Best Moving Boxes Guide 2026: Types, Sizes & Where to Buy

Not all moving boxes are created equal. Some are flimsy garbage that'll collapse mid-move. Others are overbuilt (and overpriced) for what you actually need.

This is your complete guide to buying the right boxes for your move: what types exist, which sizes you need, how many to buy, and where to get quality boxes without overpaying.

Moving Box Types: What's Actually Different?

Standard Single-Wall Boxes

What they are: One layer of corrugated cardboard

Weight limit: 40-50 lbs

Best for: Lightweight items like linens, clothes, pillows, lampshades

Cost: $1-3 per box

These are your basic moving boxes. Fine for most household items but don't overload them.

Heavy-Duty Double-Wall Boxes

What they are: Two layers of corrugated cardboard

Weight limit: 65-80 lbs

Best for: Books, dishes, kitchen appliances, tools, heavy items

Cost: $3-6 per box

Worth the extra cost if you're packing heavy stuff. The double wall prevents blowouts.

Wardrobe Boxes

What they are: Tall boxes with a metal hanging bar

Dimensions: Typically 20"x20"x34" or 24"x24"x40"

Best for: Hanging clothes, suits, dresses, coats

Cost: $10-20 per box

Expensive but worth it if you have a lot of nice clothes. Keeps everything on hangers and wrinkle-free.

Specialty Boxes

These exist for specific items:

• Picture/mirror boxes: Adjustable flat boxes for artwork and mirrors
• Dish boxes: Extra-thick walls with dividers for dishes
• TV boxes: Custom sizes for flat-screen TVs
• Mattress boxes: Giant bags/boxes for mattresses

Only buy these if you actually need them. Regular boxes + good packing materials work for most things.

Moving Box Sizes: The Standard System

Small Boxes (16"x12"x12" or 1.5 cu ft)

Best for: Books, canned goods, tools, small heavy items

Why this size: Keeps weight manageable. A small box full of books is easier to lift than a large box

How many you need: 5-10 boxes for a 1BR, 10-20 for a 3BR

Medium Boxes (18"x14"x12" or 3 cu ft)

Best for: Kitchen items, toys, electronics, bathroom items

Why this size: The goldilocks box - perfect balance of size and weight

How many you need: 10-15 boxes for a 1BR, 20-35 for a 3BR

Large Boxes (20"x20"x15" or 4.5 cu ft)

Best for: Linens, pillows, comforters, clothes, lampshades, bulky lightweight items

Why this size: Maximum space for lightweight stuff

How many you need: 5-10 boxes for a 1BR, 10-20 for a 3BR

Extra Large Boxes (24"x18"x24" or 6 cu ft)

Best for: Comforters, sleeping bags, large pillows, bulky lightweight items

Why this size: For when large boxes aren't quite big enough

How many you need: 2-5 boxes for most moves

How Many Boxes Do You Actually Need?

Studio Apartment (500 sq ft)

1 Bedroom Apartment (700 sq ft)

2 Bedroom House (1,200 sq ft)

3 Bedroom House (1,800 sq ft)

Box Weight Ratings: What ECT Means

You'll see boxes rated with "ECT" numbers. This is Edge Crush Test - how much stacking strength the box has.

Translation: For most household moves, ECT-32 or ECT-44 boxes are fine. Only buy ECT-48+ if you're packing books, tools, or other heavy items.

Where to Buy Moving Boxes

1. Amazon (Best Overall Convenience)

Pros: Fast shipping, bulk discounts, reviews, returns

Cons: Slightly more expensive than some options

Best for: Busy people who value convenience

2. U-Haul / Moving Truck Rental Companies

Pros: Specifically designed for moving, buy what you need

Cons: More expensive per box, have to go to store

Cost: $2-4 per box

Best for: Last-minute box needs

3. Home Depot / Lowe's

Pros: Decent quality, can inspect before buying

Cons: Limited selection, per-box pricing adds up

Cost: $1.50-4 per box

Best for: Need a few boxes right now

4. Free Boxes (Craigslist, Facebook, Stores)

Pros: FREE!

Cons: Mixed quality, inconsistent sizes, time-consuming

Where to find: Craigslist free section, Facebook Marketplace, liquor stores, grocery stores

Best for: Budget-conscious moves, not time-sensitive

5. Office Supply Stores (Staples, Office Depot)

Pros: Quality boxes, business hours

Cons: Expensive, limited moving-specific selection

Cost: $3-6 per box

Best for: Small moves, specific box needs

New vs. Used Boxes: Should You Buy Used?

Buy New Boxes If:

• You're packing valuable or fragile items
• It's a long-distance move
• You're using professional movers (they prefer new boxes)
• You want consistent sizes
• You value peace of mind

Used Boxes Are Fine If:

• They're still in good condition (no tears, crush damage, or water stains)
• You're moving locally
• You're on a tight budget
• You're packing non-fragile items (clothes, linens, towels)

My recommendation: Buy new boxes for anything valuable or fragile. Use free/used boxes for clothes, linens, and bulk items.

How Much Should You Budget for Boxes?

Budget Move (Mostly Free + Some New)

• Free boxes from stores/Craigslist: 60% of boxes
• Buy new for valuables: 40% of boxes
• 1BR cost: $30-60
• 3BR cost: $80-150

Mid-Range Move (Mix of New)

• Buy boxes online in bulk
• Mix of sizes
• 1BR cost: $80-120
• 3BR cost: $180-280

Premium Move (All New, Quality Boxes)

• All new boxes from U-Haul or similar
• Specialty boxes (wardrobe, dish, etc.)
• 1BR cost: $150-250
• 3BR cost: $350-500

Common Box-Buying Mistakes

1. Buying Too Few Boxes

Always overestimate. Running out mid-pack is awful.

2. Buying All Large Boxes

Large boxes are tempting but you'll overpack them and they'll be too heavy to lift.

3. Skipping Box Tape

You need WAY more tape than you think. Budget 2-3 rolls per 10 boxes.

4. Buying Specialty Boxes You Don't Need

Dish boxes and TV boxes are nice but expensive. Good packing materials in regular boxes work fine.

5. Not Testing Box Strength

If buying used boxes, test them by pressing on the sides. Boxes should be rigid, not squishy.

Box Alternatives: Plastic Bins

Pros:

• Reusable (use for storage after)
• Waterproof
• Stackable with lids
• More durable than cardboard

Cons:

• Expensive ($10-20 per bin)
• Heavy when empty
• Take up space after move
• Fixed sizes (can't collapse)

Verdict: Plastic bins are great if you move frequently or need storage. Otherwise, cardboard boxes are more cost-effective.

The Bottom Line

Here's my box-buying strategy for most moves:

1. Calculate how many boxes you need (use the tables above)
2. Add 20% extra (trust me on this)
3. Buy in bulk online (Amazon, U-Haul, moving supply sites)
4. Focus on medium boxes (they're the most versatile)
5. Buy wardrobe boxes if you have nice clothes (worth it)
6. Get free boxes for clothes/linens if on a budget
7. Don't forget tape and markers (2-3 rolls tape per 10 boxes)

Quality boxes make the entire moving process easier. Cheap boxes that fall apart mid-move will cost you way more in stress, time, and potentially damaged items.

Spend the extra $50-100 on good boxes. Your back (and your stuff) will thank you.