You are about to move. You may have already compared quotes from different moving companies, and you may have already reserved a moving truck. Yet, you sometimes forget how important moving boxes are. If you approach comparing moving boxes seriously, you will prevent yourself from ending up with wrinkled clothes or broken dishes. At Moving, we are happy to show you which moving boxes work best and how to choose the right moving box.
Finding the best moving box doesn't have to be difficult
Moving can be stressful. You want to transport your belongings to your new home without any worries, but you wonder how many boxes you need and which moving box suits your situation. Many people only look at the price and forget that all moving boxes must fit your belongings and budget. We advise you to consider the best moving boxes before you move. This will save you time and energy and you will have less chance of hassle on the road.
Good moving boxes make your move easier
Sturdy boxes with a double bottom keep your belongings safe. They are easy to lift thanks to handles, and they protect you from nasty surprises such as a box that tears when you have heavy items. Think of it as an investment: if you choose wisely, you buy or rent something that you reuse for every next move. Make maximum use of your order.
Always move with the right moving boxes
An acquaintance of ours once brought cheap boxes. While lugging them, the bottom of the box with plates broke. The result: broken plates and a terrible hassle to find new ones. You want to avoid that. So choose extra strong cardboard and a strong bottom, especially if you are packing heavy items such as books or cutlery. Drive there and back in one go and pack well? Choose the right box for the moving van.
What are moving boxes and why are they important?
A moving box is a box made of corrugated cardboard or plastic that is specially designed for moving. They have sturdy handles or a handy folding mechanism. This allows you to fold everything well and close it with tape. That may seem simple, but a reliable design helps enormously when packing.
You might be thinking of regular boxes from the supermarket. They are not always tested best for load-bearing capacity. Professional movers We therefore recommend real moving boxes, because they are easier to stack and can often carry a maximum weight of, for example, 50 kg.
Compare different types of moving boxes
The moving boxes you choose depend on your belongings. Below you can see different types:
- Standard: These can be found at many well-known DIY stores such as gamma. They are suitable for light and medium-weight items.
- Extra sturdy: With double handles and a double bottom. They carry more kg. Perfect for heavy items, such as cookbooks and pans.
- Special: Think of crockery boxes, clothing boxes with a rod or autolock boxes for an extra strong closure.
Plastic versions also exist. You can rent them in some cases, which is handy if you don't want to store them. Then pay attention to the deposit and the period that you need them.
You can buy moving boxes in various places
Take a moment and compare. You can find moving boxes in many places.
- DIY stores like gamma
- Online providers (including allsafe, web shops, large retailers)
- Moving companies (sometimes you get a discount or free boxes with a complete package)
- Cycle (for cheap or reused boxes, pay attention to strength)
We at Moving are happy to help you with ordering. You can view ordering options on our site or with our partners. Some deliver within 1 day home delivery.
The best moving boxes according to the consumer association
The consumer association did a test to find the best moving boxes. They compared strength, ease of use and costs. This showed that boxes with a sturdy base and double-walled cardboard generally came out best in the test.
Autolock boxes also scored well. You fold these together in one movement. You can use less tape and you get a secure closure. Some brands were a bit more expensive, but they did help to avoid costly damage. We advise reading the reviews when making a decision.
Order large and small boxes for your move
Small boxes are great for heavy items like books or screws. Large boxes work well for bulky items. You can also mix and match sizes. For a large inventory, this can help keep things tidy.
Divide your stuff per box. Large ones can hold the pillows and duvets, small ones for your expensive delft blue vase. Friends of ours once did it the other way around. They stuffed everything in large boxes and got back pain from lugging them around. With the right sizes you can prevent that.
There are extra large boxes for clothes
Wondering how to safely transport dress shirts or dresses? Extra large boxes with a clothes rail are very handy solutions. They look like mobile wardrobes and keep everything wrinkle-free. Similar to the racks in a store.
You simply hang your clothes in it. The professional quality offers a high load-bearing capacity. This keeps your outfit fresh. This works especially well if you have to get started right away in your new home and don't want to do a mountain of ironing first.
The best moving boxes are sturdy
Best moving box? That is one that has a high load-bearing capacity and does not tear easily. Pay attention to the bottom and the thickness of the cardboard. That way you can be sure that your belongings will survive the transport.
In some test rounds by professional movers, double-walled corrugated cardboard proved to be the most reliable. If you have heavy items, this guarantees the necessary stability. At Moving, we have often seen that people choose thin boxes too quickly. It is better to invest a little extra in the right moving boxes.
Choosing extra quality has important advantages
Which moving boxes are a bit more expensive? Often those with a double bottom and autolock. They offer greater strength. So you are assured of safe storage for longer. Very handy if you are moving multiple times or if you are storing your belongings for a while.
A friend used such boxes three times. He moved from a student room to an apartment and finally to a single-family home. He used the same boxes. This only worked because they were so sturdy.
How many moving boxes do you need?
This depends on the number of rooms and the number of family members. A rough guideline is 10 to 15 boxes per room. Allow a margin if you have a lot of stuff. If you have small children, you may want to take more for toys.
We often get the question: “Is 20 enough?” That’s hard to say. Think of seasonal items or sports equipment, for example. Make a list of your belongings and see if you have enough packaging for your move. If in doubt, it’s safer to take a few extra boxes.
Compare costs and budgets for moving boxes
The price of a moving box varies from about €1.50 to €5. You pay more for high load-bearing capacity, double walls or special designs.
Example of a price and carrying capacity comparison:
Type | Price (indication) | Carrying capacity | Usage |
---|---|---|---|
Standard | €1,50 – €2 | ~20 kilo | Light to medium load |
Extra sturdy | €2 – €4 | ~50 kg | Heavy or fragile items |
Clothing box | €4 – €5 | ~30 kg | Moving clothes without wrinkles |
Plastic (rent) | Variable | > 50 kg | Multiple use or temporary |
Free customized savings advice
You can sometimes save money by taking smart actions:
- Buy in bulk or in a package
- View our offers on the website
- Ask neighbors or friends if they have any free boxes left
Renting boxes is also an option
Do you find it unnecessary to buy all moving boxes? Then you can rent them from suppliers who specialize in professional boxes. You receive them at your address and return them smoothly after the move. This works well if you do not have storage space and want to get rid of the boxes immediately.
Please note the deposit. Sometimes the landlord charges extra costs if a box gets damaged. Also take time into account. If your move takes longer, the rent continues.
Or collect free boxes in time
Supermarkets and shops often throw away cardboard. Perhaps there is a treasure trove of boxes waiting for you. Pay attention to the strength. A banana box is quite sturdy but has openings and sometimes no lid. Check that the bottom is not torn.
This works well for items that are not so fragile. You do not directly compare quality with double-walled corrugated cardboard, but you do save money. An acquaintance of ours wanted free boxes and found a lot at a greengrocer. It worked fine, but he was extra careful with tape.
Tips to save money when comparing moving boxes
- Don't rush: Take the time to compare different types of boxes.
- Use offers: Well-known DIY stores such as Gamma sometimes have discounts on moving boxes.
- Check online: Many webshops are ready to deliver. Compare their conditions.
- Ask your moving company: Sometimes they have a package deal.
Use and maintenance of moving boxes
Place heavy items at the bottom of the box and fill the top with light items. This will distribute the weight evenly. Place plates upright in a box with extra strong cardboard and use plenty of tape to seal the box. Label the contents clearly.
After your move, you simply fold the boxes flat. You stack them and store them until you use them again. With good boxes, you can go on for years.
Frequently asked questions about comparing moving boxes
Are second-hand boxes reliable enough?
Sometimes yes. Check the sturdy bottom and see if they have not been used too often. You can tell by tears or soft sides. It is often smart to buy new boxes for heavy items that you really do not want to lose.
Can I also use regular boxes?
That is possible, but there are risks involved. Regular boxes from the store are not always tested for higher load-bearing capacity. You notice that they sometimes have less convenient handles or the bottom is not double.
When to choose to rent moving boxes?
If you are looking for temporary accommodation and do not want to invest in boxes. Or if you do not know where to store the boxes. Professional rental companies make this easy. Do take into account the costs if your move has to go smoothly and you rent longer than planned.
What is an autolock box?
This is a box that closes itself at the bottom when you unfold it. You can use less tape and get a solid base. Autolock is an ideal solution if you want to work quickly and are looking for a reliable system.
Practical packing and moving tips
- Start on time: This way you avoid haste and chaos.
- Keep fragile items separate: Protect dishes with newspaper or wrapping paper.
- Complete one room at a time: This provides an overview.
- Ask friends or family: Extra help will save you days of work.
- Check insurance: Sometimes a policy covers damage to your household contents during transport.
At moving we like to make moving easier for you
We are here to help you. Our team consists of professional movers with experience in delivering the right moving boxes and transporting your belongings. We think along with you, so that you can focus on other things. We keep the process simple.
Choosing moving boxes with Moving
With us you can order what you really need. We offer packages, we have close contacts with allsafe and other suppliers, and we know exactly which moving boxes work for which purpose. If you have any doubts, you can call or email us. You will receive free advice and, if you want, an overview of quotes.
We are happy to help you move without any worries
Comparing moving boxes pays off. You will discover which moving box suits your belongings best. Take the time and energy to view our moving boxes and read reviews to find out which moving box is the right one for you. Go for the best tested and prevent unnecessary damage or frustration.
Moving, always reliable
At Moving, we believe that everyone deserves a carefree feeling when moving. By ordering the right moving boxes, you not only get convenience but also peace of mind. Ready to get started? Write down your wishes, choose the boxes that suit you and contact us for more help. We are here for you.