Moving Tips&Tricks June 25, 2024

Expert Guide on Choosing the Best-Size Boxes for Moving Internationally

Diana Road

A talented writer from Wichita, Kansas, with a passion for helping people navigate the stressful process of moving. With her extensive knowledge of the moving industry, Diana has become a go-to resource for useful info

Picture this. You’re all set to kick off this adventure, but then it hits you. You’ve got nowhere to stash your stuff because you’re short on containers. Suddenly, the smooth journey came to a halt. Fear not! Our guide is here to demystify the quest for the best-size boxes for moving, whether you’re a packing rookie or a seasoned pro. So, roll up those sleeves. We’re about to unpack the secrets to the boxing-up process!

When relocating abroad, selecting the right size and type of container is important. This will ensure a smooth and efficient relocation experience. Explore various box sizes, their specific uses for different possessions, and proper boxing-up practices to protect belongings and avoid some mishaps. If you find this overwhelming, hire a reliable company for the job. Professional services can enhance the experience by ensuring safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.

Why Choosing the Best-Size Boxes for Moving Matters

Picking the right crates when moving abroad will help you keep things safe and tidy. They are also crucial for cost efficiency, maximizing space utilization, and simplifying transport. ABB Group‘s research showed that nearly 100 billion cardboard containers are produced annually in the US, and only a portion is recycled. That’s why you must choose the size of boxes for moving wisely. This way, you can significantly impact sustainability and resource management before relocating to a new home.

If you put 100 billion crates side by side, they could encircle 570 times around the Earth
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Cost Efficiency Is Possible With the Right Containers

Optimizing the use of space with correct crates is more than just packing smart. Making smart sizing choices helps make the most of the space available within shipping containers. This efficient organization can reduce the number of containers needed to transport everything, saving you money on relocation expenses.

Protect Your Stuff by Selecting the Best-Sized Boxes for Moving

The size of the crates directly affects how well they protect things inside. Small containers work best for bulky objects that could damage other things if they are not kept separate. They even help with problems like overpacking and structure stability.

When properly packed, medium and large boxes protect fragile items by giving them extra space for additional padding. The right choice also keeps things from moving, which lowers the risk of breaking. So, as you see, a perfect match will safeguard the goods from irreparable damage during handling and transport.

Man packing a vase in a box full of foam peanuts
The right box will meet the item's dimensions perfectly

Different Types of Moving Containers and Their Uses

When relocating to another country, choosing the correct types of containers can significantly impact the efficiency and ease of this journey. This guide will help you make informed decisions and ensure everything arrives safely at the new home.

Small Crates

Small containers are essential for storing dense or delicate items. Perfect for boxing up books, collectibles, and other substantial objects requiring gentle handling. More importantly, their compact size helps prevent overpacking. This ensures everything is transported securely and without undue stress.

Medium Containers

Medium crates are ideal for items of moderate size, like kitchen tools and small electronics. They offer a tight fit that minimizes movement and reduces the risk of damage during transit. To ensure safe transport, it’s crucial to balance the weight evenly and use bubble wrap or paper to fill the voids.

Large Cartons

Large cartons are crucial for safeguarding bulky yet light items like bedding, towels, and oversized clothing. They offer plenty of room, allowing you to store goods without harming the contents. It’s important to refrain from overpacking them to maintain manageability and avoid the risk of them collapsing under too much weight.

Extra Large Crates

Extra-large boxes are meant for voluminous but light items like duvets, pillows, and winter coats. So, use them wisely, as overloading them can complicate transportation and potentially harm the contents. Simply fill them suitably without succumbing to the temptation to overstuff.

Specialty Boxes

Specialized containers are crucial for items that need additional safeguarding, such as fragile dishware, clothes, and sensitive electronics. Wardrobe cartons feature a bar for hangers, dish packs have designated compartments, and electronics containers are equipped with extra cushioning. They offer superior protection, ensuring everything remains secure throughout the shipping.

These Are the Dimensions of Standard Containers

Moving overseas involves using different containers, each tailored for specific items. Knowing their sizes and capacities helps select the appropriate carton for each need. Below is a useful table detailing the types of standard containers, along with their dimensions and capacities:

Type of the Container Dimensions in inches
Small 16 x 12 x 12
Medium 18 x 18 x 16
Large 18 x 18 x 24
Extra-Large 22 x 22 x 21
Specialized Crates Dimensions vary by item's size

Follow Expert Packing Strategies for Different Crate Dimensions

Efficient packing is key to ensuring the safety of the possessions and saving time during this process. Each type of container has its purposes, and understanding them can greatly enhance your success. Here are some expert strategies for effectively using different container types and organizing their contents.

Boxes with a clock
With a good strategy, you'll ensure the ultimate safety and save precious time doing so

Clever Strategies for Packing Small Boxes

Begin by placing the heaviest objects at the bottom. Fill any remaining gaps with foam peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent the contents from shifting. For added strength, reinforce the box’s bottom with extra tape.

Master Medium Box Packing

Medium boxes are ideal for combining items of varying weights. Start with the heaviest items at the bottom and layer lighter items on top. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and store them tightly to minimize movement. Layering goods like that keeps the crate balanced.

Simple Techniques for Large Box Packing

Large containers are ideal for accommodating bulky items such as cushions, bedding, and loose clothing. To make the most of these cartons, use soft items like blankets or tissue paper to fill any gaps. This approach adds extra padding and prevents things from shifting during transport.

Optimize Space in Extra-Large Boxes

Extra-large crates should be reserved for your bulkiest yet lightest things, including comforters and pillows. Compress these items to maximize the space. Vacuum bags are a great way to reduce the volume of these things. They will even reduce the total number of containers needed.

Effective Use of Specialty Boxes

Specialty containers are designed with specific features that can provide the best possible protection for certain objects. Use dividers to store dishes and prevent friction. Wardrobe bags can be an added protection for hanging garments. Use ample padding to cushion valuables and protect them from bumps and jostles of long hauls.

A woman packing and labeling boxes
Use each box to its full potential

Have a Smooth Boxing-Up Experience by Avoiding These Mistakes

Even the best of us can make mistakes. However, you could lose valuable things if you don’t pack properly. This is why being extra careful about filling the crates is so important for avoiding some common mistakes. So, for a smooth relocation, try avoiding these things:

  • Overstuffing containers may cause them to rupture under the strain and become too cumbersome to handle safely.
  • If a box is too large, its contents may shift and sustain damage. If too small, items may be squeezed and damaged.
  • Containers of subpar quality are prone to tearing or collapsing. This can jeopardize the safety of the contents.
  • Spread out valuable or essential items among multiple crates to lessen the effects if one is lost or misplaced.
  •  A lack of reinforcement at the bottom of a box can result in the base giving way under heavy weight. This can cause irreparable damage.
  • Inserting a padding layer at the bottom of cartons is essential for safeguarding against impacts.
  • An uneven or protruding top on a box can cause instability when stacked, raising the risk of toppling or collapse.
  • Place heavier items at the bottom to avoid crushing lighter and delicate possessions.
  • Thoughtfully stacking practices can help prevent cartons from falling or compressing each other.

Professional Packing Services Can Simplify This Transition Experience

Hiring skilled movers can turn a typically stressful relocation into a seamless experience. Professional packing services offer expertise and precision that can be difficult to match on your own. Cue in Schmidt International Relocations company.

Our expert team will methodically safeguard even the smallest trinkets with quality packing materials and techniques to ensure their safety. Furthermore, we’ll transport everything to the future home in a secure and timely manner, finishing this adventure on a high note.

Hiring an International Moving Company Brings Many Benefits

The relocation benefits of working with a reliable and legitimate company are significant. Insured and fully equipped, these experts bring their skills to the table and ensure peace of mind every step of the way. They know how to handle everything from family heirlooms to bulky furniture. More importantly, should any mishaps occur, their insurance coverage protects against loss or damage.

At Schmidt International Relocations, we take pride in delivering specialized moving services designed to meet unique requirements. Our team is expertly trained to manage all aspects of overseas transitions with utmost care. With our experienced movers at the helm, transition across the world will be a breeze.

Schmidt International Relocations crew
With the right crew, moving abroad is an enjoyable endeavor

Streamline This Journey With the Right Crew by Your Side

Let’s be real – organizing and planning every aspect of this transition can be pretty taxing. Handling everything alone can quickly overwhelm even the best of us. However, with the right support, this can be an enjoyable adventure. Worry not, our company stands ready to assist you.

We know how to select the ideal crate for each item and scenario, ensuring a smooth and easy transition. Our team has the knowledge and expertise to ensure a worry-free experience. So, opt for Schmidt International Relocations and give us a call today. Book our services on time and let our reliable team handle the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Size Boxes for Moving

What Is the Best Size Box for Moving Books?

When it comes to transporting books, opting for a small container is the best choice. This will help you avoid overstocking and ensure the books are not too heavy to handle. Moreover,  this size allows for manageable weight distribution, making the entire process smoother and safer.

Can I Use Large Crates for All My Items to Reduce the Number of Boxes Needed?

While it might seem efficient to use large crates for all items to minimize the number of containers, this approach can backfire. Not all things are safe or suitable for storage in large crates. This practice can lead to damage and additional headaches. Instead of saving time and money, it can result in complications and increased anxiety.

How Many Boxes Do I Need for a One-Bedroom Apartment?

For those preparing to relocate from a one-bedroom apartment, it’s essential to estimate the number of containers required accurately. Typically, you will need about 16 large, 20 medium, and eight extra large containers. This combination ensures that all belongings are appropriately stored and transported to the new home.

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