by the hour, which means you’re paying to move every item from one location to the next. By decluttering before the move, you can significantly reduce the number of items you need to pack and transport. This not only saves you time but also cuts down on moving costs.

Donate

Consider donating outdated clothing, hosting a tag sale, giving away old toys, or selling unwanted items online through platforms like eBay. By parting ways with these unnecessary belongings, you’ll lighten the load and ultimately spend less on moving boxes and supplies. The fewer boxes you fill, the greater the savings you will experience.

Downsize

In addition to downsizing, another practical strategy to save money and reduce clutter while packing is to buy your packing materials in stages. Instead of rushing to purchase boxes, paper, and packing tape all at once, start buying them gradually, ideally 4 to 6 weeks before your move. This approach allows you to estimate the exact amount of materials you’ll need better, preventing overbuying and unnecessary expenses. Plus, buying in stages ensures that your home remains organized and clutter-free during the packing process.

Pack in Stages

So, while decluttering helps you reduce the number of items to move, buying packing materials in stages allows you to optimize your spending and keep your space tidy. By combining these two strategies, you’ll save money and create a more seamless and efficient moving experience.

For additional ideas on how to save on your moving costs see our moving tips.

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