Packing Materials

Types of Materials Used for Packing

The following boxes and packing materials are used specifically for household moving. They are manufactured specially to the moving industry specifications. You can obtain these items from your van line agent or a moving supply company for a reasonable fee.

Boxes

Book

(1.5 cubic feet), size 17 x 12 3/8 x 12 3/8
This small carton is designed for heavy items such as books, records, and CDs.

Legal Tote

(2.3 cubic feet), size 24 x 16 x 13
This box is specially designed for files and folders.

Medium

(3.0 cubic feet), size 10 1/8 x 18 x 16
This box is designed for non-fragile and moderately heavy items, such as pots, pans, linen, folded clothes, toys, games, etc.

Large

(4.5 cubic feet), size 18 x 18 x 24 or (6.0 cubic feet), size 23 x 23 x 20
All large bulky articles, very light, such as pillows, comforters, lamp shades.

Dish pack

(5.2 cubic feet), size 18 x 18 x 28
This box has double extra thick walls specifically designed for dishes, vases, glasses and other fragile items. You can also use cell packs separator for china or glassware with individual compartments for the items being packed.

Mirror, Picture Box

These narrow boxes accommodate different sized mirrors, paintings, other fragile items and flat items.

Wardrobe Box With Metal Bar

This box is equipped with a metal bar so clothes may hang.

Mattress Box or Plastic

Comes in various sizes for different size mattresses.

Packing Materials

Tape

The most common tape used for carton sealing is a plastic tape called PVC.

Newsprint Paper

NEVER USE NEWSPAPERS as wrapping and cushioning material! Newspaper ink has a tendency to rub off on items it touches and it very difficult to remove it from items such as fine china.

Bubble Wrap

This material is another item used as cushioning material.

Polyfoam

This material is another item used as cushioning material.

Shrink Wrap

This is a clear plastic wrap (approx. 18 inches wide) similar to saran wrap. It is used to place around furniture before and after paper blankets for excellent protection.

Styrofoam Peanuts

Packing material used to protect fragile items. This material is lightweight, clean, lint-free and dustless and safe.

Paper Blankets

These are a good alternative to professional quilted moving blankets for wrapping furniture and other larger items to help prevent damage.