Sizes of average moving boxes are listed below. This in general is the sizes across all Kraft packing box manufacturers for these size groups.
| Moving Box Size | U-Haul Dimensions (L x W x H) | U-Haul Volume | Home Depot Dimensions (L x W x H) | Home Depot Volume | Lowes Dimensions (L x W x H) | Lowes Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 16-3/8" x 12-5/8" x 12-5/8" | 1.5 cu/ft | 17" x 11" x 11" | 1.19 cu ft | 16" x 12 " x 12" | 1.33 cu ft |
| Medium | 18 1/8" x 18" x 16" | 3 cu/ft | 21" x 15" x 16" | 3.05 cu ft | 18" x 16" x 18" | 3.0 cu/ft |
| Large | 18" x 18" x 24" | 4.5 cu/ft | 27" x 15" x 16" | 4.13 cu ft | 24" x 18" x 18" | 4.5 cu/ft |
| Extra Large | 24" x 18" x 24" | 6 cu/ft | 24" x 20" x 21" | 5.83 cu ft | 22" x 21.5" x 22" | 6 cu/ft |
*What to Pack in What Size Boxes – Average Box Sizes
You should use a box size that is most ideal for the size and weight of items you are moving. Heavier items may need to be packed in boxes with reinforced double walls. The reason is that regardless of box size if the boxes have the same strength rating (ECT) then they will share the same maximum weight capacity.
You can then run into trouble by trying to overload the larger sized boxes, even though they have a restrictive maximum weight capacity. See our article on how heavy moving boxes can be for guidance on how to pack heavy items safely.
Why Larger Boxes Aren’t Always Better
The key to keeping packed items safe and unharmed during moving is to try to restrict their movement within the box as much as possible. If items are placed loosely within a box, during moving these items can cause damage to one another by impacting or rubbing against one another too much.
Using smaller boxes allows us to keeps this excess movement to a minimum which in turn means a reduction in the potential damage to our items.
The addition of packing materials can help restrict movement even further, such as packing paper or bubble wrap. Less packing materials are necessary if we choose the appropriately sized box in the first place.
What to Pack in What Size Boxes
Extra Small Boxes
Extra small boxes typically have a storage volume of 0.9 to 1.2 cu/ft. This gives you room to pack only the smallest of items. They’re useful in that they restrict the free movement of the items stored inside. This prevents the items damaging one another.
- Small Books
- Cutlery
- Dish Cloths
- Small electronics (Bluetooth speakers, headsets, tablets)
- Light bulbs, small and tools,
- Torch
- Screws
- Luxury Items
- Batteries
- Smoke alarms
- First aid kits
- Emergency candles
- Small umbrellas
Small Boxes
Small boxes have a volume that is typically within the ranges of 1.2 to 1.5 cu/ft. While small these boxes are just as strong as may of the larger sized boxes. This gives us the opportunity to pack smaller items that have some weight to them. This include metal tools and large hard back books.
- Large books
- Magazines
- Bathroom toiletries
- Glassware (Special glassware boxes also available)
- Small files and documents
- Small tool sets (hex keys, small spanner sets, screw head sets)
- Wi-fi router
- Spatulas
- Wooden spoons
- Measuring Spoon
- Whisk
- Cups and mugs
- Hammers
- Pliers
- Screwdrivers
- CDs and DVDs set
- Hand duster
- Cleaning brush
- Detail Brush
Medium Boxes
Medium boxes are a great sized box for packing the majority of your household items. Their typically volume is between 2.8 – 3.0 cu/ft. If you prefer to minimise the selection of box sizes your are going to use, using a medium box can fulfil the same duties as the extra small, and small sizes as long as you use extra packing materials to cushion and restrict movement. In addition using a box with double walls can be beneficial here is you plan to pack several heavy items in the same box.
- Large files and documents
- Folded Clothing
- Dishes
- Larger Electronics such as games consoles
- Sets of shoes
- Small collectibles and figurines
- Bed sheets
- Children’s toys
- Pet toys
- Plastic and glass food containers
- Condiment holder
- Alarm clocks
- Wall clocks
- bedside lamps
- Towels
- Iron
Large Boxes
Large boxes are typically sized between 4.0 – 4.5 cu/ft. Theses boxes are capable of packing most of your large household items. These items can be large and lightweight if using regular single walled boxes, or large and heavy if using a double walled or triple walled box. This box is the ideal size for most of your electrical table top kitchen appliances.
- Small and Medium sized plant pots
- Blenders
- Toasters
- Kettle
- Holiday decorations
- Pillows and couch cushions
- Blankets
- Empty bags and backpacks
- Pet food bags
- Cardboard packaged foods
- Frying pan, pots, bowls
- Chopping Boards
- Colander
- Full sized umbrellas
Extra Large Boxes
These boxes are typically 5.6 – 6.0 cu/ft. They are ideal for the largest of your household items. Best used for large items that require extra protection. We recommend using padding such as air filled pillows or plastic bubble wrap to shield these larger items from each other within the packing box.
- Sports gear (folded yoga mat, ski, football and bicycle helmets)
- Bed duvet
- Electric fans
- Smaller gardening tools
- Microwave
- Small vacuum cleaners
- Buckets
- Curtains
- Rugs
- Small trash cans
Special Boxes – What to Pack in What Size Boxes
For items that cannot fit within a normal cubed sized box due to their unique size, dimensions, or fragility, specialized boxes should be used.
Side Loading Boxes
Side loading boxes are used to store flat and wide items that need extra protection. These items should be protected by packing materials that protect the corners and face of the item from damage. Restricting movement within the box as much as possible is once again the key to preventing damage from occurring.
- Picture frames
- Art wall hangings
- Mirrors
TV Boxes
These boxes have a rage of sizes to accommodate the size of your wide screen TV.
| Moving Box Size | U-Haul Dimensions (L x W x H) | Edge Crush Testing Score | Home Depot Dimensions (L x W x H) | Edge Crush Testing Score | Lowes Dimensions (L x W x H) | Edge Crush Testing Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | 24-1/4" x 6-1/8" x 25-5/8" | ECT-36 | 25.25" x 5.9" x 25.9" | ECT-42 | 24" x 5" x 24" | ECT-44 |
| Large | 36.5" x 6" x 40" | ECT-48 | 37.5" x 6.4" x 41.25" | ECT-42 | 41" x 6" x 36.25" | ECT-44 |
| Extra Large | 48" x 6-5/16" x 48" | ECT-48 | 48" x 6.4" x 48.4" | ECT-42 | - | - |
Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe boxes allow you to hang clothes by their hanger inside a corrugated Kraft box. Clothes are hung by a metal bar up to 2 feet long that allows good airflow and prevents creasing of your clothing. Sizes depend on the length and number of clothing items you have. The largest wardrobe boxes are very tall and allow you to hang long clothing items such as coats and dresses.
Find out more on how to use them with our write up on moving clothes using a wardrobe box.
Glassware Boxes
Moving fragile items such as glassware require a specialized solution due to their extra fragility. Glassware moving boxes use sectioned areas that hold glassware in position, fully separated from one another.
Conclusion – What to Pack in What Size Boxes?
Each size of moving box should be used to restrict the movement of the items stored inside them. Using the smallest box possible for the dimensions of the items loaded inside is the best method to achieve this. Use of packing materials helps cushion and protect the items from harm.
Extra small boxes are useful for small books, batteries, smoke alarms etc.
Small boxes should be used for small tool boxes, small files and documents, and bathroom toiletries.
Medium sized boxes should be used for children’s toys, children’s toys, and large electronics such as game consoles.
Large boxes can be used for toasters, blenders, and pet food bags.
Extra large boxes can be used for large electricals such as electrical fans, small trash cans, and sports gear.
Here’s Something Else You May Like:
What is the Best Size Box for Moving? Answered
How Do You Stack Moving Boxes, Key Tips
Packing Materials for Paintings, Shipping Protection
How to Pick the Best Moving Box and Packing Boxes – Full Guide – All Packing Boxes