Where to Buy Moving Boxes: The Top Companies and Brands

By: Tommy Loutzenheiser Last Updated: Jul 09, 2024

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Buying boxes isn’t something you do every day. Use this guide to help you find high quality boxes without breaking the bank. Boxes are the life force behind a safe move where none of your items get damaged, so it’s important to go about buying them properly.


Where to Buy Moving Boxes: The Top Companies and Brands

You’ll need to figure out which size boxes you need, how many of each you’ll need, and where you plan on buying them. There are specific options for where to buy boxes that will be better than others. Specific retail stores and online shopping will be your best bet for most scenarios when moving.


Which Box Size Do You Need?

Moving boxes come in four different sizes; small (16⅜ ” x12 ⅝ ” x 12 ⅝ ”), medium (18 ⅛ ”x18”x16”), large (24”x218”x24”), and extra large (18”x18”x24”). The size of the box also determines what should go in the box.

For example, you would never place a fragile item into an extra large box because it would slide around and break. Go through the following process to determine what box sizes you’ll need to order.

  • Take Inventory: Figure out approximately how many small-scale items you’ll need to move. This is anything that will fit in a box. Think of these items as everything besides furniture. Make a mental note of how many boxes you think you’ll need and remember that number.
  • Separate Those Items Into Groups: Now, you’ll need to go through and group items together in your head that will go in specific box sizes. You can also put stacks of items together for each box if you’re feeling it!

The idea here is to get a rough estimate of how many boxes you’re going to need.

  • Figure Out If You Need Speciality Boxes: The most common speciality box is a thin box built for packing TVs into. These boxes hold one TV and leave room for extra padding. It’s important to figure out if you need any type of speciality box for your move before you go out and buy your boxes.

Studying Up On Packing Could Save You Money and Time

The more you know about how to properly pack moving boxes, the less you’ll need to buy, and the more time and money you’ll save. Write these tips down so you don’t have to end up ordering more boxes halfway through your move.

  • Group together lightweight items and heavyweight items. For example, don’t store your glasses with gym equipment as you’ll risk damage.
  • Put a layer of bubble wrap at the bottom of each box to help pad the boxes without taking up space.
  • Organize your boxes with the heaviest items at the bottom, and the lightest items at the top.

The more you know about packing boxes properly, the fewer boxes you’ll need to order and you won’t have to worry about running out of them.


Top 3 Places to Buy Moving Boxes

It’s important to choose boxes that can handle the transportation journey. While some moving companies sell boxes, it’s an idea to check out websites and online stores for potential deals on durable boxes that will last through the move.

The following options are all great places to buy moving boxes in bulk to fit your needs.

Best online shopping

4.9


Box Engine

  • Professionalism
  • Great customer service
  • Affordable rates
Get a Quote N/A Read review

Most convenient

4.8


U-Haul

  • Highly Professional
  • No hidden fees
  • Budget-friendly pricing
Get a Quote 800-468-4285 Read review

Widest selection

4.7


The Home Depot

  • Customized services
  • Licensed and insured
  • Well-trained staff
Get a Quote 800-430-3376 Read review

Happy Moving!

Having a smooth move will come down to how prepared you, which is why buying boxes early on is the smartest thing you can do. You’ll be less stressed and won’t have to scramble for last-minute deals or scrape third-party selling apps praying someone has some boxes they don’t need. The quality of your boxes is what matters the most, so follow these steps closely for the best results! We wish you a safe and happy move as always!