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One such issue pertains to moving boxes. You need to know how many of what type will you need to obtain in advance to avoid frantic last-minute buying at a premium cost.
Inventory
Make a list of items in each of your rooms. Do not forget to count the attic, basement and storage spaces. Next, see if you need to move all of the items to your new place; chances are that you will want to dispose of some of the things locally. A thumb rule is that if you have not used something for two years, you are unlikely to use it in the next 20 years. Of course, it stands to reason that this rule will not apply to things of high price or emotional value.
Think Unpacking
When you have made a room-by-room inventory, you should also pack your things on a room-by-room basis to simplify unpacking; pack the items of each room as one unit. This way, unpacking will be that much smoother.
Types of Boxes
- Medium boxes: Measuring 18x14x12”, these boxes are used for books, collectibles, kitchenware and most small-to-medium sized household items.
- Large boxes: Measuring 20x20x15”, these are used for clothes, bedroom items and bulky but not too heavy items. They can also be used to pack large household items such as collectibles, serving platters, ornaments, lamps and stereo and computer equipment.
- Extra-large boxes: Measuring 23x23x16”, these are ideal for comforters, blankets, clothes, lamps, pillows and any large but lighter items. It is important to keep in mind that the items packed in these boxes should be light to make the boxes easily carried.
- Wardrobe boxes: These are usually sized 24x24x40” and are suitable for all kinds of clothing, often still on the hangers.
- Kitchen boxes: Many people use expensive, pre-packaged cell dividers and partitions to move kitchen items, but they often are not the right fit for the dishes. A better option is to use boxes sized 18x18x22” and wrap dishes, cookware, glasses and china in plenty of packing paper, bubble wrap or old newspapers.
- File boxes: These boxes measure 16x12.5x10” and are designed to hold legal and letter-size files as well as all documents, manuals, receipts, etc.
- Frame boxes: These come in size 41x6x26.5” and are meant for packing large picture frames, paintings, mirrors and any other large, thin items.
Calculate Boxes
Based on the experience of 12 moving companies, the following estimates are fairly reliable for standard residential rooms: For each room that is not a bedroom or kitchen:
- Standard :
1) 10 medium boxes
2) 5 large boxes
- Non-standard :
1) 9 medium boxes
2) 6 large boxes
3) 3 extra-large boxes
- For each bedroom :
o 1 wardrobe box
o 6 medium boxes
o 4 large boxes
- For a kitchen:
o 6 kitchen boxes
- For files:
o The number of file boxes you need can easily be approximated from the number of files to be moved and their thicknesses with documents inside. These boxes are fine for moving home offices too.
- For frames/paintings/mirrors/large thin items:
o Each such item should be packed in one box and well cushioned by packing paper bubble wrap or old newspapers.
These estimates are for standard residences and they makes no mention of TV/microwave boxes, wine boxes, poster tubes, lamp boxes and other accessory boxes. The number of such boxes you need is simple to calculate: one box per item. There will be variations for bigger or smaller homes, but these estimates should serve as a reliable indicator.
Since moving boxes are more economical to buy in bundles, you can always ask the supplier to modify the standard combinations they offer. While it is easy to determine the number of obvious-use boxes such as wardrobe, TV/microwave and frame boxes, it is always advisable to buy one or two extra medium boxes when you get all of your supplies. Buying individual boxes separately at the last moment may deal an unpalatable blow to the wallet.
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