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Use The Right Shipping Boxes

Reduce The Chances Of Broken Or Damaged Items By Using The Right Type Of Moving Boxes. Read This Post To Educate Yourself On The Different Sizes Of Boxes Available.

ShipSmart
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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Use The Right Shipping Boxes
Moving-DIY-Tricks > Use The Right Shipping Boxes

Guide: What Boxes Are A Right Fit For Which Room?

Shipping and moving boxes are not of the same quality as ordinary boxes. Most of them are thicker and stronger to keep household items safe. While most people would rather use boxes from grocery stores, it is always advisable to purchase the right type of boxes. This greatly reduces the chances of broken or damaged items. First, let us take a look at the different sizes of boxes available.

1.5 Cubic Foot Box or The Book Box

These are the smallest in the group and come in handy for carrying small and heavy items. Although the boxes can carry up to a maximum of 60 pounds, be sure to keep the weight below 50 pounds. You can pack items like:

  • Books
  • Heavy Tools
  • DVDs
  • Kitchen Utensils

3.0 Cubic Foot Boxes

This is a medium sized box, and the most versatile of all the moving boxes. This box is ideal for both small and slightly bigger items. It can easily fit items including:

  • Electronics
  • Pots and Pans
  • Miscellaneous Items Off Shelves
  • Small Kitchen Appliances

4.5 cubic foot boxes

The larger the box, the lighter the load. This box can easily support items that are not too heavy such as:

  • Linens
  • Clothing
  • Toys
  • Large Kitchen Appliances

6.0 And Above Cubic Foot Box

It is the largest of the boxes and as tempting as it is to stuff it with lots of items, only use it to carry lighter items for example:

  • Pillows
  • Blankets
  • Cushions
  • Sweaters and Coats

Dish-Pack Box

This is a double walled heavy-duty box and should be used for all breakables like:

  • Plates and Glasses
  • Vases and Small Glass Picture Frames
  • All Glass or Ceramic Items
  • China and Small Antiques

Types of boxes to use for different rooms.Dish-packs For The Kitchen

Kitchen items that are fragile and require a firm box should be packed in these double walled boxes also known as dish barrel. The multi-layer design makes them perfect for shipping breakables like glassware, china, vases, and antiques.

Wardrobe Boxes For The Bedroom

These boxes are constructed to accommodate hanging clothes with ease. You don’t have to remove clothes from the hangers, you simply hang them on the metal bar that comes included with the box. For small moves or for shipping clothes use the flat lay-down wardrobe box rather than the stand up one.

Picture Box

If you love artwork and have a lot of pictures, this is the right box to use. They come in three types. The standard mirror box, the two-piece mirror box which adjust in height, and the four-piece mirror box that adjusts in width and height. This offers a lot of flexibility to pack various size pictures. It is also a good fit for mirrors and generally can hold two to three pieces depending on the thickness of the art piece. It is highly advisable to use bubble wrap for extra protection. Higher value picture, mirrors and especially marble tops should always be packed in a crate.

Bankers Box For Office Items

They are easy to carry and perfect for files, or similar documents. They have firm edges and it is easy to assemble them and will keep your office supplies safe during shipping

Remember

A small move might not require lots of boxes, but just be sure to use the right size box for the type of items you are packing.

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1 week ago
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Haig Nazarian
4 months ago
Highly recommend. I shipped some furniture and a lot of fragile glassware, ceramics, etc., across the country. Exceptional service. The shipment was packed very well. Professional and courteous service. Not one item was damaged.
Jay Cashmore
4 months ago
Movers were in contact within 24 hours to pick up the art piece, was on its way from California to Wisconsin in the next week and arrived when scheduled. I was impressed with the way it was boxed. No chance it would be damaged. Delivery driver took care to remove it from the truck and placed it in my garage where I requested it. Very happy with the whole experience. Thank you to everyone involved.
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4 months ago
I was hesitant to hire Ship Smart to move my household goods to Canada as there were some negative comments online. I spoke to the representative about these comments and he explained this happened when people didn't disclose the proper amount of goods originally. I tried to be very accurate with how much I was intending to ship. In the end, I was refunded the amount my estimate was in excess of the actual weight of my contents. I was so surprised to actually get money returned after the contents had been crated and wrapped at the warehouse. I was very impressed with the contact I had with all the individuals I had any interaction with. My move couldn't have been handled any better. Thank you Ship Smart. Great service.
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4 months ago
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4 months ago
Super efficient! Seamless experience from quote, to pick up and delivery!
Douglas Brown
7 months ago
I used Ship Smart for THE item I wanted after my Mom passed. It was handed extremely well, the customer service was excellent, the final leg was convenient for us on delivery. Zero damage, very well packed. Thanks Ship Smart!
Andrea Sereno
8 months ago
My moving experience with Ship Smart was exceptional with the highest standard of professionalism. I did a significant amount of research and Ship Smart is the company I had complete trust in. Their website is organized and a true reflection of their company and services. Communications were timely and consistent. Everyone in the process was wonderful to work with. My items were thoughtfully packed and in perfect condition when they arrived. My move was peaceful, simple, stress free and a happy memory. They were the perfect moving company for my small cross country move.
Patrick J. Slattery
8 months ago
This long distance transaction went flawlessly from the pick up, packaging, overland travel and delivery. High recommendations. PJS
Erin Long
8 months ago
Robert at Ship Smart has been incredibly helpful and kind in helping me navigate my move. He's quick and responsive. I feel supported and taken care of. Highly recommend and will use for my next move!
Ryan
9 months ago
Works well for moving smaller items. Be aware that the original quote is an estimate and that all of your items are weighed then your given your final price based on weight. You can get price per pound from them. Things were packed very well. Movers were great on both sides, no issues
Mike K
9 months ago
I can't express enough appreciation for the professional help Ariel provided me through out the process. Great work, very much appreciated.
Stephen Raff
12 months ago
Outstanding experience. Pickup team was on time, courteous and efficient. Carefully tagged each item. Lyndsi was very helpful and responsive especially as we didn't have a destination address to begin our move. The delivery came to us a few weeks later (NJ to CA) on the day scheduled and again move on team was very courteous and helpful putting each box in the designated room. Wow !
Joni Roy
12 months ago
Ship Smart did a fantastic job for us! They shipped a small amount of items when my mom made a 1400 mile move. The person who picked up the items was helpful and quick and careful with all the items. The shipment was delivered as stated. The delivery driver went to extra lengths for drop the shipment off at a convenient location at our house. He was kind and helpful. The whole experience was great. I would use Ship Smart again!
Tim Bevan
12 months ago
All of the subcontractors did a great job, good communication and on time. Our items got to our destination safely, nothing broken or missing.
Harry A
12 months ago
Excellent service from scheduling, packing, shipping, and receiving of our shipment. Our shipment came from Southern Florida to Norther Alberta Canada in 3 weeks, in perfect condition. Thank you for the professional efficient reasonablly priced service.
Debra Massa
12 months ago
Overall great experience from pick up to delivery. I was kept informed every step of the way. Highly recommend!
Roger Snelling
12 months ago
Ship Smart provided me with superior service every step of the way.
anoymous class
1 year ago
Best movers in town!!! Moved from Chicago all good.
Basu Porwal
1 year ago
Best movers in town!!! Moved from Chicago all good.
Dawn Back
1 year ago
Great experience from start to finish. Experienced and professional team. Shipped my heirlooms from East Coast to the West Coast. Everything arrived packed very well and nothing was damaged.
Joshua Friedes
1 year ago
I had to move some beautiful mid-century modern teak furniture from my parent’s home in Jersey to my home in Palm Springs CA. These were exceptional pieces in perfect condition. And they arrived cross country in exactly the same condition. I was so impressed at every level. From start to finish the service was flawless and the furniture arrived quicker than I expected. The cost was very reasonable. I was nervous because some of the pieces were unusually shaped. Absolutely no problems.

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